Genre: Superhero | Writer: Tim Seeley | Artist: Mikel Janin | Release Date: 2014
After faking his death, Dick Grayson abandons Nightwing and becomes Agent 37 of the mysterious spy organization Spyral. Tasked with dangerous undercover missions, he must navigate espionage, betrayal, and secrecy—all while protecting his identity and true purpose.
Writing
Grayson, Issue 1 kicks off a bold new chapter in Dick Grayson’s life, penned by Tim Seeley with story elements developed by Tom King. The issue wastes no time throwing readers into a globe-trotting, espionage-fueled adventure. Having faked his death and abandoned the Nightwing mantle, Dick Grayson now operates as Agent 37 for the mysterious spy organization Spyral. Right from the opening scene—Dick free-falling onto a high-speed Trans-Siberian train—the tone is part Mission: Impossible, part James Bond, with a solid dash of comic-book physics.
The writing smartly blends spy-thriller energy with the classic Grayson charm. The story is fast paced, filled with clever twists like the wine trap for the undercover agent, and a covert abduction mid-ride. Grayson’s use of hypno implants and his ability to think on his feet shows how adaptable he is in this new world. But while the story has its cool factor turned up to eleven, some logic gaps exist—like how anyone survives jumping off a train and landing unscathed—but those are genre staples more than flaws.
Where the writing shines is in its character dynamics. Dick and Helena Bertinelli (Matron) play off each other well, teasing a potential partnership filled with tension and chemistry. The dialogue keeps things snappy and even lightly humorous without undercutting the stakes. The fight between Grayson and Midnighter is a standout sequence—intense, evenly matched, and well-written, showcasing Dick’s skill and Midnighter’s brutal tactics.
By the end, the narrative sets up intriguing threads: Minos’ real identity, the mysterious Paragon Protocol, and the ethically gray mission of identifying superhumans. The inclusion of spycraft tropes like identity protection (memory erasure and facial obfuscation) adds a modern sci-fi twist to classic cloak-and-dagger themes. The issue doesn’t overexplain its mystery box elements either, giving readers a reason to come back.
Rating: 4 out of 5.
Art Style
Mikel Janín’s art is absolutely stellar in Grayson, Issue 1. His clean, high-definition linework and cinematic compositions elevate the spy-thriller aesthetic to new heights. The opening panels immediately establish tone and movement: Grayson somersaulting onto a moving train is as fluid as it is wild. Janín balances motion and detail with finesse, capturing acrobatic action and subtler expressions in equal measure.
The paneling is sharp and efficient. The action sequences—especially the fight with Midnighter—are paced with precision. Each punch, kick, and counter is framed dynamically, making the fight feel impactful and brutal. Midnighter, with his Hush-meets-Batman vibe, oozes intimidation, thanks in part to his slick costume design and shadowed facial expressions.
Colorist Jeremy Cox also deserves credit for the atmosphere. The cold, icy blues of the Russian setting contrast beautifully with the rich, deep colors aboard the train and inside the Spyral facilities. The contrast between sleek spy-tech environments and brutal, chaotic combat helps ground the story while keeping things stylish.
Janín’s designs for characters like Matron and Minos add to the intrigue. Helena Bertinelli looks confident and capable, while Mister Minos, with his faceless identity, is eerie and commanding. The visual idea of Spyral’s agents having their identities erased from memory and cameras is reinforced subtly through clever visual blurring and distortion effects.
The visual storytelling here doesn’t just keep up with the fast-paced writing—it enhances it. Janín and Cox have created a stylish, kinetic world that doesn’t sacrifice clarity for flair. The issue moves fast but never becomes hard to follow.
Rating: 5 out of 5.
The Verdict
In the end, Grayson, Issue 1 redefines Dick Grayson’s legacy with a stylish, spy-thriller makeover. The writing is sharp, the action fierce, and the artwork cinematic. With a unique tone and intriguing setup, this is a promising start to a bold new series. Grayson, Issue 1 gets 4 out of 5.
Comments
Post a Comment