Comic Review: Nightwing #124 – Circus, Blood, and Nightmares

What’s currently happening in Nightwing is a dream come true for any Dick Grayson fan who has endured years of inconsistent storytelling—from brilliant arcs to outright disasters. While Dan Watters’ recent issues don’t reinvent the wheel, they offer something the character has lacked for a long time: consistency, personality, and a mystery that’s impossible to predict.

Keeping His Soul in a World of Nightmares

Watters continues the gang-war storyline, infusing it with supernatural elements and psychological horror that fit surprisingly well into Nightwing’s world. Cirque Du Sin, the eldritch circus haunting Dick’s past, not only sets the tone but twists the circus—a place dear to Grayson’s heart—into something sinister and alien. It’s painful because the circus was his first home, and now DC is once again taking away that sense of safety.

One of the issue’s strongest elements is Dick’s hallucinations, which begin after a dramatic blood transfusion for three sick Flybois gang members. No one else could (or would) help—and as a universal donor, Nightwing acted, even though it cost him… cardiac arrest.

Dick Grayson: A Hero in Blood and Bone

This scene perfectly encapsulates who Dick Grayson is—not just a hero in a mask, but someone who gives everything, even his own health, for others. Only one of the three survives, but Nightwing still believes it was worth it. It’s a beautiful moment that highlights his moral backbone.

As a result, Dick starts seeing Zanni, the puppeteer from Cirque Du Sin, who speaks like a sentient being. This isn’t just a vision—it’s part of Olivia Pearce’s grand scheme. In this issue, she finally drops the mask, both literally and metaphorically. Through these hallucinations, Watters masterfully balances reality and nightmare, reminding us how close Nightwing is to Batman… even if he’d never admit it.

Family That Fails Him

The subplot involving Dick’s sister, Melinda, remains one of the issue’s weaker points. Her actions are inconsistent—first ignoring Dick’s warnings, then suddenly growing suspicious, only to be shocked when Olivia’s true nature is revealed. Her decision to use gang-hunting robots directly contributes to the chaos, which she can no longer control. Olivia’s unmasking is visually striking but narratively rushed, lacking the impact it should have had.

Bryce – Robin’s Broken Mirror

The biggest emotional punch comes from Bryce, a young Teddy gang member who starts seeing Nightwing as a mentor. Their relationship offers hope but also unease. When Bryce saves Dick from a robot and calls him "boss," Grayson’s eyes fill with sadness. He realizes the kid doesn’t understand his motives—and that could lead Bryce down a dangerous path. The parallels to Robin (or rather, Jason Todd’s fate) are striking.

Art That Delivers

Dexter Soy provides solid, dynamic artwork. The action scenes have weight, and the hallucinations are surreal and unsettling. While some might argue his style isn’t as distinctive here as in other projects, it still serves Watters’ narrative well.

The color palette and transitions between reality and delusions are particularly effective, making it hard to tell whether Nightwing is dreaming or fighting for real.

Verdict: Grayson Between Worlds

Nightwing #124 isn’t perfect, but it’s a passionate, character-driven issue with strong drama. Watters builds tension masterfully, leaving us with a satisfying yet unsettling cliffhanger. This isn’t the kind of story that delivers a "wow" moment on every page—but it doesn’t need to. What matters is consistency, atmosphere, and the fact that you’ll genuinely want the next issue the second you finish.

Pros:

+ Hallucinatory storytelling that enhances psychological horror

+ Dick’s selflessness portrayed brilliantly

+ Bryce’s intriguing development

+ Dexter Soy’s art serving the narrative well

+ Strong moral conflict