[Editor’s Note: This review may contain spoilers]
Writer: Al Letson
Artist: Siya Oum
Summary
Green Arrow has asked for Nightwing’s help in hiding and protecting Abelard, the half brother of Count Vertigo. Vertigo sees Abelard as a threat to his crown and wants him dead regardless of Abelard saying he has no interest in the throne. Unfortunately for Nightwing, Count Vertigo leads an army to fulfill his command.
Positives
This is a nice little action piece. Letson uses the caption boxes in a very unique way that really gives the audience more insight and depth to Nightwing’s thoughts. I’m not sure how well it would work on a regular basis, but it really works for this.
Siya Oum’s artwork fits the piece nicely, and the dynamic line art adds motion to the action.
Negatives
Abelard mentions that he has no interest in taking the crown from his half brother Count Vertigo and that he left the country with his husband, Bilal, because it was too oppressive. My problem with this is, if he took the crown and became the leader, he could make it so that the country is not oppressive anymore. He would be in a position of change. I feel there could have easily been a better explanation.
Verdict
Coming right out of the DC Talent Development workshop, Al Leston and Siya Oum may be new, but they have each shown they have what it takes to deliver a fast-paced, short story that not only has action, but heart as well. Are their flaws? Minor ones, yes, but the two definitely show their potential for future DC projects.
