Comic review: Nightwing #119 – The Return of Grayson We've Been Waiting For

 

After several years of poor characterization of Dick Grayson – often based more on fanon caricatures than his actual identity as a character – Nightwing #119 finally brings a breath of fresh air. Or rather, it restores the voice of this DC icon that’s been drowned out by overly sweet, consequence-free storytelling. Dan Watters (writer), Dexter Soy (artist), and Veronica Gandini (colorist) kick off a new chapter that, while not perfect, is full of promise.

Dick Grayson Back in Shape

Most importantly: Dick finally sounds like Dick again. We get his signature charm and lightheartedness, but also the edge that has been missing for years. The popular (and often mocked) trope of “Dick is the nice one” is used wisely here—not as a gimmick, but as contrast to the harshness of Blüdhaven, where his empathy becomes a weapon. He’s competent in a fight, doesn’t need backup, and commands the scene with confidence—this is Nightwing done right.

The spirit of the 90s Chuck Dixon run is palpable. At the same time, Watters isn’t afraid to borrow elements from more recent interpretations, creating a balance between maturity and youthful energy that has always defined Dick—from his Robin days onward.

A Grittier Blüdhaven, Less Idealized

One standout element of this new era is how the city is depicted. Gone is the clean, almost Instagrammable version of Blüdhaven from Redondo’s era. Now, it’s back to being grimy, dangerous, suffocating. Gandini’s color palette tones everything down to grays and browns, making Nightwing pop visually and thematically. It’s a strong stylistic and symbolic choice.

Melinda Zucco – Finally Makes Sense

Melinda, Dick’s controversial “sister” introduced during Taylor’s run, finally feels like a real character. She’s no longer just a backdrop—she’s a foil to Dick. She can’t just put on a mask and solve problems like he can. She’s stuck playing political games, sometimes having to make deals with the devil. It makes her compelling and deepens the drama in Dick’s world.

Dick & Babs – Finally Not Over-Sweetened

Dick and Barbara’s relationship has long been divisive—especially recently, where it often felt cartoonishly cute. Here? There’s flirtation, but also distance. The chemistry works, the banter feels natural, and Barbara is back as Oracle, not Batgirl—which many fans feel is her best and most evolved form. Their relationship feels warm, but not overpowering—and that’s a huge win.

Storytelling and Pacing – Finally Makes Sense

The story grabs you from page one. The pace is quick but never chaotic. Watters skillfully juggles several threads at once: Dick’s return to the city, criminal intrigue, growing tension with a new villain, and Melinda’s arc. Most importantly, there are actual stakes. Finally, Dick isn’t just a friendly guy taking selfies with kids—he’s a hero in a dangerous city, facing real threats.

The Villains – Interesting, But Wasted Too Soon

The new villains introduced in this issue are colorful and promising (even if some look like Fortnite OCs), but they’re taken out too quickly by the new big bad. That main antagonist is, frankly, still a bit of a blank slate. His fairy tale-like narration could work in time, but for now feels a bit too vague. And yes—the circus motif really needs a break.

Conclusion

Nightwing #119 is a very strong start to a new era for Dick Grayson. It’s not quite a classic yet, but it’s a firm course correction after a far-too-soft previous run. The return to a darker Blüdhaven, more layered relationships, and actual narrative weight makes this feel like the Nightwing fans have been waiting for.

If future issues build on this foundation without losing focus, this could become the best version of Nightwing we’ve seen since the Dixon era.

Pros:

+A return to a believable Dick Grayson

+Natural dynamic with Barbara

+A more grounded, gritty Blüdhaven

+Strong narrative momentum

+Excellent visuals (Soy + Gandini)

Cons:

-Great new villains gone too fast

-Circus backstory is stale

-Plot could become overcrowded

-Main villain not yet compelling

My Score: 7.5/10

Not perfect, but absolutely heading in the right direction. Dick Grayson finally has his voice back, and Nightwing is once again a book worth following.