Nightwing: The Great Leap #1

Dick Grayson has to adjust to life without Bruce. He tries to keep his death a secret but the news breaks out eventually. Now it's up to him to assume the role Bruce once took up by being the sole protector of Gotham City.  

This is the final story arc of the Nightwing series before its cancelation as Dick Grayson will soon be taking up the mantle of Batman. I've enjoyed reading this series, particularly since writer Peter J. Tomasi came aboard. In his short time on the series, his writing has been extremely heartfelt and emotional while taking on a more realistic approach. He's focused on things some writers often neglect. He writes very grounded characters that readers can relate and identify with. 

I think the title of "The Great Leap" is a very fitting title on a couple of levels. If you've been keeping up with this series then you know Dick Grayson has taken up skydiving as a way to deal with his emotions. Each time he decides to skydive again he jumps from a higher altitude. At the same time he's trying to deal with the death of Bruce. Now he feels obligated to fill in the role Bruce has carried out for years. He's literally and figuratively taking "The Great Leap" he's never had to take before. He's accompanied Bruce in action for years, but now he's going to be out on his own responsible for the protection of Gotham's citizens. I can't wait to see his character evolve and handle the new challenges he's going to face. 

I love how Tomasi had Two-Face and Ra's Al Ghul challenge Nightwing so quickly after Bruce's death. Tomasi's characterization for Two-face was superb. The confrontation between Nightwing and Ra's Al Ghul couldn't have been scripted any better. The dialogue was so well crafted. Seeing Nightwing deal with not only his enemies, but his own grief towards Bruce's death felt very appropriate and natural. 

The art is by Don Kramer, Rags Morales, Doug Mahnke, Shawn Moll and Joe Bennett. Overall the artists did a great job but I was a little disappointed that Morals role was reduced to only one issue. At least the other artists stepped in and did an outstanding job in creating a similar tone of artwork we've been seeing in this series as of late. The artists definitely do a great job capturing the emotion particularly during the times Bruce's death is the topic. 

This was an amazing finish to this series and one that you definitely want to check out. You need to read Batman R.I.P. before this so you can get the full effect. Tomasi's run on this series has been remarkable. I only wish he had been on this series sooner. Now I look forward to seeing Dick Grayson as Batman, which I'm sure will be awesome.