Detective Comics #871, by the new creative team of Scott Snyder and Jock, is a must-read for any Batman fan, whether skeptical or accepting of Dick as the (or a) new Batman.
Spoilers ahead (also for Batman and Robin #17)...
Mind you, this is a dark Batman story, but one that still references Dick's unique Bat-persona. For example, Gordon mentions that he's still getting used to the fact that, when he's done discussing a case with Batman and then turns his head, he's still there when he turns back, an offhand comment that speaks volumes. Jock's art, wonderful as always, says the Dark Knight with its dark tones and classic shadowy portrayal, but Snyder's subtle characterization, and obvious appreciation for the character of Dick Grayson, never let us forget who's under the cowl.
I really appreciated the fact that, while touring the new GCPD crime lab with Dick (as Dick), he mentions Grayson's tenure in the police force, a detail from the Nightwing title that was wholly gratifying to me. Dick even alludes to his gypsy-like upbringing several times in the book, another welcome injection of his well-established character that had yet to be incorporated (ha!) much into his new stories as Batman.
And at the end of (this part of) the story, when Dick is dealing with several rogue cops in their home, he displays both the scary side of Batman inh.erited from his mentor (when he ties up one of the opponents, between panels no less--very effective, Mr. Snyder), as well as his own circus panache (disabling the other foe behind his back). (In Batman and Robin #17, Damian makes a snide comment--what other kind does he make?--about how, now that Bruce has returned, Dick seems to feel more free to be the "worryingly jolly Batman," but you wouldn't know it from Snyder's take.)
Even with the dark and morbid setting of this tale, it seems Mr. Snyder realizes fully that he's writing Dick Grayson, former Robin and Nightwing, as Batman, for that I am most grateful. Dick is not Bruce, as to the extent that Bruce is Batman is a very essential way, Dick cannot truly be Batman, and should not be Batman. Even as he grows more comfortable in the cowl, he should always be Dick Grayson, even if that prevents him from ever being Batman. It is my hope that Snyder gets a shot at writing the Nightwing title if and when it returns. (Please let that be "when.")
One curious thing about both this issue and Batman and Robin #17: both emphasize Dick's detective skills, the former in cooperation with Gordon, the latter with Damian. Of course, Dick has never been the master detective, like Bruce or Tim, so this rings a bit false, but that's a minor quibble with two immensely enjoyable comics, both of which contribute to my growing ease with Dick as Batman (for a while, at least).
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