REVIEW: ‘Nightwing,’ Issue #105

Nightwing #105 from DC offers a very unique view for its fans. Tom Taylor is the series writer, with Bruno Redondo on art, Adriano Lucas on colors, and Wes Abbott on lettering. The adventure in Hell with the Titans, and Dick getting powers, is done. The time is ripe for the creative team to drop a single-issue story and in doing so have decided to try something new all around. Redondo, already killing it with his simplistic yet evocative art style, tests his limits on this issue by drawing the entire thing from Nightwing’s viewpoint. That means you, the reader, are seeing this issue through your hero’s eyes. Seriously. It starts with the cover art. You’re not ready.

The issue begins with Dick opening his eyes in the morning to see Barbara Gordon by his side in bed, the panel itself a gorgeous piece of art and capturing the peaceful and bright atmosphere. Taylor and Redono deliver humor too with funny bits of real-world style getting up and facing the day that humanizes the story and its characters. The same goes for Lucas on the illuminating colors (especially the difference in colors from real life to mirror reflections) and Abbott for posting balloons away from the view, which looks as if that may have been more challenging this issue with the framework they’re implementing.

The story centers on the theft of a biological weapon, and the presence of old Nightwing adversaries the Double Dare twins. Nightwing and Batgirl encounter the twins while they’re en route to catch a train which devolves into greater complications. Taylor plants a solid, action-packed story that manages to stay as light on its feet as the titular, acrobatic star. The running jokes and the beauty that is the Dick/Barbara relationship shine.

Nightwing #105  quickly gets back on its feet in terms of what this story is about and that’s Nightwing, Barbara, and their love. Bitewing. Bludhaven. Nightwing’s woes, capabilities, and foes. The Titans have their own book now, and while I enjoyed their time here, it’s nice to get back into the literal swing of things.

This issue will be judged solely on whether or not the character’s POV flies though in my case it’s a stunning winner. It may not work or be as eye-catching in every panel, but 90% of this experiment is a success. The first-person POV is a trend that would be great to see more often — apologies in advance to any future artists who would have to struggle with the visual logistics. But as usual, this is a gorgeous book chock full of nifty quips, sleek action, cool twists, and just enough information to keep the machinations of Bludhaven churning along.

Nightwing #105 is a visual delight, a fun story, and a swift return to what this book is all about. Taylor and company crafted a fine issue that delivers on their usual expertise in storytelling, art, colors, and words, then tacks on what might seem like a mere gimmick to further enhance all of this comic’s strong points. Nightwing is DC’s top hero, a leader, mentor, detective, brother, lover, and all-around Boy Wonder. This issue radiates all of those.

I’ll never stop recommending this comic, but if you haven’t read Nightwing yet, by all means get this issue!

Nightwing #105 is available wherever comic books are sold.