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Nightwing (1996) (Original Trades) #14
Nightwing: Freefall
Writer Peter Tomasi's first tales of Nightwing are collected in this volume featuring issues #140-146! When the bodies of fallen villains begin to disappear, Nightwing is drawn into a web of intrigue involving Talia al Ghul and the diabolical Dr. Creighton Kendall.
168 pages, Paperback
First published November 4, 2008
4 people are currently reading
227 people want to read
About the author
Peter J. Tomasi
1,387 books467 followersPeter J. Tomasi is an American comic book writer, best known for his work for DC Comics, such as Batman And Robin; Superman; Super Sons; Batman: Detective Comics; Green Lantern Corps; and Superman/Wonder Woman; as well as Batman: Arkham Knight; Brightest Day; Green Lantern: Emerald Warriors; Nightwing; Black Adam, and many more.
In the course of his staff career at DC Comics, Tomasi served as a group editor and ushered in new eras for Batman, Green Lantern, and the JSA, along with a host of special projects like Kingdom Come.
He is also the author of the creator-owned titles House Of Penance with artist Ian Bertram; Light Brigade with artist Peter Snejbjerg; The Mighty with Keith Champagne and Chris Samnee; and the critically acclaimed epic graphic novel The Bridge: How The Roeblings Connected Brooklyn To New York, illustrated by Sara DuVall and published by Abrams ComicArts.
In 2018 New York Times best-selling author Tomasi received the Inkpot Award for achievement in comics.
In the course of his staff career at DC Comics, Tomasi served as a group editor and ushered in new eras for Batman, Green Lantern, and the JSA, along with a host of special projects like Kingdom Come.
He is also the author of the creator-owned titles House Of Penance with artist Ian Bertram; Light Brigade with artist Peter Snejbjerg; The Mighty with Keith Champagne and Chris Samnee; and the critically acclaimed epic graphic novel The Bridge: How The Roeblings Connected Brooklyn To New York, illustrated by Sara DuVall and published by Abrams ComicArts.
In 2018 New York Times best-selling author Tomasi received the Inkpot Award for achievement in comics.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
May 7, 2024
(B+) 76% | Good
Notes: Impersonal and off-genre, its many cameos feel ill-fitted, random and like product placement for lesser-known titles.
Notes: Impersonal and off-genre, its many cameos feel ill-fitted, random and like product placement for lesser-known titles.
February 11, 2020
Peter Tomasi moves Nightwing to the Big Apple while he investigates a series of grave robberies involving dead superheroes and villains. I like how rooted Nightwing is in both New York and the DCU. Dick becomes the museum curator at a real place, The Cloisters, in upper Manhattan. Meanwhile he gets plenty of help from the JSA, Tim Drake, and Batman while using Superman as a sounding board. All of it makes complete sense in the midst of the story.
The art by Rag Morales and Don Kramer is very solid. My one complaint would be that Nightwing seems more static than earlier runs where they really embraced his acrobatic nature.
The art by Rag Morales and Don Kramer is very solid. My one complaint would be that Nightwing seems more static than earlier runs where they really embraced his acrobatic nature.
January 26, 2014
The Nightwing Freefall arc has a somewhat eerie undertone. Consider: corpses of heroes and villains being stolen from cemeteries, only to be reassembled and grafted together to create creepy flying golems. Yep, that’s what I thought too. Granted, the plot does deviate from this particular practice to something arguably even more insidious in the second half. All of this just to create an army. To what end? That, of course, is the question that this story hinges on.
Anyway, since this is a Nightwing story and not a Batman story it’s not as dark as it could conceivably have been. In fact, the writers even found the time to write in a love interest for Dick Grayson. All told, this probably doesn’t read completely unlike a Spiderman story.
There are some interesting sequences. Since Nightwing now resides in New York, which isn’t his usual haunt, some strategic planning is in order. I quite enjoyed the bit where he sends Bruce Wayne a list of buildings to acquire, in order to facilitate his moving around the city. It certainly helps if you have a rich backer!
There are also some funny bits here, such as Grayson going into a fight whilst lamenting the fact that he is lining the pockets of chiropractors and plastic surgeons without so much as a thanks (all while gleefully smashing thugs’ faces in with his escrima sticks).
This is a re-read, but I must admit that it felt like a first time read. I could hardly remember anything of all that happens here. I won’t go into any more detail other than mentioning that Tim Drake has a featuring role, as does Talia al Ghul. Oh, and Wally West makes a cameo for some beer and pizza.
The story takes place shortly after Batman: The Resurrection of Ra's al Ghul, and there are some references to the latter. It isn’t anything spectacular, and you won’t find it on a list of essential DC graphic novels, but it was kind of fun. Tomasi seems to have a good handle on Nightwing. And right at the end I was glad to see that Nightwing has what it takes to get the job done.
3.5 stars
Anyway, since this is a Nightwing story and not a Batman story it’s not as dark as it could conceivably have been. In fact, the writers even found the time to write in a love interest for Dick Grayson. All told, this probably doesn’t read completely unlike a Spiderman story.
There are some interesting sequences. Since Nightwing now resides in New York, which isn’t his usual haunt, some strategic planning is in order. I quite enjoyed the bit where he sends Bruce Wayne a list of buildings to acquire, in order to facilitate his moving around the city. It certainly helps if you have a rich backer!
There are also some funny bits here, such as Grayson going into a fight whilst lamenting the fact that he is lining the pockets of chiropractors and plastic surgeons without so much as a thanks (all while gleefully smashing thugs’ faces in with his escrima sticks).
This is a re-read, but I must admit that it felt like a first time read. I could hardly remember anything of all that happens here. I won’t go into any more detail other than mentioning that Tim Drake has a featuring role, as does Talia al Ghul. Oh, and Wally West makes a cameo for some beer and pizza.
The story takes place shortly after Batman: The Resurrection of Ra's al Ghul, and there are some references to the latter. It isn’t anything spectacular, and you won’t find it on a list of essential DC graphic novels, but it was kind of fun. Tomasi seems to have a good handle on Nightwing. And right at the end I was glad to see that Nightwing has what it takes to get the job done.
3.5 stars
April 18, 2017
Peter Tomasi does a great job with this collection of Nightwing comics. The plot involves a villain stealing and reanimating corpses to build an army (I'm all in!). I haven't read many stories with Tim Drake so I enjoyed him being paired with Nightwing. Also making this read lots of fun is cameos including Superman, Flash, the JSA, and Arsenal. Having major characters popping up for just a few panels is what made me fall in love with Avengers West Coast!
June 12, 2018
3.5 Stars
After the nightmare that was Brothers in Blood, this was rather refreshing. Dick is adorable, as usual. I liked that Tomasi added a Arthurian legend feel to some of Dick's banter. I'm always a sucker for that stuff. I'm intrigued by the concept that Dick would start skydiving for the thrill of it. I also like that he frequently thinks about what his parents would think about his work as Nightwing.
There are some great interactions here between Dick and Bruce, Alfred, and Tim. There's even two appearances from Superman and I love Dick's relationship with Clark.
The actual arc with Talia was a bit of a strange one. I'm not a big fan of the character but her usage here was okay, I guess. She expresses some odd worry for Tim's wellbeing.
Anywho, I enjoyed this enough. The romance seemed really unnecessary. I forgot that woman's name the immediately after her scenes. I'm not sure why writers feel the need to shove relationships in all these comics. Pick a woman and stick with her. It's not so much that Dick is a flighty character but more than, in an attempt to make him look like a ladies' man, we're getting a bunch of random women I know I'll probably never see again.
After the nightmare that was Brothers in Blood, this was rather refreshing. Dick is adorable, as usual. I liked that Tomasi added a Arthurian legend feel to some of Dick's banter. I'm always a sucker for that stuff. I'm intrigued by the concept that Dick would start skydiving for the thrill of it. I also like that he frequently thinks about what his parents would think about his work as Nightwing.
There are some great interactions here between Dick and Bruce, Alfred, and Tim. There's even two appearances from Superman and I love Dick's relationship with Clark.
The actual arc with Talia was a bit of a strange one. I'm not a big fan of the character but her usage here was okay, I guess. She expresses some odd worry for Tim's wellbeing.
Anywho, I enjoyed this enough. The romance seemed really unnecessary. I forgot that woman's name the immediately after her scenes. I'm not sure why writers feel the need to shove relationships in all these comics. Pick a woman and stick with her. It's not so much that Dick is a flighty character but more than, in an attempt to make him look like a ladies' man, we're getting a bunch of random women I know I'll probably never see again.
November 7, 2025
As usual Tomasi really delivers.
October 19, 2023
A really enjoyable Nightwing read. I loved how interconnected the universe of DC felt in this graphic novel. That was my favorite part of this story—and how the Bat Family was written. They’re an unusual family, but still a family, and Tomasi really gets that. All of that, plus solid action. What else could you want? It took me a while to read only because I kept getting distracted by other books… the danger of being a librarian, lol.
September 4, 2009
I loved this graphic novel! Tomasi is an awesome writer and gets two thumbs up from me! He really gives the characters in this book personality and shows the family dynamic I feel that the Bat family should have. I love the way that Richard, Tim, Bruce, Alfred, Wally, and everyone interact together in this book. There are so many moments that are just awesome in this book it's hard to name them all. From the first panel where Richard is skydiving, to Tim and Richard teaming up to go fight Talia al Gul, it's all awesome.
November 17, 2009
Dick! He's back! Finally, after several volumes of OOCness, this is the Dick Grayson I know and love. In "Freefall", he's also gained a lot of confidence, a new HQ (that sadly didn't last long) and a new hobby. The plot didn't grab me that much, but there were lots of really nice moments - Dick gets to spend some time with Tim, then there's him with Superman, Wally.. this is a fun book that captures Nightwing really well.
March 3, 2020
Nightwing: Freefall continues where the previous trade paperback left off collecting seven issues (Nightwing #140–146) of the 1996 on-going series and collects one story: "Freefall".
"Freefall" is a seven-issue storyline (Nightwing #140–147) that has Dick Grayson as Nightwing investigating the disappearance of bodies of fallen villains and superheroes, which leads Nightwing into a web of intrigue involving Talia al Ghul and Creighton Kendall.
Peter Tomasi penned the entire trade paperback. For the most part, it is written rather well, and goes down to the roots of Nightwing as a detective as he uncovers a mystery that centered on Talia al Ghul as she is in the midst of a war between her recently resurrected father: Ra's al Ghul. All in all, a well rounded story going back to the roots of Dick Grayson as Nightwing.
Rags Morales (Nightwing #140–142, 144–145) and Dan Kramer (Nightwing #143–144, 147) penciled the trade paperback. For the most parts these pencilers while with different styles, complements each other rather well, which made the artistic flow rather seamless, despite having a change of penciler mid-story. Rags Morales does an excellent job that draws an emotional Nightwing and superb backgrounds.
All in all, Nightwing: Freefall is a good continuation to what would hopefully be a wonderful series.
"Freefall" is a seven-issue storyline (Nightwing #140–147) that has Dick Grayson as Nightwing investigating the disappearance of bodies of fallen villains and superheroes, which leads Nightwing into a web of intrigue involving Talia al Ghul and Creighton Kendall.
Peter Tomasi penned the entire trade paperback. For the most part, it is written rather well, and goes down to the roots of Nightwing as a detective as he uncovers a mystery that centered on Talia al Ghul as she is in the midst of a war between her recently resurrected father: Ra's al Ghul. All in all, a well rounded story going back to the roots of Dick Grayson as Nightwing.
Rags Morales (Nightwing #140–142, 144–145) and Dan Kramer (Nightwing #143–144, 147) penciled the trade paperback. For the most parts these pencilers while with different styles, complements each other rather well, which made the artistic flow rather seamless, despite having a change of penciler mid-story. Rags Morales does an excellent job that draws an emotional Nightwing and superb backgrounds.
All in all, Nightwing: Freefall is a good continuation to what would hopefully be a wonderful series.
December 8, 2024
Peter Tomasi comes on board and breathes new life into the title. I really enjoy his Nightwing. His version of Dick is really fun. He portrays him as smart, exciting, adult as opposed as some other writers have prior. Here, he sets a new status quo with a new job, HQ, love interest, and more. Where the story started to fall off was a weird antagonist that didn't click and the inclusion of a guest star I couldn't care less about. There was some fantastic artwork by Morales and Kramer though. Overall, a good read that shows direction.
January 4, 2019
Nightwing is on the trail to stop the creation of a clone army.
November 22, 2019
4,5/5
I need more Dick and Tim being hyper-competent and snarky and brotherly together 🆒🙌❤
I need more Dick and Tim being hyper-competent and snarky and brotherly together 🆒🙌❤
May 17, 2024
⭐️3.5
June 6, 2015
Recommended to me by a couple of young friends who said this would make me a fan of Dick Grayson. I can see where they're coming from, too. While Nightwing is a standard athletic human superhero in combat and detective work, Tomasi's book characterizes him more fully than most superhero books I've ever read. He is an optimistic and moral figure seeking a happier life than his father figure, Batman, with strong ties to heroic communities around the world. There are multiple scenes where Tim Drake, the new Robin, clearly looks to him like an older brother. And while their work puts them in harm's way, Nightwing, who lost his family as a child, clearly relishes playing the cool older brother.
I can't remember a superhero comic that felt so part of a larger world. Dick makes time to hang out with not just Robin, but to tip beers and catch up with Flash's personal life. In both interactions, Dick chats with them about what was actually going on in their books at the time, but in ways that help them cope or unwind, rather than just infodump and beg you to buy their books too.
When he builds his new base, half the JSA shows up to help with the heavy lifting. Even Superman drops by for a cameo, but his cameo makes more sense than usual, because Supes observed clues of the same crimes Nightwing is investigating, but can only visit briefly because he's constantly needed for emergencies around the globe. Everyone is busy with lives that border on impossibly demanding, and we're just seeing how Nightwing handles his load. It reflects how busy the world of DC Comics had become at this point, while accentuating that the demand on Nightwing's life had become too stressful, leaving him to deliberately dedicate time to other important things, like family. Usually superhero comics are about eroding the connections with personal life, so it's charming to see him trying to take back a little of his time.
This is the personality and worldbuilding that makes a standard superhero story well worth reading. The technical plot of this volume is that Talia al Ghul and a mad scientist are scheming ways to breed a superhuman army. Nightwing has to piece it together, and then stop their atrocities with lots of jumping and kicking - which, to be fair, is actually more smartly and briskly written than a lot of comic fights. But you're not reading it for the revelations (gasp, they might turn on each other) so much as the rich sense of a person in this fantastic world.
In short: I'm glad I got the second volume out of my library to go with the first. I'll be opening it up in a second.
I can't remember a superhero comic that felt so part of a larger world. Dick makes time to hang out with not just Robin, but to tip beers and catch up with Flash's personal life. In both interactions, Dick chats with them about what was actually going on in their books at the time, but in ways that help them cope or unwind, rather than just infodump and beg you to buy their books too.
When he builds his new base, half the JSA shows up to help with the heavy lifting. Even Superman drops by for a cameo, but his cameo makes more sense than usual, because Supes observed clues of the same crimes Nightwing is investigating, but can only visit briefly because he's constantly needed for emergencies around the globe. Everyone is busy with lives that border on impossibly demanding, and we're just seeing how Nightwing handles his load. It reflects how busy the world of DC Comics had become at this point, while accentuating that the demand on Nightwing's life had become too stressful, leaving him to deliberately dedicate time to other important things, like family. Usually superhero comics are about eroding the connections with personal life, so it's charming to see him trying to take back a little of his time.
This is the personality and worldbuilding that makes a standard superhero story well worth reading. The technical plot of this volume is that Talia al Ghul and a mad scientist are scheming ways to breed a superhuman army. Nightwing has to piece it together, and then stop their atrocities with lots of jumping and kicking - which, to be fair, is actually more smartly and briskly written than a lot of comic fights. But you're not reading it for the revelations (gasp, they might turn on each other) so much as the rich sense of a person in this fantastic world.
In short: I'm glad I got the second volume out of my library to go with the first. I'll be opening it up in a second.
January 11, 2016
While I'm not a fan of Batman/Bruce Wayne himself in most incarnations, I absolutely adore Dick Grayson. His arcs are always my favorite, and I was excited to read Freefall when it was recommended to me. I was really enticed by the plot, but everything about its execution fell flat--from the stereotypical racist and sexist depictions of the woman whose duty to her country is to birth ALL the babies, tragically fated to die within the week due to their superhuman aging speed to the lackluster conclusion (lots of fighting, but most of the emotional aspects of the plot get brushed off).
The best parts of Freefall were easily the appearance of Wally -- the new Flash-- and Dick's new fondness for skydiving. The tie-in was a little lazy, but it was an excellent emphasis on Dick's determination to remain human and himself despite his "career"--and once again highlighted the difference between Bruce Wayne and his former charge.
The best parts of Freefall were easily the appearance of Wally -- the new Flash-- and Dick's new fondness for skydiving. The tie-in was a little lazy, but it was an excellent emphasis on Dick's determination to remain human and himself despite his "career"--and once again highlighted the difference between Bruce Wayne and his former charge.
June 20, 2010
Batman, the new Flash, the new Robin, and Superman make guest appearances in this graphic novel composed of six-parts. Here, Nightwing goes on a mission to find out who is robbing the graves of dead villains and superheroes to create an army that will help take over the world.
This being the first graphic novel about Batman's former sidekick that I have read, it doesn't contain the seriousness that is often found in Batman's nature. Rather, the young Robin lurks in the shadow as Nightwing matures into an adult detective. That said, we also get to see Nightwing pursue a love interest, which should have been downplayed for the sake of maintaining the momentum of the story.
This being the first graphic novel about Batman's former sidekick that I have read, it doesn't contain the seriousness that is often found in Batman's nature. Rather, the young Robin lurks in the shadow as Nightwing matures into an adult detective. That said, we also get to see Nightwing pursue a love interest, which should have been downplayed for the sake of maintaining the momentum of the story.
March 1, 2009
This is another chapter of Nightwing's new career in NYC, where he almost immediately runs into bad guys digging up super-powered villain corpses, and reanimating them into super-zombies. With cameo's by the Robin, Batman, Superman, Red Arrow and the Flash, it doesn't detract from the fact that this is Nightwing's show, and he is becoming every bit as good as the Dark Knight himself.
This is a version of Dick Grayson who is likable, and not trying so hard to be something he is not... and does his own thing in his own
This is a version of Dick Grayson who is likable, and not trying so hard to be something he is not... and does his own thing in his own
August 31, 2012
It kills me to give this book this rating, because Nightwing is my favorite DC character, but I have too. This book was pretty average. It wasn't bad by any means, but it really wasn't all that great, and I am fairly forgiving considering how much I like the character. I think my problem with it stems from the plot involving the army of rapidly growing babies. The whole idea of a woman constantly reproducing for days like she was a baby factory was pretty off putting. But there were still quite a few good elements, but I think there are many other better books featuring Nightwing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 1, 2013
Nightwing's characterization was really good, but the plot was kind of really far-fetched and didn't really make sense. Lot's of very good moments between Nightwing and Robin, which was nice. Overall a good break from all the dark, broody, angst stuff that most often takes place in Batfam comics.
May 14, 2015
Creepy story once you understand what is going on but there is a lot to like. I always like a good story with Talia and two Robins at the same time is never a bad thing. We even get some Flash (Wally West) and one of the few un-annoying cameos by Superman that I can remember.
August 30, 2009
(Nightwing #140-146)
September 1, 2010
Although it is Nightwing, and I will always love Nightwing, it was missing something. Not sure what. Also, I didn't like the "big bads" in this. I didn't care if there was a winged army or not.
February 12, 2011
Dick is back on form. It feels like its gone back to how it used to be. Lots of cameos, only problem is he's changed jobs again!
April 26, 2012
This book series was teetering on the brink of obscurity, but it's back and better than ever with this edition.
June 7, 2012
Been reading this series from the library whenever I get a chance. Good read thus far!
July 23, 2014
Plot had some issues but the characterization was wonderful.
Read
December 20, 2016Let's see....Artwise it was very well drawn,but the story was average. It was just okay for me.
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