While "The Court of Owls" might be one of Batman's greatest stories ever told, it for sure is the one that redefined the character of Dick Grayson to his core. This tie-in to "Night of the Owls" certainly cements that. Through Talon William Cobb -Dick's ancestor- more of Gotham's past and strange nature is revealed, as well as Haly's Circus true, sinister purpose. Higgins is able to recreate the Grayson lineage in such an organic, non-forced manner, that it is almost as if it had been designed like that from the very beginning.

Barrows and Guinaldo's shared art duties are yet another highlight of this issue, and the crossover in general. Their post-victorian interpretation of old Gotham is flawlwss, while the present day fight scenes are crisp and fluid. The impact this secret origin will have on Nightwing is still to be seen; the potential for endless conflict and turmoil is clear, but right now the book is in such good hands, that it should not be seen with any concern.