The evolution of Dick Grayson has taken another turn. Going form teenage sidekick to leader of the next generation of heroes has been a journey. Stepping into a mentor role to a brash kid with Superhuman powers is a whole new chapter.
This new “dynamic” duo has had their early challenges. Now, a real threat from Nightwing’s past has arrived. Welcome to the school of crime-fighting. There is no easy way for a passing grade.
NIGHTWING #131 by Dan Watters, Dexter Soy, Veronica Gandini & Wes Abbott brings the threat of the Zanni to Bludhaven.
Let’s take a closer look at where events stand now.
NIGHTWING #131 by Dan Watters, Dexter Soy, Veronica Gandini & Wes Abbott (DC Comics)
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
Watters takes readers along for the growing pains of Nightwing Prime right from the start. The writing leans into his eagerness as they watch Killer Moth come into town. There are some comical moments mixed in the drama. “Mothmarine” will be a crowd pleaser. Even as Grayson plays coach, his dialogue is very reminiscent to his mentor. This comes into play when caught off guard. It caps off time before heading the issue in a new direction.
Readers watch as a more serious case is forming. The dialogue between Maggie Sawyer and Grayson hits the landing. The reveal of the Zanni is a shock to Grayson. Knowing his impatient sidekick is loose, the attention swings back to Prime. This leads to a solid closing act. Even as unstoppable as Prime has been, one moment shifts everything away. The writing builds up this scene perfectly. It allows for the story to move into another direction with a great cliffhanger. Not sure where this may lead but definitely locked in for it.
Soy and Gandini give the Zanni a dramatic intro with the opening page. A mid panel foreshadows the dangers coming. The half page intro for Prime shifts moods very fast. Readers clearly see his naive nature as the Moth plan starts. The action speeds up with great panels of the sea chase. It leads to a more dramatic close with images of Nightwing fighting under water. This moves events into a more familiar realm of Grayson’s career.
Grayson’s meeting with Sawyer is classic in presentation. Panels reflect the breakdown of the latest case. The image of the Zanni is noteworthy. Seeing the face appear on sketch pops off the page. Grayson’s reaction was a solid compliment. This moved events to Prime’s impulse actions. A wild near full page displays Prime’s reckless powers. This is followed up by a dramatic full page image. It changes the mood heading into the final page. A disturbing parting shot concludes a very steady issue.
OVERALL GRADE: 8.8
The growing pains of Nightwing-Prime causes triumphs and trouble in this issue. Watter’s writing spotlights the mentorship struggles. Soy and Gandini ramp up the action and drama with the art. The final page will have fans talking as this story consistently keeps them guessing.
Let me know your thoughts on Nightwing #131 in the comments below. Thanks for reading!