With a new purpose after learning of his connection to the Court of Owls, Nightwing sets on a new enterprise, if anything, to spite those who believed his fate and Gotham's were already decided. Having Dick settle permanently in the city is a much more interesting prospect than having him tour around with Haly's circus; despite the potential for adventures on the road, Gotham offers enough mysteries and action as proven in the first chapter of "Republic of Tomorrow, Today."

Nightwing's cast expands in the form of deputy Kavanaugh, shady detective Nie, and mafia daughter Sonia Zucco; each one bringing their own dose of conflict to the party. His villains gallery also gains a new member in Paragon, who from the get-go seems to be at least tangentially associated to recent events and Gotham's history. Barrows and Borges bring Higgins' script to life with vibrant and energetic pencils to successfully kick start this new arc.