library_jones's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
fandom4ever's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Batman: Prodigal is the follow-up story to Batman: Knightfall, taking place shortly after Bruce’s defeat of Jean Paul Valley. Having taken back the mantle of Batman, Bruce once again hands off the cowl, but this time he makes the correct choice in Dick Grayson; former Robin, current Nightwing.
I was really excited to read this story-arc, ready to see how Dick would handle the mantle of Batman but while the overall story was good, it wasn’t great. For starters, we don’t even get to see Bruce ask Dick to take over for him, it’s kind of jarring how it goes from Nightwing and Robin stopping burglars to Dick donning the cowl and Bruce leaving. I did really enjoy the fact that Dick’s first job as Batman involved going against Two-Face, the one villain he crossed paths with in his beginning days as Robin and forever felt he failed against. And while he does get to work through that past trauma, I expected more depth from it. Many of his thoughts across the different issues, just seemed to repeat or reiterate the same lines over and over. Perhaps I’m asking too much from a comic and wanting it to be more like a book but I don’t think so, I’ve read plenty of comics that are able to satisfactorily convey emotional depth.
Then except for some instances as Batman and the way Dick interacts with Robin/Tim, I almost felt like if you didn’t know Dick was the one wearing the cowl, you would just think it was Bruce and an average day in Gotham. And that’s not a good thing. Bruce and Dick are completely different people who approach crime-fighting and life in completely different ways. Dick’s Batman should come across differently especially since it’s his first time trying to be Batman, I would think more of his caring and humorous self would show through.
There is a really good part in the last issue where Dick confronts Bruce about the whole Jean Paul incident and indeed the way they split on not so good terms. It’s a great instance of showing that Dick won’t take Bruce’s brushing off of everyone and will make him own up to his decisions.
Overall, even with my disappointment in truly seeing how Dick feels about taking on the Batman mantle, Prodigy is worth a read after completing Knightfall in comic or book form.
I was really excited to read this story-arc, ready to see how Dick would handle the mantle of Batman but while the overall story was good, it wasn’t great. For starters, we don’t even get to see Bruce ask Dick to take over for him, it’s kind of jarring how it goes from Nightwing and Robin stopping burglars to Dick donning the cowl and Bruce leaving. I did really enjoy the fact that Dick’s first job as Batman involved going against Two-Face, the one villain he crossed paths with in his beginning days as Robin and forever felt he failed against. And while he does get to work through that past trauma, I expected more depth from it. Many of his thoughts across the different issues, just seemed to repeat or reiterate the same lines over and over. Perhaps I’m asking too much from a comic and wanting it to be more like a book but I don’t think so, I’ve read plenty of comics that are able to satisfactorily convey emotional depth.
Then except for some instances as Batman and the way Dick interacts with Robin/Tim, I almost felt like if you didn’t know Dick was the one wearing the cowl, you would just think it was Bruce and an average day in Gotham. And that’s not a good thing. Bruce and Dick are completely different people who approach crime-fighting and life in completely different ways. Dick’s Batman should come across differently especially since it’s his first time trying to be Batman, I would think more of his caring and humorous self would show through.
There is a really good part in the last issue where Dick confronts Bruce about the whole Jean Paul incident and indeed the way they split on not so good terms. It’s a great instance of showing that Dick won’t take Bruce’s brushing off of everyone and will make him own up to his decisions.
Overall, even with my disappointment in truly seeing how Dick feels about taking on the Batman mantle, Prodigy is worth a read after completing Knightfall in comic or book form.
pipelonco's review
dark
3.5
piola ver a dick como batman,sus desmadres mentales de no sentirse comodo siendo el antihoeroe a experimentar cambiado el crimen desde que dejo la ciudadse entremezclan bien, sobretodo que damian le ponga en duda su autoridad porque nota que le falta tacto en ser detective.Tambien anda satisfactoria la charla final con bruce donde por fin se sinceran de como se sentianal separarse(aunque no fue la primera vez que pasa,espero que esta si sea una catarsis definitiva) solo quedo al debe que dejen un nuevo villano en el final sin una conlcusion con el hype que le abordaron
ladydewinter's review
5.0
I enjoyed this one as much as I thought I would. Dick taking up the mantle of the Bat made much more sense than Azrael doing so, and to read about his struggle with all that - being Batman, not being Robin, not-quite being Nightwing - was really interesting. His confrontation with Two-Face was a nice touch, but the best thing about this really is the ending, plus the talk between Dick and Bruce. I've really taken quite the liking to these characters. (This is an understatement.)
Added after the 3rd read: Yes, this is trés melodramatic. Yes, the art is questionable at times. Yes, Dick has his ponytail. But despite all this, Prodigal remains one of my favorites. It's a must-read for everyone who likes Dick Grayson, and his dynamic with both Tim and Bruce are to die for.
Added after the 3rd read: Yes, this is trés melodramatic. Yes, the art is questionable at times. Yes, Dick has his ponytail. But despite all this, Prodigal remains one of my favorites. It's a must-read for everyone who likes Dick Grayson, and his dynamic with both Tim and Bruce are to die for.
booknooknoggin's review
3.0
It was fun seeing Dick as Batman. But it was for such a short time,and must have missed why Bruce left to begin with.
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