REVIEW: ‘Nightwing’ Issue #119

Nightwing #119 is published by DC Comics. It was written by Dan Watters, with art by Dexter Soy, colors by Veronica Gandini, and letters by Wes Abbott. This issue is part of the All-In relaunch. In Nightwing #119, while a gang war starts to brew in Blüdhaven, Nightwing tries to placate all the sides simultaneously.

Venturing into Blüdhaven with a new creative team, Nightwing #119 is an excellent reintroduction of Dick Grayson’s supporting cast. The first part of the comic features four brand-new villains huddled around the table, making plans and creating allegiances. But after Nightwing’s interruption, a war starts to bubble around the city.

It creates tension underneath the character, although Nightwing attempts a plan that tenuously works at best. It’s a more hopeful comic than Batman’s approach to Gotham, but only just. The pacing is slow in this first issue of Watters’ run, as many foundations must be established.

Not only are the gangsters and villains making steps, but so are the politicians and police. This is where a little bit of social commentary steps into the book, with conversations about police militarisation and brutality becoming a key part of the story. This is approached with a considered and nuanced tone, recognising multiple facets of the topic. This puts Nightwing at odds with the people that he is closest to. Alongside the great plot comes several fantastic fight scenes showing off the hero’s incredible athleticism and the new threats he will face.

The characters are fantastic, especially the writing of Dick Grayson. Watters understands and adapts to his personality instantly. He is more forgiving than Batman, looking for answers that don’t always end in punching. These might not always end in the right decisions, but they show a sense of hopefulness and heart.

There are two prominent figures involved in Nightwing #119. First, there is Oracle, also known as Barbara Gordon. The person that Nightwing trusts the most. Oracle is barely seen in this issue, but she can be heard. She’s in Dick’s ear, always listening and offering advice. The love between the two is heartwarming and sweet, with an undestroyable chemistry. Then there is Melina, Nightwing’s sister and Mayor of Blüdhaven. While they are close, their different careers can put them on opposing sides.

There are villains that Nightwing has to face with his domino mask off and on. The gangsters he finds are classic, over-the-top comic villains. They are quirky and fun, with great names for supervillains. But as Dick Grayson, he sees the CEO of a company that makes weapons that can kill superheroes. Facing these different characters requires separate conversations, and Watters brilliantly diversifies that. However, in both showdowns, Nightwing demonstrates where Batman has trained him and where his personality steps in.

The art is brilliant. It can handle superheroes and casual domestic situations equally. The new villains are superb designs. Some are mere humans, others ridiculous and comedic. But in the streets of the DC Universe, all is possible. Their henchmen, who are more pivotal in this story than the leaders, all mimic the same style as their bosses.

A mysterious villain is pulling all of the strings. He is creepy and insidious, with a terrifying visage. The shadows created by Soy are big and solid. The speed and intensity are fantastic when Nightwing goes to battle with them. The blurring demonstrates just how fast Nightwing is. The explosions are big and grandiose. But then, when he is out of costume, there is a calmness. But the emotions are still clear and easily identifiable.

The colors can occasionally be bold amid an issue filled with shadows. The bright tones are only used when needed. This is most notable for Nightwing’s costume, with the bluebird on his chest often the most prominent part of the panel. But the book’s villain makes a sinister black-and-white image that is haunting and supernatural. The lettering is crisp and clear, standing out among the shadowy pages.

Nightwing #119 is refreshing and consistent. Watters follows a successful era and maintains the energy and tone while adding new and exciting ideas. The quality, with a solid, gripping storyline, doesn’t dip in the slightest. The gang war about to burst is only part of the tension building everywhere within the issue.

Nightwing #119 has the shadows and villains of Batman but with slightly more lightness and a more hopeful hero at the helm, and this creative team has embraced that beautifully. Within that storyline are questions brought from reality that have both impact and weight.

Nightwing #119 is available where costumes are sold.