Nightwing #102 comes out of the gate swinging with suspense as we find Nightwing in a precarious situation. Tom Taylor and Travis Moore bring the best out in each other in a story about trust and teamwork. With The Grinning Man stealing Nightwing’s appearance, it seems like Dick Grayson is going to have a few hurdles before bringing this new eerie villain to justice. In the story’s backup, C.S. Pacat and Eduardo Pansica bring their A-game in a disturbing mystery story all too familiar to Nightwing.
I was originally on the fence about the title covering a Titan’s story while capturing the essence of the main character. Taylor is no stranger to writing a team story or a solo series; however, I had my doubts. Although I was concerned with the premise that seems like a buildup to launch the Titans series in May, I was luckily proven wrong. Throughout the issue, Taylor finds time to capture the essence of the supporting cast in nuanced ways that show his knowledge of the characters. However, it’s never lost on the reader who the hero of this story is. It’s through the little moments that the story supports itself in delivering a well-rounded plot that shows Nightwing’s leadership abilities while working with DC’s current premier team.
The Titans have often been stereotyped as the go-to team soap opera book, but Taylor stays true to their fundamental purpose. The Titans are a family who always has each other’s back. Throughout their various stories, this family has been tested time and time again but has continued to come out on top because they stick together. The Grinning Man poses a serious threat to this team, but the Titans aren’t unfamiliar with the supernatural. Through their trust in each other, they might just shine brighter than before.
Travis Moore has worked hard to improve his skill as an artist throughout the year. Although he is often known for his spectacular covers, Travis Moore has shown his versatility throughout this arc. The issue may not be heavy on continuous action or fight scenes, but the emotion in each panel carries the narrative. Body language and sincere facial expressions help deliver the tone of the story, but it’s Moore’s zooming in and out through panels that deliver a critical role in raising the suspense of the story. Overall, the art in Nightwing couldn’t be better for a team-up story.
In the backup, C.S. Pacat continues the journey of Nightwing and Superman working to solve a circus mystery. As if cutting the trapeze ropes wasn’t enough for the mysterious attacker, they felt it necessary to blow up the circus tent itself. Pacat brings a familiar concept to Nightwing but shifts the focus of this circus story towards exhibiting Nightwing’s detective skills and strengths as a mentor. It makes for an exhilarating story that captivates the reader and leaves them wanting more.
Eduardo Pansica might be one of my new favorite artists for Nightwing. Pansica perfectly captures the character’s experience, emotion, and physique. As an acrobat, Nightwing hasn’t needed to be as bulky as Batman, and Pansica perfectly captures the character’s muscular build while keeping him lean. Pansica also depicts Jon as the ideal Superman. Jon carries himself as a kind and gentle hero, but not one to be pushed around. All in all, the art in the backup is nothing short of perfect.
Overall, Nightwing #102 is a great issue that keeps the readers’ interest. Both stories develop at a healthy pace while being brought to life by two spectacular artists. For as every bit as spooky as The Grinning Man is, the unknown menace at the circus seems to be every bit as cruel. By the time the issue is over, most readers will be anxiously anticipating the next installment.
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!
You must be logged in to post a comment.