Connect with us
Nightwing #35 Review

Comic Books

Nightwing #35 Review

A new creative team introduces their take on Dick Grayson.

[amazon_link asins=’B076DPQZT2′ template=’AiPTProductAd’ store=’aiptcomics-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’d2ca5ec0-e4de-11e7-9b5d-2fc3a9a6874f’]

Nightwing #35 is an important benchmark for the series, as it’s the first issue by an all-new creative team. Sam Humphries takes over as the series’ writer, Bernard Chang is on art, and Marcelo Maiolo provides coloration. Is the introduction of fresh blood a good thing after the Seeley, Fernandez, and Sotomayor run’s penduluming quality, or does this issue forebode poor storylines to come?

Listen to the latest episode of our weekly comics podcast!

From page one onward, this issue demands attention with its visuals. Blüdhaven is a city of gambling and nightlife, and Maiolo’s heavy use of neon colors throughout really sells that fact. Besides establishing setting context, the prominent neon coloration is just a joy to look at. Maiolo contrasts the stunningly bright with deep dark tones very well, as Dick’s mostly black costume provides natural contrast to the bright pinks and purples that surround him. This issue’s rendering of Blüdhaven feels electric in a way that most past Nightwing artists have failed to capture this effectively. Bernard Chang’s line-art is mostly solid as well, with a nice fluid sense of action. Chang’s rendition of Dick is also strong, as the character looks athletic without having an extreme bodybuilder’s figure.

Speaking of setting elements, Dick’s got a brand new headquarters and job. The choice feels fresh while still making perfect sense: he’s a cross train instructor now. Here’s hoping that this creative team continues to incorporate Dick’s civilian life into future issues, because it’s a great inclusion here. Also enjoyable is the chance to see Dick interact with others in a variety of contexts. Detective Svoboda is back from the previous run, and a number of new characters (both an antagonist and hopefully recurring supporting cast members) are introduced as well. I particularly like the ironically named (due to his shark-head) Guppy.

Nightwing #35 Review

[amazon_link asins=’B076DPQZT2′ template=’BottomAdAIPT’ store=’aiptcomics-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’66accd05-e4df-11e7-8428-cb87d0a1d143′]

Though this issue serves as a solid introduction to the new creative team’s run, it has some faults. The new villain, The Judge, doesn’t get much page-time, and neither his design nor M.O. are interesting enough to trigger much interest. He seems to have some sort of mind control powers or technology, but his specific flair isn’t unique enough yet. It’s also worth noting that, though we see Dick interact with a variety of people, we have yet to see him bond with anyone he’s close to or face someone he’s ideologically opposed to in a memorable fashion. If this is going to be not just a good run but a great run, the character drama is going to have to be heightened in future issues. The kinetic visuals kept me reading more than the actual plot did.

Overall, Nightwing #35 is a solid issue and a good sign in terms of future issues’ quality level. If the new creative team is delivering work this solid from the jump, then hopefully things will just get better as they get further adjusted to the book. Chang and Maiolo deliver kinetic neon action with the visuals, and Humphries does a solid job introducing a number of new characters and plot elements. This issue is a good time; it’s not great yet, but it shows the potential to be so later.

Nightwing #35 Review
Nightwing #35
Is it good?
Electric artwork and solid writing make this a promising first chapter for a new creative team's run on Nightwing.
The line-work has a good sense of movement and there are impressive composition choices
The color work is simply fantastic
Guppy is a promising new cast member
The villain isn't particularly interesting thus far
Dick doesn't have very affecting character drama as of yet
7.5
Good

Join the AIPT Patreon

Want to take our relationship to the next level? Become a patron today to gain access to exclusive perks, such as:

  • ❌ Remove all ads on the website
  • 💬 Join our Discord community, where we chat about the latest news and releases from everything we cover on AIPT
  • 📗 Access to our monthly book club
  • 📦 Get a physical trade paperback shipped to you every month
  • 💥 And more!
Sign up today
Comments

In Case You Missed It

Marvel reveals Rachel Summers and Betsy Braddock to get X-Men series Marvel reveals Rachel Summers and Betsy Braddock to get X-Men series

Marvel reveals Rachel Summers and Betsy Braddock to get X-Men series

Comic Books

X-Men Monday #244 - Christos Gage Talks 'Weapon X-Men' X-Men Monday #244 - Christos Gage Talks 'Weapon X-Men'

X-Men Monday #244 – Christos Gage Talks ‘Weapon X-Men’

Comic Books

'Batman: Dark Age' #1 is an intriguing reinterpretation of the Caped Crusader's beginnings 'Batman: Dark Age' #1 is an intriguing reinterpretation of the Caped Crusader's beginnings

‘Batman: Dark Age’ #1 is an intriguing reinterpretation of the Caped Crusader’s beginnings

Comic Books

New Hellboy 30th Anniversary teaser hints at new statue New Hellboy 30th Anniversary teaser hints at new statue

New Hellboy 30th Anniversary teaser hints at new statue

Comic Books

Connect
Newsletter Signup