Letters to Nightwing #28

Loved this issue when Ellen first sent it to me! It's just perfect parts mystery and horror, and I have a definite soft spot for the likes of Cornelius Stirk (who first made his appearance in The Question Annual #1!). I loved the characterisation between Dick and Tim (and I kept their discussions and training here in mind when I worked on Detective Comics #33. You're a very strong influence this time 'round, Ell!). The cliffhanger was wonderful, the cover is superb, and I cannot wait for you to post #2 so I can tell everyone how much I loved that (having read the majority of it already!)

Yes, very good stuff. I too have read this before, and it remains excellent (and scary as hell!) on multiple readings.

Tim and Dick are both spot on, poor kids.

I thought the issue scared me, but Ellen's laugh was even creepier.

This is easily a 5 star issue, on the strength of your characterizations alone. Dick and Tim are really bonding, and it shows here.

Stirk was extremely well written, and scary as hell! I didn't know you had it in you, Ellen!

My favorite moment though, had to be when Tim was trying to convince himself that Dick was Batman and would be alright... just like Bruce... just like his father. It was a very small moment, but a very insightful one. Tim is still a very young man, thrust into a very adult world, and sometimes when you're young like that, you tend to think everyone you know will just live forever. Poor Tim has had to learn that it isn't so at a rather young age, and in very tragic ways.

As always, Ellen, I sit in awe. And the cover is just phenomenal! Is it me or does our art department just keep cranking out hit after hit?

Wonderful, Ellen! That was great! Oh, HECK, I hate cliffhangers... darn writers, anyways.

Heh... y'know, I read that a writer cannot write a character that doesn't contain at least a bit of him/herself in it... what say ye?

Well, I liked this issue... It's not as strong as the previous one, but I see where it's going. Dick hasn't fulfilled his destiny yet by being Batman. He still thinks in terms of what was not what is... I think that's the motivation and why he's pushing Tim so hard. But, with Tim worrying about Bruce and his father while he's out on Gotham proves he's not ready with the mental toughness that it takes to take down the villains of Gotham.

I think the issue shows a progression of the mantle of the Bat though, because Dick realizes that Gotham needs Batman. But, Gordon doesn't believe it's him or it's the real deal.... maybe Dick needs a mental toughness he never had as Robin or Nightwing?

Tim definitely is green and it might get him killed if he's not careful. He better be aware of what's going on around him or.... yeah.

Cover is awesome, definitely shows the confusion about the man and boy's role in the new world and the fear all around them.

Fear is catalyst that drives this issue.

Good stuff. **** from me.

Glad you enjoyed! Catch you next month!