REVIEW: ‘Nightwing,’ Issue #104

Nightwing #104 from DC Comics gives our hero a super status…for a price. Two tales fill the book, the first written by Tom Taylor and illustrated by Travis Moore. Adriano Lucas handles colors in both, as does Wes Abbott on letters. So, you know the score. Neron wants to own Olivia, Blockbuster’s superstrong daughter. Nightwing and the Titans said no, went to Hell, and sent the girl to Paradise Island. But Neron’s reach is vast, his temptations grand. In issue #103, he offered Nightwing superhuman powers to save the world better. Slight catch, however. He can keep them if he turns over Olivia’s soul. But he’s not going to go for it. Right?

Before I dig into the story’s start, let’s get to the most important part. With powers comes a new costume. Welcome to day-glow Nightwing, bringing yellow back to the costume from the 80s. Dick’s eyes glow, but overall, I love this look and kind of want yellow back in the costume again. But Dick has superpowers. Neron has sent villains to Paradise Island to attack the Titans, so off he goes. I would say the best part is Nightwing having powers and getting to use them. But no, this issue goes so much farther than that, and I can’t get into it, but let’s just say he gets to explore life from a completely different viewpoint. Taylor made it a heartfelt and a little moving action fest.

Moore’s artwork remains thick in the lines but graceful. Lucas is really shading and handling color dualities very well. Note the yellow/blue in Nightwing and the green/purple for Neron. Abbott controls the letters with keen coordination. If I have one note, not a complaint, about the first story, it’s this. Superwing. Let’s not use that again, LOL.

‘Night At The Circus’ concludes with this issue as Nightwing and Superman Jon Kent narrow in on the circus bomber. C.S. Pacat completes their run on this story of mystery and Nightwing as a teacher, with Daniel HDR on art chores. Here they get help from the ringmaster and nail down the name and ID of the bomber. Pacat spills the motive, so it’s up to Nightwing and Superman to search for his belongings and capture him.

Nightwing gets a more laid-back parental role by the end, but here he is the straightforward hero on the hunt. Superman gets to play the powerhouse handling the bomber. Pacat balances the strengths of both heroes well and cements their friendship.

HDR’s artwork is like Moore’s heavy on the border lines. But his work is very cool, but Superman’s face changes a bit too much in some panels, as does his skin tone. Besides that, all is well, and I hope he ends up on the next backup tale (please, let’s keep this going).

Nightwing #104 is a smooth book despite its demonic deals and dark tone. I feel Taylor has not only captured Nightwing perfectly, but he has nailed the 1980s Teen Titans vibe. About the only time I ever bothered with the team. Strange, now I love them so much, but this book made them pop. Nightwing is once again a leader, a parent, a friend, and now, an even bigger hero in an issue that can hardly contain him. Y’all, let yourselves have some fun and read this one.

Nightwing #104 is available now wherever comic books are sold.