Nightwing #107 is written by Tom Taylor and published by DC Comics. Artwork is by Stephen Byrne and colours by Adriano Lucas. Letters are by Wes Abbott. The backup story is written by Michael W. Conrad, with artwork by Serge Acuna and colours by Ivan Plascencia. Main cover art (left) is by Bruno Redondo.
Nightwing #107 is available now, in print and on digital where all good comic books are sold.
Synopsis
Yo ho, yo ho, a pirate’s life is not for Nightwing! When Nightwing’s investigation into who left the vault under his name leads him to discover a mysterious group behind the Hold, his past come back to haunt him in the form of the Hold’s leader…
Review
Last month Tom Taylor had me shouting in disbelief as Nightwing connected back to an era which nobody thought would ever make a return. With the story reconnecting with Dick’s lost months as Ric Grayson it seemed that Taylor was adding new context to a controversial time in the character’s history. Now this month I’m once again screaming from the rooftops as the story continues to forge new territory for the former Boy Wonder.
This second chapter in the “The Crew of the Crossed” arc is a fascinating insight in to how perceptions can change. When I spoke positively about stories in the Ric Grayson era I was ridiculed. But seeing that character through the lens of Tom Taylor’s new nautical story has many re-thinking about the significance of that time.
Taylor has brought new depth to the character of Bea, a very important figure in Ric’s recovery and return to life as Dick. This issue fleshes out much of her back story to bring us to a point where she is now Captain Blud, the leader of this group of pirate mercenaries who have strong ties to the foundation of Bludhaven. She’s at risk of being overthrown by her seemingly evil adoptive brother and needs Dick’s help to solidify her leadership.
Taylor has been able to tap in to Bea’s character and approach her relationship with Dick/Nightwing almost as if they are strangers. It’s refreshing because neither character is who they were when they were last together but that history still remains. It allows for a fresh approach and a new dynamic between the two.
What’s also striking is the balance between action-adventure and more comedic elements. Taylor is a versatile writer but something about this arc feels like a new status quo. Dick can often be accused to taking life too seriously. But a key moment which sees Dick change in to an outfit fit for a Mills & Boon cover is a great way to poke fun at our lead without derailing the exquisite pacing of the book.
As always, Stephen Byrne and by Adriano Lucas are on top of their game. Nightwing continues to be one of my favourite DC books for its artwork. Nuff said really.
Michael W. Conrad and Serge Acuna’s backup story continues to also be compelling reading. This issue we focus on a fun night out between Dick and Jason. It’s much more melodramatic than last month’s team up with Cass. But it’s also a really light hearted glimpse in to both characters. Acuna spectacularly captures the action in the short’s artwork this month.
Verdict
A brilliant second chapter in this latest arc. Tom Taylor is not only bringing the nautical action but he’s also striking a really satisfying new balance between adventure and comedy.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
