‘Nightwing’ #111 poses the question: What’s wrong with Nightwing?!

Nightwing #111 contains two great mysteries while also showing how well Batman and Nightwing can work together.

February 20, 2024

This review contains spoilers for Nightwing #111!

After a quick sabbatical learning what a pirate’s life is like for Nightwing, it’s time to return to… Gotham City? Wait, what?! It seems Heartless has decided to expand his horizons and see whether the Big Bad Bat is up to the task. But, Heartless seems to have ulterior motives in Gotham City. Sometimes history tends to repeat itself, and other times people try to recreate history. With the knowledge Heartless was also there that fateful day at Haley’s Circus, it seems that he plans to mentally torment two heroes. For this brief arc, which seems to be leading up to Nightwing’s final showdown with Heartless, it’s time for the Dynamic Duo to unite to save the day! In this issue, writer Tom Taylor collaborates with artist Sami Basri for the main story while Michael Conrad and Francesco Francavilla tell a story set in the distant past.

Listen to the latest episode of our weekly comics podcast!

DC Comics

Given the current state of Batman in his own title, it isn’t too clear when this takes place. That said, it’s safe to assume it’s either before or after his current battle with Zur-en Arrh has been resolved. Either way, it isn’t super relevant to the story as the primary focus is on how successful of a team the two are capable of being. Taylor takes a lot of time using the story to parallel the necessity of compassion needed for a grieving child throughout generations. Through this, the story shifts between past and present quite a bit, showing the reader the importance that Alfred was to Bruce, that Bruce was to Dick, and how that has shaped who they are as heroes. Although the two have butted heads a bit recently, they’re rather alike and have similar goals. This issue does a great job showing that relationship’s impact as they help a grieving child.

The main story is overall very enjoyable and a heartfelt read from start to finish. However. there’s one thing that feels a bit odd: Dick Grayson is afraid of heights. And Batman’s reaction to this news is rather unexpected. This substance of this interaction between the pair does seem a bit off considering the nature of the pair’s dynamic. Considering Batman’s often obsessive nature, one would likely expect him to immediately delve into the problem. However, he is the World’s Greatest Detective for a reason, and the arc isn’t quite over yet, so it’s likely to be touched upon in the next issue.

DC Comics

In the backup story by Conrad and Francavilla, there isn’t much to say without spoiling the little we know about this story. Long ago, in a faraway land, there seems to be a connection to Dick Grayson that surely is important. Conrad has written Nightwing quite a bit now, and this backup, which both has nothing and everything to do with Nightwing, shows the importance of Dick’s family tree. The Son of Gray is after his father’s murderer, and the rest will both shock and bewilder many. Overall, this story is very interesting as it poses a dangerous series of questions about the Graysons.

Sami Basri does a spectacular job illustrating this issue. Because this issue is a mystery story, it isn’t very action-oriented. However, Basri does a great job using the page space to fill it with thicker shadings which cast a foreboding shadow over the story. This gives a lot of focus on the nuances that usually don’t get as much focus and help relay the somber tone to the readers. Partnered with Basri are inker Vicente Cifuentes and colorist Adriano Lucas, who help provide more depth. Similarly. Francesco Francavilla does a spectacular job bringing the backup story to life through the rain and fire which overcast the entire story. The art is simply spectacular and reminiscent of his work on Batman: Black Mirror. Overall, the artists in this issue do a splendid job of carrying the emotional gravity of the story.

Nightwing #111 is a great story that seemingly prepares Nightwing for his final battle with Heartless. Additionally, this issue utilizes Batman in the best way possible for a Nightwing story: putting him in a supporting role that elevates Dick’s importance to the story rather than relying on his former mentor. Also, the story contains a strong backup that should intrigue readers.