Comic Review: Nightwing #123 – Depth in the Shadow of Corruption

Dan Watters and Dexter Soy continue their dark vision of Blüdhaven in Nightwing #123, crafting a comic that effectively blends elements of crime thriller with deeper reflections on morality and power. This is a story full of political intrigue, personal dilemmas, and macabre discoveries—one that, while not without minor flaws, maintains a high level of narrative quality and visual expression.

Politics, Gangs, and Moral Dilemmas

The political dimension of the story takes center stage through Melinda Grayson-Lin, Dick’s sister and current mayor of Blüdhaven. Watters deftly illustrates how easily the line can be crossed between serving the city and becoming entangled in dirty power games. Spheric, the shadowy corporation pulling strings in the city, offers Melinda a deal—cooperation in exchange for improved poll numbers. It’s a classic moral dilemma that forces her into a difficult choice. Meanwhile, her political rival, Bisogni—tied to the Blockbuster gang—exploits the chaos following the Flyboiz’s attack on a police precinct to push for increased law enforcement funding. These threads create a realistic backdrop for Nightwing’s actions, showing just how complicated it is to fight the system from within.

Flyboiz – Victims or Monsters?

Dick Grayson himself faces a similar dilemma, albeit on a different scale. His attempt to protect gang members from the corrupt Helios cops leads him to a horrifying discovery—a bunker filled with radioactive corpses that has become a hideout for mutated Flyboiz. Watters once again proves he can add depth to even the most grotesque antagonists. Cryzztal, the former lab assistant responsible for the Flyboiz mutation, is a tragic figure rather than just another "mad scientist." Her motivation—finding a cure for addiction—and subsequent guilt make her one of the most compelling characters in this arc. The Flyboiz themselves, while visually terrifying, are ultimately victims of the system—first addicted to the drug, then exposed to radioactive decay.

The bunker sequence is a true masterpiece, both narratively and visually. Soy brilliantly captures the macabre atmosphere—shadows seem to move, the twisted, unnatural forms of the mutated Flyboiz evoke unease, and the details of decomposing bodies in the background add realism. The scene of Nightwing fleeing from a horde of mutants is dynamic and tense, and the blue glow of his suit (finally utilized!) adds an almost surreal layer to the sequence.

Action and Style – Strengths with Minor Stumbles

Unfortunately, not everything in this issue works perfectly. The pseudoscientific explanation for the Flyboiz mutations—splicing fruit fly DNA to enhance addiction—feels awkward at best. Barbara Gordon has been reduced to a "voice in the comms," which is disappointing compared to her significant role in the previous run. Olivia Pearce also remains more of an enigma than a fully realized antagonist, leaving some narrative threads underdeveloped.

Despite these minor flaws, Nightwing #123 is a comic that successfully merges a dark tone with intelligent storytelling. Watters isn’t afraid to put his characters through difficult choices, and Soy excels at depicting both brutal action and unsettling horror. This is a story about corruption, responsibility, and the cost of protecting others—and while not perfect, it’s certainly worth your attention.

Pros:

+ Deep moral dilemmas – Both Dick and Melinda face tough choices.

+ Cryzztal as a well-written antagonist – Sympathetic despite her role in the horror.

+ Political realism – Watters isn’t afraid to show how corruption operates.

+ Nightwing’s glowing suit – FINALLY! Why wasn’t this used sooner?

+ Macabre bunker atmosphere – Soy shines in horror-themed scenes.

Cons:

- Inconsistent art quality in action scenes – Some panels feel unfinished.

- Barbara Gordon sidelined – From partner to just "voice in the comms."

- Weird pseudoscience – Fruit fly DNA splicing to enhance addiction? Really?

- Underdeveloped subplots – Olivia Pearce remains a mystery.