“By The Book” – Finale: “Bad Cop/Good Cop”
Writer: Dan Watters
Artist: Francesco Francavilla
Letterer: Wes Abbott
Review by James Attias
Nightwing #126 brings this short sharp two part story to a close. It started off as a bit of a ghost story and became a gritty Police cautionary tale… Let’s swoop in!
Police State
Now that I know this was a two part micro story with implications to the main run, I liked it a lot better. It felt very dark for Nightwing, in a good way. We’re finally seeing the darker side of his world. Tom Taylor’s run was absolutely glorious, but having now read this, it felt very sunshine and rainbows. This was a nice change of pace. But don’t get me wrong, if I want dark and brooding I’ll head to Gotham. The reason this works is because you have Nightwing who is usually laughing, jokes and fun. Maggie Sawyer who’s a detective turned commissioner who used to work with Superman. Throw in an old Police Ghost and a few homicides, and this really does hit hard.
Robo-Cops
The direction Watters has been taking this title over the last few months has been hard to predict. Is it Gotham ala Joel Schumacher? With colourful gangs in masks and face paint? Is it in the direction of a mystical tale that wouldn’t be out of place in a Hellblazer book? Most recently we’re seeing giant police robots that are almost ripped off the screen of an ultra violent 80’s movie. My suspension of disbelief is very strong, but I want to know what is a lot and what is not these days. The smokey art and the gritty writing really sell in the consequences of this book. And as a two part story, you should defo check it out!
Conclusion
Nightwing #126 Shows us the darker side of Blüdhaven and the corruptness of the BPD cops. Grab the last issue and grab this one and treat yourself to a little Blüdhaven Noir.
Review Written to Honor Steve J Ray – May he Rest in Peace.
Images Courtesy of DC Entertainment