Corruption, crime, and a supervillain with too much power are just a few problems Nightwing is facing in his ongoing series. That’s evident from the start in Nightwing #93, out today from DC Comics. It’s an issue that blends realistic situations like bad cops while Nightwing continues to try to do good for Blüdhaven.
Nightwing #93 opens with Blockbuster and Heartless confronting one another in Blockbuster’s office. Gangsters with great power, things don’t go well for Heartless as the power dynamic is tested. This scene is a nice reminder of Blockbuster’s ability to hold his own even though he typically has others fighting for him.
The main focus of this issue is Nightwing and Oracle’s work to uncover who defaced the Alfred statue erected in the last issue. It’s great seeing these characters interact and there’s a funny but touching moment between them to boot.
There’s a political element to the issue as well involving cops. Living in America, it’s safe to say police aren’t always trusted nor do they usually bring a sense of calm to a situation. That’s depicted well in this issue as the police are uncovered to be corrupt. This revelation leads to further proof that Blüdhaven has a long way to go to ensure its streets are safe.
Um, watch out!
Credit: DC Comics
Drawn by Bruno Redondo with inks by Wade Von Grawbadger (on pages 14-20), this issue continues the trend of very clean art in this series. The layout designs aren’t quite as splashy or impressive as previous issues, but then again Redondo has been breaking new ground visually so often I think we might be spoiled. The use of Ben-Day dots is a nice touch to give the book a classic feel with shadows and the opening action scene captures the incredible strength of Blockbuster.
Action in this issue is rudimentary but logical. I can’t recall the last time a paint bucket was used so well, which Redondo pulls off in a natural and believable way. There is a motorcycle scene that’s cool too, although a swing off a bridge is a little hard to follow. A grappling hook on a motorcycle, though, is a chef’s kiss moment for Nightwing.
Colored by Adriano Lucas, this issue continues to use lots of pinks and purples to give it a retro feel. That’s especially true with the opening scene set at sunset. Scenes shot during the day have a brightness that adds a layer of positivity and hopefulness to the series.
It’s hard not to judge this issue of Nightwing too harshly given how many issues in a row have been near perfection. This issue falls prey to some less spectacular art via framing as well as a story that progresses the plot too slowly. The main confrontation with the police feels relevant to issues with cops in today’s climate, but it’s also a blip in the grand scheme of things in regards to the larger story.
Nightwing #93 is a good chapter that may not wow, but it has plenty of moments for Nightwing and action fans alike. The cliffhanger certainly is bizarre as Taylor and Redondo reveal Heartless may be at a whole ‘nother level of super.
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