Connect with us
Nightwing #18 Review

Comic Books

Nightwing #18 Review

The “Nightwing Must Die!” story arc continues with a third installment chock full of art history references, Deathwing acting sinister, and Dick Grayson having feelings. So, is it good?

Nightwing #18 (DC Comics)

Nightwing #18 Review
Deathwing, from his unflinching brutality to the fact that he looks like a fighting game’s player 2 color swap of Nightwing, has often felt like the main villain that this arc is building up for an epic final showdown. That might still happen in a future issue, but Nightwing #18’s great villain moments are all about Professor Pyg. The issue begins with Pyg waxing poetic about artists’ natures and pregnancy metaphors, and things just get more dramatic (yet campy) from there. Dick and Damian make their entrance in a dynamic splash page that instantly gets one excited for the action sequences that follow.
Nightwing #18 Review

Listen to the latest episode of our weekly comics podcast!

This issue is a lot of fun, but it is also emotionally moving at all the right moments. Pyg’s over-the-top speeches are fantastic, as is the Dollotron modeled after Damian. The brainwashed Boy Wonder dupe gives Dick and Damian a much needed speech about their brotherhood and how much they need each other, and his conviction is as amazing as the bond he’s describing. Seeing Dick and Damian bickering and fighting side-by-side again is awesome. Writer Tim Seeley’s dialogue is on-point throughout the entire issue, and the pacing is excellent. The beginning, middle, and end all feel both exciting and necessary; Seeley spends just enough time on each scene before shifting to the next.

Javier Fernandez is on the art as usual, along with Minkyu Jung. As is the norm for this series, the action is well-choreographed, and most of the panel layouts are fantastic. Chris Sotomayor’s colors are also on-point, resulting in final pages that exemplify how great visual storytelling can be. From the writing to the art to the coloration, the whole creative team is on their game this issue. As I mentioned previously, Professor Pyg is the standout villain of the moment, but Deathwing gets some great moments as well. Thankfully, he’s starting to come into his own as an interesting character instead of just a generic anti-Dick Grayson.

This issue juggles a lot of different characters with resounding success. My main complaint is that Shawn Tsang, despite getting a quick moment in the spotlight, continues to feel underutilized. Her character and relationship with Dick show a lot of potential, so it’s disappointing to see those aspects of the series get rushed so much. Overall though, this series continues to deliver. Nightwing #18 is a blast.

Nightwing #18 Review
Nightwing #18
Is it good?
Nightwing #18 is a blast. The dialogue, pacing, and artwork are all on-point.
Professor Pyg’s dialogue is delightful
Dick and Damian continue to be the best duo around
Great composition choices by the art team
Shawn Tsang continues to be underutilized
9
Great
Buy Now

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

WWE SmackDown preview, full card: March 1, 2024 WWE SmackDown preview, full card: March 1, 2024

WWE SmackDown preview, full card: March 1, 2024

Pro Wrestling

AEW Rampage preview, full card: March 1, 2024 AEW Rampage preview, full card: March 1, 2024

AEW Rampage preview, full card: March 1, 2024

Pro Wrestling

Marvel unveils the new villains Bloodcoven appearing in 'Blood Hunt' Marvel unveils the new villains Bloodcoven appearing in 'Blood Hunt'

Marvel unveils the new villains Bloodcoven appearing in ‘Blood Hunt’

Comic Books

Marvel Preview: Ms. Marvel: Mutant Menace #1 Marvel Preview: Ms. Marvel: Mutant Menace #1

Marvel Preview: Ms. Marvel: Mutant Menace #1

Comic Books

Connect
Newsletter Signup