With an underworld heist underway, Nightwing #103 wages towards the conclusion of Rise of the Underworld. During this primary story, Tom Taylor and Travis Moore continue their backup pilot for the upcoming Titans series. Meanwhile, in this issue’s backup, Nightwing and Superman unearth more revelations about the circus tragedy that nearly tore a family apart. Here, C.S. Pacat and Eduardo Pansica take advantage of the backup pages they have to craft a Nightwing story that is sure to go down as timeless. Together, these two stories form a solid issue that should keep readers engaged.
The primary story progresses at a steady pace that continues to deliver an enjoyable story. The team gets split into two, half in the underworld and half protecting Olivia. Through these moments, we can see how Taylor writes the Titans, which may reassure some as his upcoming Titans series launches next month. However, there are a number of cliches that are a little too tongue-in-cheek that disrupt the story. They don’t completely detract from the plot, but it does make the story seem a little too reliant on pop culture references. Luckily, the story as a whole succeeds in maintaining an engaging plot with an exciting cliffhanger.
Travis Moore simply was meant to draw the Titans. His art is perfect for this arc, and it shows through his bright pages and ability to bring the tone to the forefront of the page. Whether through dialogue or body language, Moore truly gets these characters, and he continues to depict their personalities in big and little ways that fit the environment.
In the backup story, a different kind of battle is inching toward its epic conclusion. C.S. Pacat is writing some of the best Nightwing content in these few pages and complements his leadership and detective skills with his emotional intelligence and warmth. The story itself is unlike anything is done before because it takes a mystery and fully grounds it in humanity. There is no big villain from the past coming to haunt Nightwing and his connection to the circus; the villain, who may or may not be revealed within these pages, still have very unknown motives. However, the story focuses more on family and independence. This seems to work effectively in showing the history of both Dick and Jon while connecting it to the readers. Maybe we aren’t so different from superheroes after all?
Eduardo Pansica is doing some spectacular work on these pages. Few artists make Nightwing, a muscular acrobatic vigilante, seem realistic, but Pansica has mastered this. Nightwing seems weathered compared to Superman’s leaner and eager personality. But more importantly, in an issue centralized on emotions, the setting has to match the tone. And it certainly does, as each panel finds ways to pull at the heartstrings.
Overall, Nightwing #103 is a good issue with a strong backup. Although the main story is a bit predictable and cheesy, it’s enjoyable nonetheless. The secondary story shines brighter this time, with a great message for anyone to connect with. Both artists are putting 110% into their craft and it’s something to be grateful for as the entire issue is beautifully drawn from cover to cover. Overall, readers who are looking for either hint as to what to expect in the upcoming Titans series or want a good mystery are sure to enjoy this issue.
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