NIGHTWING #135 (DC Comics)
It is now or never for Dick Grayson!
The Cirque du Sin has been taking out Nightwing at every step. They set him up for the “murder” of Olivia Pierce. The Zanni was manipulated abductions of Bludhaven’s children. Nightwing entered the nightmarish realm of the twisted circus. A game of chance served deadly consequences. Building are crashing in the streets! One of which houses a wounded Nightwing-Prime!
Grayson has one chance to escape with the kids or be lost forever under the evil big top!
NIGHTWING #135 by Dan Watters, Dexter Soy, Veronica Gandini& Wes Abbott concludes the Cirque du Sin arc.
Let’s take a closer look at this story’s finale.
NIGHTWING #135 by Dan Watters, Dexter Soy, Veronica Gandini& Wes Abbott (DC COMICS)
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
Watters opens with the fallout of Prime’s building collapsing. Martian Manhunter and Batgirl can only watch as the mortally wounded hero is trapped inside. It doesn’t take long for a more dramatic entrance. The mood is strictly business for the young hero. Readers watch as he heads into the unknown of the circus. Luckily, his mentor is ready to finish this fight once and for all. There is never a sense of delay when this point hits.
Grayson’s instincts kick into overdrive to get all to safety. The writing moves to more of a faster pace as the escape commences. This allows the Zanni to take a huge swing in the closing moments. Watters throws in a solid surprise once Prime crashes into events. How the fight plays out is very creative. It allows the feeling of optimism to creep into pages. This has been a rare spot with the Zanni running roughshod. The fallout plays into Nightwing’s foray.
Dealing with the aftermath in Bludhaven re-enforces his presence as the city’s protector. The moment is not a complete win. Readers watch as a dark truth comes to life It knocks Grayson back a bit. The closing pages offer a sliver of comfort as this story concludes. A parting shot is left on the last page which sets the tone for what’s coming next! A solid story finale indeed.
READ LAST ISSUE’S REVIEW HERE!
Soy concludes his run on art duties with one hell of a finish. The beginning of the tower crashing creates instant drama. Batgirl’s reaction to the event says it all. It’s concluded by Prime making the save via full page. Once inside the big top, Nightwing’s reservations fade seeing the kids emerge. It conveys a sense of hope in these dire moments. Things don’t get easier on the runaway. The Zanni comes in swinging with a terrifying panel. Nightwing’s expressions speak volumes here.
A full page image shows the Zanni in its’ full glory. The presence jumps off the page. Once back-up arrives, a half panel lets loose on the showdown fans have been waiting on. Soy delivers on great action for this sequence. This leads into a shocking decision. Readers see a tale of two sides with Prime and Zani’s reactions. There’s little time for Nightwing to react. The full page shot of Bludhaven in ruins steals all joy. Some “Super Friends” swing in to help. None might be greater than Manhunter and Batgirl. The closing pages tip off the epilogue of the tale. A half panel showcases the truth of what has transpired. Grayson’s reactions tip off the next phase of his future. The final panel holds nothing back on what is coming for any wrong do’ers. Fans will very much enjoy the conclusion here.
FINAL GRADE: 8.8
Only one star can be the center of attraction at the evil circus in a thrilling story finale. Watters delivers on a superb conclusion to the latest arc. Soy and Gandini construct a wild scenario of events with the art. Another great arc concludes with much more on the horizon. Don’t pass this up at the LCS this week.
Let me know your thoughts on Nightwing #135 in the comments below. Thanks for reading!
