Comic Review: Nightwing #121 – Ninth Gear in the Dark, or Dick Grayson vs. the System

 

If I had to sum up Nightwing #121 in one word, it would be: solidity. This is the kind of issue that not only advances the main plotline but also gives its characters room to breathe—and lets us, the readers, dive even deeper into the psychology of its protagonist, the core conflict, and the moral gray zones. Dan Watters and Dexter Soy continue their story about Dick Grayson with such confidence and rhythm that it’s hard not to get swept up in this new chapter of Nightwing’s history.

Less talk, more action – Nightwing reborn

After the tragic event of the previous issue—the death of a young gang member from the Teddies at the hands of tech-enhanced police officers—Dick undergoes an internal transformation. He’s no longer just punching criminals in the face; now, he’s taking action as Dick Grayson, billionaire with a conscience. He visits Olivia Pearce at the headquarters of the Spheric Corporation, not only to investigate, but to infiltrate the very system feeding chaos in Blüdhaven. Posing as an investor, he tries to secure a board seat while also planting a data-cloning device on her computer. This is a Dick who knows how the rich play—and how to bend the rules against them.

And that leads us to one of the strongest scenes in the issue: the conversation between Pearce and Dick in her office, overlooking Titans Tower. When Pearce says that every civilization has won peace through superior force, Dick comes home wanting to take a bleach bath (literally—“I’ll dilute it, relax”—maybe a joke, but with a desperate undertone). It’s a moment where Watters perfectly captures Dick’s exhaustion with the hypocrisy of a world he was once part of—but never truly accepted.

Oracle at the watchtower

Luckily, Barbara Gordon—Oracle—remains the voice of reason and support, not just emotionally but also technologically. She takes over the hacked Pearce drive—potentially Pentagon-level secure—and starts to crack it. Her relationship with Dick in this series feels incredibly natural. There’s no forced flirtation or cheesy declarations. Just two adults who know each other, respect each other, and have each other’s backs. This is how a superhero couple should work.

Mission: understanding

The true heart of this issue, however, beats during Nightwing’s confrontation with the Teddies gang. Full of anger and grief after the boy’s death, Dick storms into their hideout at night, ready to “talk through some windows.” But he quickly realizes not everything is as it seemed. The Teddies aren’t a soulless gang—they’re a community, a safe haven for kids with nowhere else to go. Mama Bear ran a soup kitchen. The problem isn’t them—it’s the system that pushed them to the margins.

This scene hits hard because it doesn’t offer easy answers. Nightwing realizes that his assumptions—about guilt, about violence—may have led to something worse. It’s a moment of introspection that strongly contrasts with the earlier action scenes. The only pity is that we didn’t get more internal monologue from Dick during this fight—it would’ve completed the emotional arc.

An escape that forges trust

When the police surround the building, Nightwing shows off tactical brilliance—blinding the officers with floodlights and leading the gang of bikers to safety: an abandoned ship turned temporary base. At this moment, the Teddies begin to trust him. Bryce, the key kid among them, brings a note of warmth to the story—but without drowning it in sentimentality. This series isn’t about "saving the children"—it's about giving them choices they never had before.

A cliffhanger that might change everything

In the closing pages, Barbara decodes part of the data from the drive—she hasn’t yet found proof of planted bombs or direct ties to Marcus’s death, but she discovers something even more disturbing: blueprints for traps, gadgets, and gear eerily reminiscent of Gotham’s old rogues. What’s more, the hints suggest that Olivia Pearce may be someone from the past… someone Dick encountered back when he was still Robin. And while the "villain from the past" trope is starting to feel overused (see: Heartless), it can still be done well—if executed with care.

An artistic gem

Dexter Soy is doing wonderful work here. His Nightwing strikes the perfect balance between edge and empathy—a character who looks threatening in a dark alley, but carries warmth and heart. Action scenes are dynamic and full of energy, while emotional panels—especially those in shadow or sunrise light—carry real weight. Personally—and this may be controversial—I think Soy captures Dick’s character better than Bruno Redondo, whose style sometimes felt too “light” for the heaviness of the story.

Summary

Nightwing #121 does a lot of things right: it advances the plot, deepens relationships, asks hard questions, and presents Dick Grayson in a way longtime fans love—intelligent, determined, morally grounded, but deeply human. Watters and Soy understand that Nightwing isn’t just a masked acrobat—he’s a man who chooses good, even when the world tells him it’s pointless.

Will Olivia Pearce turn out to be another “ghost from the past”? Maybe. But for now—the story is soaring and keeping pace. And that’s more than enough to look forward to issue #122.

Pros:

+ Excellent characterization of Dick Grayson – smart, driven, and human. Not just a hero, but a man with doubts and responsibility.

+Natural relationship between Dick and Barbara – no overdone romance, built on trust, loyalty, and shared history.

+Serious handling of social issues – the kids' gang isn’t "evil," but victims of a system. Thoughtful, current, powerful.

+ Stunning artwork from Dexter Soy – dynamic action, expressive emotion, atmospheric framing.

+Balanced pacing between action and introspection – the issue is engaging without rushing.

+Developing intrigue around Pearce – potential ties to Dick’s past offer rich ground (if handled well).

+Nightwing as a man of action, not just words – his strength comes from deeds, not speeches.

Cons:

- A few awkward jokes – the bleach line ("I’ll dilute it") feels off and breaks the tone.

-Lack of inner monologue during key fight scene – missed opportunity to deepen the emotional arc.

-Barbara still not fully fleshed out as a standalone character – more a narrative tool than a person with her own goals and rhythm.

-“Villain from the past” setup risks feeling stale – unless developed creatively, it could drag down the main arc.

My Score: 9/10

Because Nightwing isn’t just a guy in a mask—he’s a heart that keeps beating, even when the world turns cold.