NIGHTWING #140 (DC Comics)

The weight of the city is falling on Dick Grayson’s shoulders.

After a supernatural encounter on the city’s super highway left a body count, Grayson has been declared public enemy #1. His search of the lore of the city for clues has led into new avenues. Each coming with a high cost.

With the DA and Mayor calling for public outcry and an ultimatum to turn himself in, Nightwing finds a possible clue to explain this issue.

NIGHTWING #140 by Dan Watters, Denys Cowan, Norm Rapmund, Francesco Segala& Wes Abbott sees Grayson drift further into Blüdhaven’s deepest corners.

Let’s take a closer look at what happens now.

NIGHTWING #140 by Dan Watters,Denys Cowan,Norm Rapmund, Francesco Segala& Wes Abbott (DC COMICS)

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

Watters finally exposes the truth of the witch’s arrival in Grayson’s life. After searching for a killer in Blüdhaven’s dirtiest watering hole, Grayson pieces another mystery together. His search for Cannibal Colm ushers him into combat. It results in the lead he desperately has been waiting for. The writing stages this moment very well hidden until it’s fully ready to be told. After a brief shakedown, readers see how much Colm is willing to cough up after feasting in front of Nightwing.

Colm’s depiction of his time working with Mayor Bisogni leads into unhealthy secrets coming to life. The writing ties in a classic DC villain into the fray. Their addition gives the story some needed depth into what has been building. Once the whole picture is laid out, there is an uneasy feeling that starts forming. There are no angels in this sequence. Colm’s words come to fruition as he details the experiences. It also leads to a devastating blow to Grayson’s case. The closing moments throw everything off track as it leaves Grayson to ponder some unhealthy scenarios. A very solid read with great pay-off.

READ LAST ISSUE’S REVIEW HERE!

Cowan captures the griminess and unsettling tones of Blüdhaven as Grayson advances. The divebar entrance gets a bold half panel. It is followed up by a gruesome morgue scene. The look on the coroner’s face speaks volumes. It provides enough gas for Grayson to continue pressing forward. The use of wide length panels illustrates the wear of Grayson’s search. Each close-up doesn’t hide the pain and toll this case is taking.

Once events move to Colm, the difficulty of surroundings increases. Readers watch as the Cannibal’s mannerism become more uncomfortable with each panel. The only break form this becomes his flashback sequences. During these times, the underworld of Blüdhaven starts to be exposed. Answers to lingering questions appear in the panels. There is a sense of shock as this information hits. The fallout is equally as shocking (even if seen coming). This leaves a final page to reflect Grayson’s wandering mind. It will leave readers curious for what’s next.

FINAL GRADE: 8.8

Nightwing gets some much needed answers but at what cost? Watters unveils his hand with an excellent script. Cowan and the art team double down on the grittiness of Blüdhaven’s latest crimes. This isn’t your average Nightwing story.

Let me know your thoughts on Nightwing #140 in the comments below. Thanks for reading!