Comic Review: Nightwing #122 – A Circus of Crime and the Dark Mysteries of Blüdhaven

 

Dan Watters and Dexter Soy continue to build a dark, circus-inspired mythology around our hero, drawing on his origins while simultaneously unraveling his present

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Circus, Theater, and the Ghosts of Childhood

The strongest element of this issue is undoubtedly the flashback to Dick’s time as Robin—intense, emotional, and crafted with both sensitivity and a deep understanding of the character’s legacy. Watters clearly gets that Dick Grayson’s childhood was a circus—literally and metaphorically. References to Commedia dell’arte, theatrical motifs, and the mysterious Olivia Pearce as Colombina add a layer of symbolism rarely seen in mainstream superhero comics. It recalls the atmosphere of Batman: The Animated Series, where aesthetics and psychology were woven tightly into the narrative.

Although Olivia is a new character, she doesn’t feel randomly inserted. She has her place in the story, though she still lacks a fully formed personality. For now, she intrigues more than fascinates—but she’s worth watching. Her surroundings—the enigmatic Zanni and the Cirque du Sin—are certainly memorable. Zanni, in particular, straddles the line between hallucination and the supernatural, adding an unsettling edge to the story.

Blüdhaven Slips Away, and Dick Stands Alone

One of the more compelling narrative elements is the gradual isolation of Dick Grayson in Blüdhaven. The Titans vanish from the city (quietly and without explanation—a serious editorial misstep), his sister and Commissioner Sawyer trust their own protocols more than the man who’s saved this city time and again. Even the gangs he tries to protect regard him with suspicion. Watters creates a suffocating atmosphere of alienation, testing Nightwing’s idealism—and it works.

This is where Dick shines. Unlike in some previous issues, where his decisions came off as impulsive or naïve, Nightwing #122 shows a mature, logical, and quick-thinking hero. His deduction linking the Helios and the gangs deserves applause—exactly the kind of analytical, compassionate role we expect from the "Batman with heart."

Supporting Characters and Controversies

Watters and Soy do a solid job developing supporting characters, though there are some missteps. Maggie Sawyer gets only a single scene and adds little—it feels like a wasted opportunity. Oracle (Barbara Gordon) fares better than in previous issues but still feels emotionally distant. For some, the rekindling of Dick and Babs’s romantic relationship may be problematic, especially since it lacks strong narrative justification.

And then there’s Batman… oh, Batman. One particular line in a flashback threw many readers off—and it’s understandable. In alternate universes like All-Star Batman & Robin, an exaggerated Batman makes sense, but here, in the main continuity, it clashes with the tone. It’s a small but jarring moment in an otherwise well-written segment.

And one more thing: “Holy Blood Soaked Bacchanalia Batman”—really? Dick was too young to know what a bacchanalia is. Writers, please stop with the “holy _” lines. This isn’t 1966, and Dick Grayson deserves better than to be a parody of himself.

Art and Aesthetic

Dexter Soy once again delivers dynamic, expressive artwork that fits the emotional and physical intensity of the issue. His Nightwing looks phenomenal—and yes, Soy knows how to draw an attractive Dick, but don’t let that overshadow the fact that the panel composition and use of lighting are truly high-quality here. The only downside is the occasional anatomical hiccup and lack of detail in some panels—it feels like Soy may be deliberately dialing things back to avoid setting the bar too high for future issues.

Final Thoughts

Nightwing #122 balances introspection with dynamic action. It offers a compelling glimpse into Dick’s past, builds tension in his present, and introduces the seeds of an intriguing new antagonist. It’s not a perfect comic, but it’s a clear step in the right direction. Watters is beginning to understand the Dick Grayson fans love—a hero who not only fights but feels, deduces, and believes.

Pros:

+Well-crafted flashback to Robin’s era

+Symbolic and engaging circus/theater motifs

+The return of a smart, well-written Dick Grayson

+Tense, isolating atmosphere in Blüdhaven

+Dexter Soy’s stylish, dynamic artwork

Cons:

– Olivia Pearce still lacks depth (for now)

– Jarring Batman dialogue and overly campy ’60s references

– Maggie Sawyer and Oracle remain underdeveloped

– No explanation for the Titans' sudden disappearance

My Rating: 8/10