|
Post by Admin on Mar 21, 2006 21:30:37 GMT -5
Please let us know what you think!
|
|
Apprentice
Staff
I really need a new avatar...
Posts: 479
|
Post by Apprentice on Mar 22, 2006 3:38:13 GMT -5
*jaw drops*
Your most enjoyable issue yet. Grace was perfect. Nightwing was perfect. The action was perfect. You can really get into Dick's head. I loved Ling and the portrayal of the Ghost Dragons; a nice oriental side to the tale. I loved Dick's monologues, especially this little chunk after meeting Grace:
I don’t want to get involved right at this moment, come to think of it. Doesn’t change anything though. I am involved. Metropolis isn’t my home, but it doesn’t matter. I can’t leave things for Superman to deal with any more than I could walk away from something in Gotham and trust that Bruce… or Alan Scott, for that matter, would deal with it. It’s not a question of whether Superman could handle the situation--I know darned well he could. But right now, he’s not around, and I am.
I also enjoyed the reluctant working relationship between Dick and Grace. I felt it grew throughout the story, and Grace grew more and more likeable because of it. Another thing that amde me love the story even more was the fact that is often ignored in mainstream comics - sometimes, the 'no-killing-rule' would be a weakness, or viewed as one, in the crime-fighting business. That's an issue that you explored well here, especially with Dick's speech to Grace before they entered.
Grace's explanation of her past was also very mvoing. We got to see the Grace inside; she isn't as tough as the out, and she obviously didn't want her powers, but accepted them. A suicidal anti-hero is probably one of the most interesting formulas in comics, and yours was so very effective here. I can't wait to see Nightwing face off against the blind guy (Durance, I presume?) next issue. I'm also eager to see Grace face off against Ling once again...what will she be missing as a result of Bibbo's punsihment?
As for the cover, it was amazing and wet my appetite for the story. It was simply great. The pose, the colour, the background, and Nightwing himself. Grace looked excellent.
Five stars.
|
|
|
Post by anarky76 on Mar 22, 2006 10:22:38 GMT -5
WOW!!!
This was an excellent issue, the cover by Thor is amazing and the story itself was unbelievable. You certainly have the knack for telling stories with Nightwing. I certainly think you have a better grasp of the character than any of the recent writers on the actual DC Nightwing comic.
Excellent cliffhanger ending, by the way, always leave them wanting more. I am looking forward to next issue and the fight between Nightwing and the King Snake. I think it will be quite memorable.
|
|
|
Post by tlbauer on Mar 22, 2006 11:25:54 GMT -5
this was a nice story. Very enjoyable.
|
|
|
Post by HoM on Mar 22, 2006 12:12:11 GMT -5
I'm not going to use the compliments "Better than Bruce Jones" or "Better than Devin Grayson" because that would be too easy. Liking your characterisation of the characters, liking the monologues, but once again, I just can't seem to get into the story... Just a question... When does Nightwing begin to really fly solo? Because I'm gathering that this first arc is a coming of age/road trip/guest star saga, that will solidify the character for DC2 usage... Or something.
|
|
Quester
Staff
Call me 'Q'!
Posts: 681
|
Post by Quester on Mar 22, 2006 12:12:19 GMT -5
I liked it although not being a huge DC reader I think some stuff was lost on me although I know Grace is later a TT and recognised her on the cover but I dont know if LIng and everyone else were original or from DC but either way good issue.
|
|
|
Post by HoM on Mar 22, 2006 12:17:32 GMT -5
Grace is later an Outsider.
|
|
|
Post by dragonbat on Mar 22, 2006 12:18:04 GMT -5
(Looks down at floor to retrieve own jaw, spies yours and hands it back) Here ya go... Thanks, kindly! I've always felt he's the Bat-family member best disposed toward letting a writer sit inside his skull with a camera. As long as I'm in there, I may as well take notes... Grace is a very forceful personality. Initially when I was writing this, I was going to turn her into a villain. A wonderful, complex villain with noble motives and ignoble methods of operation... She wouldn't cooperate. For all her prickly exterior and her past, underneath it all, she's not one of the badguys. But my original aspirations for the character did exert some influence over her ultimate portrayal. Thanks! Sounds to me like you've got a good idea already... Thor, Kalin take a bow, you two! Thank-you SO much! See ya in April!
|
|
|
Post by dragonbat on Mar 22, 2006 12:20:29 GMT -5
WOW!!! This was an excellent issue, the cover by Thor is amazing and the story itself was unbelievable. You certainly have the knack for telling stories with Nightwing. I certainly think you have a better grasp of the character than any of the recent writers on the actual DC Nightwing comic. Excellent cliffhanger ending, by the way, always leave them wanting more. I am looking forward to next issue and the fight between Nightwing and the King Snake. I think it will be quite memorable. The art-team did a great job on this cover, definitely! Thanks for your kind words! I'm working on #4, now.
|
|
|
Post by dragonbat on Mar 22, 2006 12:21:46 GMT -5
this was a nice story. Very enjoyable. Thanks! ;D
|
|
|
Post by dragonbat on Mar 22, 2006 12:34:31 GMT -5
I'm not going to use the compliments "Better than Bruce Jones" or "Better than Devin Grayson" because that would be too easy. Liking your characterisation of the characters, liking the monologues, but once again, I just can't seem to get into the story... Just a question... When does Nightwing begin to really fly solo? Because I'm gathering that this first arc is a coming of age/road trip/guest star saga, that will solidify the character for DC2 usage... Or something. While this IS a solo title, at this stage in his life, NW has certain things to work on. Remember, he left the TT because he recognized that as things stood, his leadership skills left something to be desired. He's never worked with anyone other than Batman and Batman either operates solo or with a single partner. Dick is NOT Bruce. But at this point in time, Bruce's way is most familiar to Dick. Remember, over at the DCU, the TT formed when the members were in their early teens. They were much less set in their ways. This arc is about Dick finding himself and realizing that it's ok to think like Bruce and act like himself. That, even if Batman is 'always right' it doesn't follow that Batman has the only right answer. It's about finding his own wings. And it's also about recognizing that just because Batman is a solo act doesn't mean NW has to be. Since NW needs to develop his leadership skills, I have to give him someone to lead. Otherwise, it won't make sense that he left the TT doubting his abilities, goes off, does everything but work on that weakness, returns to the TT and finds his issues miraculously gone. He IS going to have allies in every issue... some more obvious than others. At this point, to do otherwise... I really feel I'd be writing him like a more-inept-than-usual Batman. There's much more to him than that. But I don't know how to show it without giving him supporting characters. Hoping the next issue's more to your liking!
|
|
|
Post by dragonbat on Mar 22, 2006 12:36:59 GMT -5
I liked it although not being a huge DC reader I think some stuff was lost on me although I know Grace is later a TT and recognised her on the cover but I dont know if LIng and everyone else were original or from DC but either way good issue. Ling/Lynx made her first DCU appearance in the first Robin mini back in the 80s. It's available in an out-of-print TPB called "Robin: A Hero Reborn." Glad you enjoyed! And yes, as Charlie told you, Grace is currently a member of the Outsiders.
|
|
|
Post by starlord on Mar 22, 2006 18:15:56 GMT -5
Terrific story. Once again you've captured Nightwing at his best. I agree with Charlie that I won't use the "better then Grayson/Jones" line, but you really do make it fun to read him again. And hey! Why don't you let Dick bring Grace with him to Vegas. I'd love to see her and Helena go a few rounds.
|
|
|
Post by brigante133 on Mar 22, 2006 19:28:58 GMT -5
I'm not going to use the compliments "Better than Bruce Jones" or "Better than Devin Grayson" because that would be too easy. Liking your characterisation of the characters, liking the monologues, but once again, I just can't seem to get into the story... Just a question... When does Nightwing begin to really fly solo? Because I'm gathering that this first arc is a coming of age/road trip/guest star saga, that will solidify the character for DC2 usage... Or something. haha, i admire the nerve you must have of accusing this of being a guest star saga chuck.
|
|
|
Post by dragonbat on Mar 22, 2006 20:05:20 GMT -5
Terrific story. Once again you've captured Nightwing at his best. I agree with Charlie that I won't use the "better then Grayson/Jones" line, but you really do make it fun to read him again. And hey! Why don't you let Dick bring Grace with him to Vegas. I'd love to see her and Helena go a few rounds. Glad you enjoyed. While I'm not bringing Grace to Vegas, if my muse cooperates (and now that I'm not asking her fix Bruce Jones' story, she's calmed down, some), I will be leaving a few dangling plot threads about her that anyone who wants to will be welcome to pick up.
|
|
|
Post by HoM on Mar 23, 2006 4:07:00 GMT -5
I'm not going to use the compliments "Better than Bruce Jones" or "Better than Devin Grayson" because that would be too easy. Liking your characterisation of the characters, liking the monologues, but once again, I just can't seem to get into the story... Just a question... When does Nightwing begin to really fly solo? Because I'm gathering that this first arc is a coming of age/road trip/guest star saga, that will solidify the character for DC2 usage... Or something. haha, i admire the nerve you must have of accusing this of being a guest star saga chuck. Yeah well, I got told of for it when I was doing it ...
|
|
|
Post by thormeister on Mar 23, 2006 7:47:35 GMT -5
Thanks for the comments on the cover, guys! It was fun doing it !
|
|
Susan Hillwig
Staff
I'm not crazy, my mother had me tested.
Posts: 1,612
|
Post by Susan Hillwig on Mar 26, 2006 12:10:47 GMT -5
Do I have to keep saying you're good? 'Cause I feel I'm just repeating myself every lettercol. Grace was great -- not a regular Outsiders reader, so I have no frame of reference, but she comes off well here. And what a pottymouth! ;D I also enjoyed Dick's expalnation of the "no-kill rule" for lack of a better term. Can't wait for the Nightwing/King Snake throwdown! Better than pay-per-view!
|
|
|
Post by dragonbat on Mar 26, 2006 17:02:58 GMT -5
That's the fun of it. Grace is a pottymouth... and I'm not. Dick's feeling his way around, and he's starting to realize that he can be influenced by the Bat without being "Batman-Lite". He can lead people without ordering them, even if they don't think like he does.
And the throwdown is being written...
Thanks for posting!
|
|
|
Post by markymark261 on Mar 27, 2006 3:55:59 GMT -5
Great issue, definitely my favourite so far. Great writing, great characterisation (really liked Grace, even though I've never come across her before, and liked the gentleman bad guy - also glad that Dick seems to have finally got his act together). The only thing that didn't work for me was that bit about Newton's first law near the beginning (Dick would have the outside force of gravity acting on him, not to mention air resistance, so he wouldn't keep going at the same speed in the same direction - which is fortunate for him because it would have been really hard to land if he was).
Also have to mention that I really liked the cover.
|
|
|
Post by dragonbat on Mar 27, 2006 8:12:21 GMT -5
Crud! I messed up my force laws. I meant to imply that Dick was going to LOSE momentum and end up dangling like a yoyo if he didn't leap by the second try.
Glad you enjoyed despite that gaffe!
|
|
Apprentice
Staff
I really need a new avatar...
Posts: 479
|
Post by Apprentice on Mar 27, 2006 13:30:09 GMT -5
It seems to roles have swapped here...the hero is a rough, gangsta-chick with an attiude problem and a chip on her shoulder, and the villain is a polite, well-spoje gentleman!
|
|
|
Post by dragonbat on Mar 27, 2006 15:55:37 GMT -5
Well... not all villains are slavering loonies. And Grace isn't exactly a hero. At the moment, she wants to beat up Dorance and the Ghost Dragons, and Dick wants to take a bite out of crime. Temporary convergence of purpose.
|
|
|
Post by detectivebats on Mar 28, 2006 14:00:47 GMT -5
Great story, I really enjoyed it! Your portrayal of Nightwing is awesome. I like how he convinced Grace not to kill, that was a very nice bit. And great cover Thor!
|
|
|
Post by dragonbat on Mar 28, 2006 14:46:02 GMT -5
Thanks much!
|
|
|
Post by Lantern Lad on Mar 30, 2006 18:01:10 GMT -5
I'm not going to use the compliments "Better than Bruce Jones" or "Better than Devin Grayson" because that would be too easy. Liking your characterisation of the characters, liking the monologues, but once again, I just can't seem to get into the story... Just a question... When does Nightwing begin to really fly solo? Because I'm gathering that this first arc is a coming of age/road trip/guest star saga, that will solidify the character for DC2 usage... Or something. Hah! This coming from the guy who has teamed Superman up with every character under the sun since issue 1! Nightwing #3 Great story. Ellen, you have a unique way of getting inside the characters head. When I read it I feel as though I am reading the latest Dick Grayson adventure! DC shouls stand up, take notice and hire youo as the new Nightwing writer. They could only benefit from it. The cover was fun as well! Best issue of the week!
|
|
|
Post by dragonbat on Mar 30, 2006 21:27:28 GMT -5
Thanks so much! I got started writing short character-driven pieces--vignettes and missing scenes. For me, figuring out what makes people tick is the single most important aspect of the writing. Plot is a close second, but it IS a second. Once the character is real to me... that's when I have a chance at making him real to everyone else.
Glad you enjoyed!
|
|
|
Post by chris on Apr 2, 2006 15:15:40 GMT -5
Wow! Another great issue! I am really liking this title and the fact that Nightwing is'nt writen this well by the pros is nearly a crime. Maybe it is I'm not a lawyer so I dunno. But if I were...
I really don't get the complaints about guest stars in this or in HoM's Superman story. If you look at what these heroes do, it seems natural for them to bump into each other frequently. Especially when something big goes down like I dunno a whole city disappearing into the phantom zone. But thats just my opinion which I have probably put in the wrong thread.
|
|
|
Post by dragonbat on Apr 2, 2006 17:28:30 GMT -5
One of my favorite fanficcers and betareaders IS a lawyer. If it were a crime, she'd've said. Glad you enjoyed!
|
|
|
Post by HoM on Apr 3, 2006 3:02:25 GMT -5
I really don't get the complaints about guest stars in this or in HoM's Superman story. If you look at what these heroes do, it seems natural for them to bump into each other frequently. Especially when something big goes down like I dunno a whole city disappearing into the phantom zone. But thats just my opinion which I have probably put in the wrong thread. Aha! Enough about Nightwing, someone liked BLACK ZERO! Hee heheheheaheaHEAHEAHAHAHAHAHA! Well.. at least a bit of it...
|
|