Review: Nightwing #121
[Editor’s Note: This review may contain spoilers]
Writer: Dan Watters
Art: Dexter Soy
Colors: Veronica Gandini
Letters: Wes Abbott
Reviewed by: Matthew B. Lloyd
Summary
Oracle decodes some information on Oliva Pearce and Spheric Solutions while Nightwing tries to find out more about the Teddy who was killed by the police.
Positives
It’s not always a good idea to put sociopolitical commentary in comics. Dan Watters puts just enough in Nightwing #121 as part of the plot to make it really work. It’s not preachy, and it’s not purely done to make a villain sympathetic. Watters presents a real poser though as Nightwing learns some things about the Teddies he wasn’t expecting. He has an empathetic ear to them, but doesn’t attempt to absolve them from the crimes they’ve committed. What he really sees is kids who have turned to a life of crime. The implied question that gets to Nightwing is: “how do we help these kids?” It’s a real enough issue that the reader can extrapolate into the world we live and elevate the story from pure entertainment.
I really appreciate Watters using Barbara Gordon in her full role as Oracle. It’s always great to see Babs doing the computer hacking thing. I also find the teamwork element between the two to be gratifying both as superhero team up and a way of strengthening the personal connection between Dick and Barbara. Watters adds some other character moments that demonstrate the relationship between the two. They know each other very well and they genuinely care. It’s good stuff, both fun and just emotional enough.
Positives Cont’d
The information that Barbara uncovers adds yet another layer to the mystery of Spheric Solutions and Olivia Pearce. The issue is paced well here and the final page gives that, “I want to read next issue…NOW!” feeling. Hopefully, this will expand the threat even more and allow for continued examination of Dick’s character and history as a crimefighter.
Dexter Soy brings a lot of atmosphere and texture to Nightwing #121. It would be easy to imagine Soy drawing a Batman book, but he seems to know when to lay off just enough so it’s not too dark for Dick Grayson. His art brings a lot to the story and the feeling of living in Bludhaven and the world these kids in the Teddies gang are dealing with.
Negatives
It’s hard to see a fault…. While a different feel from the previous Taylor/ Redondo era it is still a great comic. Errr…where’s that legacy numbering for Nightwing, DC?!?!?!?!?!
Verdict
Nightwing #121 is another great comic in this new era of the former Boy Wonder. Watters allows character to drive his story while adding a little “real world” flavor to provoke some serious thought about an issue. Dexter Soy makes it look great with his particular style…this is a solid book in a series that continues to be one of DC’s best.
