Nightwing Issue 89 Review: “World’s Finest Sons”

Nightwing issue 89 is the first of a 2-part special featuring Superman (Jon Kent). Dick Grayson is presented with the opportunity to keep the promise he made to Clark Kent in issue 83. Clark trusts Dick to be there for Jon while he is off world in the long term.

There will be some spoilers below.

As someone who is a fan of Tom Taylor’s writing and reading both Nightwing and Superman: Son of Kal-El, I was excited to read this two-part story that takes place in both the Nightwing and Superman: Son of Kal-El run. This was a particularly fun issue because it really ties the two characters’ stories together.

Nightwing issue 89 starts with a fun flashback to the first time that Dick had met Jon. This was not too long after Jon first got his ability to fly. He flew at night, doing what his father told him not to do, and got lost. Batman and Nightwing thankfully were able to track him down. Bruce and Clark have a nice moment where Bruce admits that he never stops worrying about his own children.

Another moment I enjoyed was when Bruce mentioned how as a parent and superhero, it’s impossible to be there all the time. He feels that he had made so many mistakes with Dick, but he is proud of how well he turned out.

In present time, Barbara wakes up because a robot is petting Dick’s dog Haley. The robot works with Clark and told Dick that Jon needs his help. Dick, being the reliable person who keeps his promises, heads over to Metropolis the next morning. Jon is a little over his head because he feels personally responsible for all of the people he could not save. Meanwhile there is something bigger going on.

I think the interactions between Dick and Jon in Nightwing issue 89 are quite enjoyable. Dick is able to come in as a mentor for Jon just like Clark has been and continues to be for Dick. Also Dick gets the chance to show off some of his detective skills while teaching Jon to do a little detective work himself in the process.

Writer Tom Taylor once again shows just how much he loves and respects the characters that he writes. This is Nightwing’s comic and even in a team-up, Dick is not at all sidelined. It still feels like a Nightwing comic, but with a fair amount of Superman being featured as well. Both characters and their significant others have banter, soul, and personality. There is nothing wooden about them and this particular storyline is already turning out to be a joy to read.

Artist Bruno Redondo as always illustrates so beautifully. I feel like this issue in particular is visually stunning, especially with Adriano Lucas’ colors and Wes Abbott’s letters. In general, but even more so in this issue, I love how Redondo draws hair. Each character has hair that is in movement. Just like it real life, hair isn’t something that is static. To me, it’s something that stands out. I also appreciate the attention to detail in the flashback, accurately portraying Bruce and Dick’s New 52 costumes.

Nightwing issue 89 is a great start to the “World’s Finest Sons” storyline. I excited to see how it concludes in the next issue of Superman: Son of Kal-El. I’m also looking forward to what Dick will get up to next. After all, he still has Blockbuster and Heartless after him. And I’d love to learn more about his sister as well. This is definitely a series that never has a dull moment!

Author: Jessica Rae

Jessica has a BA in music with an emphasis in voice and spends her day typesetting, editing, writing, and moderating webinars. Jessica primarily reviews anime and comic book series. She also offers insights on various movies, books, games, and other geeky topics.

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