Part four of Nightwing's "On With The Show" focuses on the secret origin of Olivia Pearce. At the same time, Dan Watters briefly explores Dick Grayson's time as Robin. As Nightwing desperately tries to convince the powers that be of the growing corruption, the gang war continues to escalate out of control. Ultimately, there seems to be little he can do about any of it. Let's discuss further below!

Circus Folk

After breaking into Olivia Pearce's computer, Nightwing unveils her villainous true identity. Years ago as Robin, the Dynamic Duo confronted a criminal organization known as "Cirque Du Sin." Not unlike Charles De Ghoul's Cirque Du Mort, Cirque Du Sin's nihilistic carnies and edgy clowns seemingly kill the rich for nothing at all. In fact, they make a point to juggle skulls and make trapezes out of human remains just because they can. Nonetheless, Batman and Robin dismiss them as Joker wannabes and mostly dispatch of the jobbers without much effort. That is, apart from a young Olivia Pearce going by the name "Colombina."

Colombina gets her name from the popular Commedia dell'arte clowns from Italian theater. Interestingly, several other major Batman rogues like Harley Quinn or Punch and Judy borrow influence from this same source. Regardless, Soy dresses his playful antagonist in a pale blue female ringmaster-themed trapeze outfit. Most of her interaction with Robin takes place over an elaborate chase through the compound, immediately clocking Robin's comfort and expertise with the setting. Most importantly, Colombina expresses a desire for kinship with Robin, expounding on her orphan background and her mysterious benefactor "Zanni's" mutual interest in him. However, Watters hints at concerning elements of possible supernatural forces at work in the faction.

But Nobody Believes Me

So far, Dexter Soy's illustrations are fairly unappealing. While at times his style feels dynamic and expressive like the imposing image of Zanni or the skull juggler, his jagged anatomy and inconsistent perspective and value hasn't worked for me. At the very least, the imagery doesn't impede readers from understanding what is happening scene by scene. Anyway, in honor of the issue's circus theme, Dexter Soy and Veronica Gandini design an ornate carnival composition for the cover. In the interiors, the circus appears stylistically dark and barren. In addition, the Batman and Robin flashbacks have a desaturated sepia-like filter, distinguishing them from panels set in the present day. Batman's design itself resembles the Dan Mora World's Finest look with the blue cowl and gold symbol with the "bat-feet."

In the modern day, Nightwing makes his desperate appeal to Commissioner Sawyer and Mayor Grayson. Despite the overwhelming evidence to the contrary, the authorities approve of Spheric and Helio's abusive actions in the previous issue. As a matter of fact, Sawyer calls out Nightwing for attacking the police over a suspicious armorer. Ironically, the only "acceptable" physical evidence in possession would compromise his identity. Frustratingly, even after offering his help and hiding the Teddies, other gangs aren't ready to cooperate. To make matters worse, the gangs seemingly start leaning into the terrorist narrative themselves. As a result, Nightwing broods in the abandoned Titans Tower, somehow unable to convince anyone of the obvious. Hilariously, Barbara calls him out on it in one of the sole moments of levity in the book.

Recommended If...

• You're enjoying Nightwing.
• You miss old school Batman & Robin.
• Fascinated by circus/carnival lore.

Overall

First and foremost, the Spheric Solutions plotline is infuriatingly ridiculous. There is far too much precedent and evidence in Nightwing's favor to buy this scenario playing out this corruptly. The evil is so blatant and without cover up that it is almost insulting to watch Grayson struggle to prove it. Secondly, Dexter Soy's visual communication is weaker than I would like, but it has its fans. On a positive note, you can hardly go wrong with Batman and Robin flashbacks. Although, the book's settings feel lifelessly empty and the action in this particular issue is dull. I'm most impressed by Watter's exploration of the dell'arte pantheon of characters like Zanni and Colombina and what they are capable of. Though, their claim on Grayson mirrors the fascination expressed by the Court Of Owls. Perhaps readers will enjoy this mystery as it develops, but for now it is sadly irritating.

Score: 6/10

DC Comics have provided advance copies of books for review.