SuperHeroBooks - Nightwing & Huntress

Firstly, the plot is irrelevant, as the sole purpose of this mini-series was to create an atmosphere where Nightwing and Huntress could become romantically involved. People familiar with both characters and the "DC Universe" in general will already have a knowledge of the Nightwing-Huntress dynamic (Nightwing is restrained, Huntress is unpolished, and etc.). Whenever these two have come into contact, the clash of styles has always defined their relationship and in many instances, driven the plot. It is no different here. With that said, the inclusion of it in the story is neither innovative nor compelling.

The main reason why I am giving this book a positive review is that it further complicates the relationship between Nightwing and Huntress. One may be compelled to say that the presence of this book reduces the credibility of both, recklessly altering the characters of two individuals that DC has spent years and even decades developing. My argument against this is that things change and people change. There needed to be more than just a clash of styles to drive their confrontations. Chuck Dixon has certainly used their affair as a point of tension during his run on Nightwing. Nightwing having his own monthly comic meant that there needed to be a direct association/history between the two in order for Huntress to make appearances. An affair is a plausible way to accomplish this. This book took Batman totally out of the picture - you now don't need point B to connect points A and C.

In addition, I would not take their later contentions that "it was a mistake" too literally as an editorial comment. What guy hasn't had an ex-girlfriend who they've conceded to a flaw in judgement? Ultimately, that's what it all boils down to - with no one around to judge them, two unchaperoned kids succumb to their hormones and do something they later regret. They have since reacted differently to each other because of it.

In the end, this graphic novel doesn't hold a straw to Alan Moore's "The Killing Joke" or even Doug Moench's "Knightfall" as required reading for Batman fans (you just have to "know" what happened at the beginning of the third comic, which everyone knows anyway). However, those who want to pick it up know what they're getting, and it's decent enough that if you happen not to like it, you wouldn't be kicking yourself too hard.

I really disliked this story immensely primarily because both Nightwing and Huntress are written WAY out of character and do things that neither character would do.

Helena "Huntress" Bertinelli, is an Italian American, who comes from a traditional Italian background. She is a devout Catholic and more to the point she has a great sense of pride and self-respect. She would never stoop to seducing/sleeping with a man to get something. More so what she desires more than anything in the world is Batman's respect and approval. A smart and shrewd woman like Huntress would know that seducing his former pupil in order to get in with him. Would be the fastest way of NOT getting Batman's respect. It would make her nothing more than a prostitute. A reputation that Huntress would run a mile to stay away from.

Dick "Nightwing" Grayson is an old fashioned gentleman. He is not the type of guy who indulges in one-night stands. Especially with a woman he barely knows and whom he really doesn't like. He is a capable leader and is not easily manipulated, he would have seen right up front that Huntress had no genuine interest in him and would have not touched her.

Since this story was written three successive authors at DC comics have tried to 'clean' up the events in this book. By having both characters refer to what happened as a "mistake".

I totally agree. It was a "mistake" that this story ever saw the light of day. As it did a disservice to two great characters.