By Dustin Cabeal

Listen, listen… this is the best thing DC’s ever done with Nightwing. Kyle Higgins is doing exactly what DC should do more of, and that’s just creating fun side stories that have nothing to do with the rest of the DCU. This exists in a bubble, and because of that, he can add consequences to his story that other DC comics can’t. It’s a lot like Injustice in that way, at least before Injustice became too big of a brand and needed to continue making money.

The story in this issue is just so, yummy noises. If you could see me spastically thinking of the words while typing this, you’d instantly understand that I really fucking liked this issue. Unlike another second issue I read this week, The New Order didn’t hit that second issue slump. In fact, I would argue that it’s better than the first issue which gives me a ton of hope for the next four chapters of the story.

If you didn’t read the first issue, you should stop reading this review and go out and buy both issues and read the shit out of them instantly. If you have, then I will spoil the ending of the first issue because this issue is all about the cliffhanger of that issue. The issue brilliantly opens with the same battle we saw Dick ending in the first issue. This time thought the context of his actions are laid out while Dick’s son Jake is narrating. We find out who Jake’s mother is and it is pretty damn cool. From there we go into the fact that Jake has his mother’s powers. The catch, of course, is that the inhibitors don’t work on him which would mean he’d need to be locked up like Dr. Light and others that can’t have their powers suppressed.

At this point, you should know where the story is going. It’s fairly obvious because it’s the only path it can go. At least for me, it was the only way it could go down. What makes Kyle Higgins’ writing so great is that it doesn’t matter if you see where he’s leading you, he’s going to make it entertaining as hell to get there. That and there’s always going to be surprises along the way, which is the big cliffhanger of this issue. I can only imagine that Higgins will be given more prominent properties after this, depending on the sales of course, but I hope you’re all buying this comic. It’s the best thing at DC behind Deathstroke, but only because it’s a mini and Deathstroke is ongoing. I gave up on following creators a long time ago, I base my reading on interest and interest alone, but I will gladly check out anything else Higgins does at DC.

Along with the strong writing is the visual storytelling. Thinking of the opening again I can’t help to think of the compelling visuals. The intense battle that’s unfolding and then there’s Nightwing just strolling down the street with a device that’s just zapping out all their powers. Even more so he leans over and picks up his sweetheart, and you can see that they’re not alright. The visuals and the layouts are great. I wish more comics would effectively use the side narration for comics because it controls the pacing in a way that is very cinematic. Instead of just blitzing through each caption square you really let the words sink alongside the visual before moving on. The linework is detailed the characters look realistic rather than the house style which is a nice touch. The lettering is great and again the perfect fit for the opening narration.

If you buy one superhero book this week, make it Nightwing: The New Order #2. I would argue there’s one better comic out this week, but it has the advantage in that it’s the last issue of a series. If you don’t read superhero comics, give this one a shot, it’s a good story that uses DC elements, but is strong enough to stand apart from the pack. It’s a hell of a read.

Score: 5/5

Nightwing: The New Order #2
DC Comics