Comic Review: Nightwing #130

December 17, 2025

 


Nightwing #130 is an issue that can confidently be called the best chapter of Dan Watters’ run so far – and this is only part ONE of a new story arc. It’s a comic overflowing with emotion, tension, and a constant sense of danger, while also consciously returning Dick Grayson to his roots. This isn’t a flashy superhero spectacle, but a story about a city on the brink, a hero at the end of his patience, and a child who—like so many before him—looks to Nightwing as a symbol of hope.

Dick Grayson’s Voice Finally Takes Center Stage

The greatest strength of this issue is Dick Grayson’s inner voice. Watters has had a solid grasp on Dick since the start of his run, but here—where the stakes rise—his narration hits a whole new level. You can feel Dick’s anger, frustration, fear, and exhaustion as he grows sick of watching Blüdhaven being poisoned again and again by corruption, cynicism, and political rot.

The opening scene, where Dick crushes a campaign flyer for Melinda’s mayoral run in his fist, perfectly sets the tone. It’s a small gesture, but incredibly telling. This is not a carefree Nightwing—this is a hero starting to realize that simply “doing good” may no longer be enough.

Dexter Soy’s art and Veronica Gandini’s colors elevate this immediately. The intense red skies hanging over Blüdhaven give the city an apocalyptic, almost horror-like atmosphere. This is not a safe place—it’s a powder keg.

Blüdhaven as a Living, Breathing City

One of the standout aspects of Nightwing #130 is how alive and chaotic Blüdhaven feels. The city is brimming with tension: elections are underway, gangs clash with the police, and Dick is constantly pushing himself to help wherever the system fails. His frustration at seeing the people re-elect a man known to be corrupt is a bitter, painfully relevant reflection of real life.

Blüdhaven isn’t just a backdrop—it’s a central character, a city that is sick and slowly collapsing, and one that Dick refuses to give up on, even when the fight feels unwinnable.

The Justice League, Used Perfectly

The appearance of the Justice League could have easily overshadowed Nightwing, but Watters strikes the balance perfectly. Their presence adds to the world-building and reinforces Dick’s status among Earth’s greatest heroes without stripping him of agency.

Dick’s interactions with the League feel natural and respectful. The brief moment where Martian Manhunter senses something deeply wrong—a fleeting glimpse of Zanni—is a masterclass in subtle tension. It’s quiet, restrained, and deeply unsettling.

Batman’s role deserves special praise. His conversation with Dick, the awkward “joke” that clearly stings, and his attempt to lure Dick back to Gotham using Damian as an excuse are emotionally authentic moments. Dick understands Bruce better than Bruce understands himself—and this issue captures that dynamic beautifully.

Bryce and the Emotional Core of the Issue

Dick’s relationship with Bryce (Nightwing Prime) is the emotional heart of this comic. Their conversation, bathed in colder green tones, is subdued, sorrowful, and incredibly moving. Bryce is still just a child—grieving his brother, lost, yet desperate to help. Dick allowing him to keep his powers, while explaining why he himself never wanted them, is genuinely chilling.

One especially powerful detail is Bryce’s behavior: he’s afraid to touch Night-Hare, worried he might hurt him, yet doesn’t hesitate to hug Nightwing. To Bryce, Dick isn’t just a hero—he’s something unbreakable.

Nightwing agreeing to mentor Bryce feels like a dream come true… but also a warning sign. Future conflict feels inevitable, especially with Dick’s secret identity looming over everything. More and more, the question emerges:
Is Dick Grayson ready to become a parent—even if not in name?

Zanni – Circus Horror Done Right

Zanni is one of the most unsettling villains Nightwing has faced in years. His presence looms over the entire issue like a shadow. Drawing on circus imagery but twisting it into pure horror, Zanni is deeply disturbing. His design, symbolism, backstory, and connection to the children of Blüdhaven all work flawlessly.

The final page featuring Zanni is absolute peak. If this quality is maintained, Zanni may become the greatest Nightwing villain of all time.

Visual Storytelling at Its Best

Dexter Soy and Veronica Gandini deliver outstanding work. The red skies, icy green emotional beats, and harsh lighting contrasts all serve the story beautifully. One particularly striking motif is Nightwing’s symbol literally shattering through glass, visually mirroring Dick’s internal fracture.

At times, the issue could have made fuller use of its pages narratively—some pages are light on dialogue and heavy on single, powerful images—but the visual impact is undeniable.

Final Thoughts

Nightwing #130 is a phenomenal start to a new arc, and a clear improvement over the previous one, as well as a significant step up from Tom Taylor’s run. Dick Grayson finally feels like Dick Grayson again—echoing the best elements of the Chuck Dixon era. He’s tired, angry, compassionate, and burdened with responsibility.

This is a story about a city, about children, about fear, and about hope. And about a hero who understands that sometimes the bravest thing you can do is take responsibility for others.

Pros:

  • Powerful, emotionally rich narration for Dick Grayson

  • Excellent Dick–Bryce relationship

  • Zanni as a terrifying, memorable villain

  • Stunning art and color work

  • Blüdhaven portrayed as a vital, living city

Cons:

  • Some pages don’t fully utilize their storytelling potential

  • Gangs and election subplots could use more focus

  • Bryce’s design may feel unsettling (though likely intentional)

Final Score: 8 / 10



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