“The Battle For Blüdhaven’s Heart” – Part Three
Writer: Tom Taylor
Artist: Geraldo Borges
Color Artist: Adriano Lucas
Letterer: Wes Abbott
Review by Steve J. Ray
Nightwing #94 is a tale of family, loyalty, double bluffs, and double-crosses. We also get to see Melinda Zucco’s true colors; is heroism a family trait, or does Blockbuster truly own everyone that holds a position of power in Blüdhaven?
Wow, this issue is non-stop! From cover to cover the action is real, the shocks and twists come thick and fast, and the Grayson siblings are in the thick of all of it. I frequently (with every review, in fact) state that Tom Taylor is writing a comics run that will be regarded as legendary in years to come. He’s a writer who knows how to put his stamp on a book, and a set of characters, while also showing readers the kind of stories he loved way back when, and the characters who populated the comics of his youth.
Seeing Brutale, Blockbuster, and the Electrocutioner takes me back to the Bat-books, Nightwing, and Robin comics of the 90s. These new issues are so good, that they frequently have me scrabbling through my long boxes, searching for more nostalgia-fueled fun.
Geraldo Borges steps in to give Bruno Redondo another rest this month. I was hoping that by having an inker on board, we may get to see Bruno’s work in every issue, but if anyone had to step in, I’m glad it was Geraldo. When united with the wonderful colors provided by Adriano Lucas, there are even pages in the book where, particularly when these issues are collected, the art will flow so smoothly, chapter to chapter, that the less eagle-eyed reader may not even notice the change in line-artist.
I have to give high praise and credit where credit’s due. Adriano, and the brilliant letterer, Wes Abbott, do so much to set the tone and identity of this book, that they deserve as much credit as Tom Taylor, Bruno Redondo, and Geraldo Borges. Nightwing stands apart from almost every other book available. It has its very own look, feel, and atmosphere.
Conclusion
Nightwing #94 is another red-hot issue. Dick Grayson is a hero through and through and, as an ex-policeman, seeing him take down corrupt Blüdhaven P.D. officers warms the heart. Dick and Babs are truly a heroic dream team in this issue, just as Blockbuster and his allies exude pure evil. As always, every character evokes an emotional response, and this month’s cliffhanger really, really left me reeling.
Issue #95 needs to arrive ASAP!
Images Courtesy of DC Entertainment
