A teenage Dick Grayson is an unenthused member of the Flying Graysons. Wanting to branch out on his own, away from circus life, he and his best friend (Willow) take a drive to explore the Wyoming countryside and see if there are any people their own ages. After coming across the local party spot, they meet Luciana and Quinn, two members of the rival carnival that has set up stakes right next door. Dick is immediately smitten with Luciana and helps break up a fight when local boys try to attach Quinn and Luciana. Willow can tell Dick is smitten but warns him of how it might look. Dick goes to check out the neighboring carnival and thinks it’s amazing. He is especially drawn to Luciana and her uncle when they practice their magic act. As a magician, Willow cautions this is not like any magic she’s ever seen. When Willow is attacked and put into a magical coma, Dick takes it upon himself to find out whether this Lost Circus is really what it seems.
The art in The Lost Carnival is beautifully done, giving the graphic novel a definite feeling of an earlier time. Dick Grayson is shown as wanting to get away from his parents, and its a bit of a gut shot when you remember he ends up an orphan shortly after this time period. The story by Michael Moreci is charming, and the illustrations by Sas Milledge and Phil Hester.
The Lost Carnival: A Dick Grayson Graphic Novel is available now.
