Comic Review: Nightwing #95 – Politics, Blüdhaven, and the Price of Secrets

 

Tom Taylor and Bruno Redondo have, for months, been consistently building one of the most important Nightwing runs in the character’s history. From the start, the series has attracted readers with its lightheartedness, humor, steady pacing, and above all, a warm portrayal of Dick Grayson a hero whose daily life and ideals are just as important as his spectacular clashes with Blüdhaven’s criminal underworld. Nightwing #95 is meant to be the culmination of the political intrigue that has simmered throughout the run. But does it deliver on that promise?

Blüdhaven – a City on the Edge

Since Melinda Zucco became mayor, Blüdhaven has slowly turned into a battlefield between reform and entrenched corruption. Taylor has consistently shown how Blockbuster consolidates his grip on the city, while Nightwing and his allies attempt to break it.

In Nightwing #95, the political elements take center stage more than ever Blockbuster’s criminal empire begins to collapse, heroes show up in support, and media manipulation all give the issue its pulse. This isn’t just a story about a lone vigilante with escrima sticks it’s a story about a leader whose mission has consequences for an entire city.

Taylor and Redondo – a Duo That Still Works

The strongest part of this issue is once again Bruno Redondo’s work. His art and dynamic panel layouts inject the story with energy and freshness. Each page begs to be flipped the composition is inventive but never overwhelming. Adriano Lucas’ colors amplify the mood of Blüdhaven, a city glowing with neon lights but still hiding grime and shadows beneath.

Taylor, for his part, continues to nail Nightwing’s voice his inner calm, empathy, leadership qualities, and natural charisma in interactions with other heroes. The dialogue flows well, and the chemistry among characters from the Bat-family to various cameos makes the issue a pleasure to read.

Big Action, But Without Real Risk

Nightwing #95 picks up the pace compared to earlier chapters, but not everyone will find that satisfying. Despite the explosive action and twists, Dick Grayson often feels like a character whose stakes are too safe.

Allies appear right when they’re needed, and Dick rarely feels cornered. Yes, the cliffhanger suggests serious consequences Blockbuster discovering his secret identity but for longtime readers, this is a familiar trope. What’s missing is that extra bit of risk that would make Nightwing’s victories feel more earned and more rewarding.

Hero or Leader?

This issue also raises the question of Nightwing’s role. Is he still the solo protector of Blüdhaven, or has he fully stepped into the role of leader for a community of heroes? Taylor strongly leans toward the latter—Dick spends more time coordinating others than fighting alone. This broadens the scope of the story but diminishes the sense that he personally overcomes his obstacles.

The cliffhanger, with Blockbuster directly confronting Grayson, should theoretically restore the sense of danger. But readers might feel a bit indifferent after all, Nightwing always has Batman, Superman, or countless allies to call on.

Heartless – the Shadow of a Greater Threat

Though the spotlight is mostly on Blockbuster, Taylor reminds us of Heartless a villain who’s slowly becoming Nightwing’s true long-term nemesis. His MO, harvesting hearts at the moment of strongest emotion, gives him a chilling uniqueness. The oversized jar marked with Blockbuster’s name is ominous foreshadowing. Heartless could well be the missing element that injects greater stakes into this run.

Conclusion

Nightwing #95 is a solid issue that moves the story forward and gives Redondo room to shine. It’s enjoyable to read, and its cliffhanger promises big changes. At the same time, it feels a bit repetitive “Nightwing and his allies vs. Blockbuster” doesn’t yet offer true catharsis.

Tom Taylor’s run remains one of the most consistently enjoyable reads in DC Comics, but this issue shows that it could use a spark of fresh energy and some real danger to avoid becoming too much of a “comfort read.”

Final Score: 7/10

Pros:

+Gorgeous art by Redondo and colors by Lucas

+Well-written character interactions

+Strong development of Blüdhaven’s political storyline

+A cliffhanger revealing Dick Grayson’s secret identity

+Heartless emerging as a promising long-term villain

Cons:

-Lack of real danger or stakes for Nightwing

-Too much reliance on allies swooping in to help

-Repetitive story beats (secret identity exposed… again)

-Uneven balance between action and emotional weight