NIGHTWING #137 (DC Comics)
Some cities have legends. Others have ghosts.
In the case of Blüdhaven, a witch is claiming that honor for the city. A super highway became her stomping ground as Dick Grayson crossed her path.
Their encounter caused a major car wreckage. Multiple people are dead and Nightwing has become the prime suspect. There’s no rest for the weary as the Blüdhaven Bridge has been taken over by a sniper.
NIGHTWING #136 by Dan Watters, Denys Cowan, Norm Rapmund, Francesco Segala & Wes Abbott pushes Grayson further into a city’s mystery with its latest chapter.
Let’s take a closer look at where things play out now.
NIGHTWING #137 by Dan Watters,Denys Cowan,Norm Rapmund, Francesco Segala& Wes Abbott (DC COMICS)
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
Watters challenges Grayson on multiple levels with this latest chapter. His acceptance of his public persona leads him into more action. The confrontation with the witch hasn’t faded into the night. This moves events back to construction on the bridge. The writing stages many secrets before a shot takes down an attorney. This unveils how multiple threats hover to take out anyone trying to escape the bridges confines. The case appears too large for one vigilante. Luckily (or not pending), Grayson gets some back-up.
Batman’s appearence leads to a more through examination of events. His banter with Grayson is business casual as both get. The calm talk gets upended by Grayson taking a bold and foolish move. Readers watch as the bravery leads him to the desired direction of solving the case. Once here, the writing exposes a deeper meaning behind the shooters’ motives. This builds up to a satisfying finish for the case. Watters hits with just enough emotional weight before moving into a more intense talk between Father and Son. Their closing arguments lead to exposing Grayson’s state of mind. With one case closed, another has made an impression that won’t fade anytime soon.
READ LAST ISSUE’S REVIEW HERE!
Cowan shows the aftermath form the night on the bridge with some fear seeping into Grayson. The panels are gritty in letting him wake in the shadows. Knowing the job isn’t finished, the art sets him into motion. Once at the bridge, the mood carries a haunting feel. The sniper shot explodes on the page thanks to Segala’s coloring. It sparks a fearful reflection from the citizens. This kickstarts the team-up in question with great results.
An excellent two page splash brings in Batman to the chaos. His scowl of the city nightlife is a contrast to Grayson’s never falling grin. Panels shift into hunting down the shooters. It also gives a huge stage for Grayson’s crazy action. The split panel page shows Grayson’s gamble cashing in. Readers watch as he tracks down his target. From here, the panels nail all the key components of the case. Even with Batman in a scope, the mood never eases on the gravity of the mission. The fallout heats up a rare emotional outburst from the Dark Knight. Seeing Grayson’s shaky state, their back and forth has much venom behind the exchange. It leaves readers with a three column split to set up the next stage of this mysterious case. Solid work all around.
FINAL GRADE: 8.6
A siege of a bridge becomes more than just another day in Blüdhaven as Nightwing pushes himself too far to stop it. Watters exposes Grayson’s guilt as the case escalates. Cowan and the art team bring out the pent-up frustration of the ghost that looms over Grayson and his city. “The Crossroads” is testing Grayson on a whole new level. Don’t miss it.
Let me know your thoughts on Nightwing #137in the comments below. Thanks for reading!
