Written by Marc Andreyko.
Art by Joe Bennett; Jack Jadson; Phil Balsman; Jason Wright; & Rachel Gluckstein.
Cover Art by Joe Bennett & Jack Jadson.
SUMMARY:
Released by DC Comics for June 2007, this 48-page annual entitled “Hero’s Journey” contemplates the past and present romance between the original Robin – Dick “Nightwing” Grayson and the original Batgirl – Barbara “Oracle” Gordon. The story’s framework occurs off-screen prior to the epilogue of the then-recent Infinite Crisis # 7. After watching over an unconscious Dick for three weeks, Barbara supervises his therapeutic recovery from near-fatal injuries sustained against Alexander Luthor.
As seen in flashbacks, their perpetual on/off romance starting as Batman’s flirtatious teen sidekicks evolves to her crippling injury and Dick’s eventual engagement to Starfire. Emotionally frayed over the subsequent years, their personal bond now comes full circle. Barbara poignantly considers Dick’s marriage proposal.
Her reply helps sets up Dick’s subsequent overseas departure joining Bruce Wayne and Tim Drake seemingly for a year to rebuild trust within the legendary Bat-Family.
Note: Continuity-wise, a solo Dick returns to Gotham City from his sojourn during the year-long 52 series.
REVIEW:
Impressively, writer Marc Andreyko conveys one of the best-ever Dick & Barbara stories. Including Dick’s overnight affair with an unsuspecting Barbara (after he becomes engaged to Starfire), Andreyko makes these two DC icons seem as believably human as one could hope for. More so, nothing about this storyline comes off as padding; it is well-played for what it is. Equaling Andreyko’s plotting are the art squad’s mostly superb visuals, especially in the flashback sequences.
For mature fans of Barbara and Dick’s romance, Nightwing Annual # 2 should be considered a must-have.
Note: As a parental advisory, there are some sexual inferences in Andreyko’s scripting that ought to preclude younger readers.
ADDITIONAL CONTENT:
Dan DiDio’s “DC Nation” column includes thumbnail cover reveals for 52 # 50; Birds of Prey # 105; and Flash (Bart Allen) Flash # 11.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 8½ Stars
