Comic review: Nightwing #131

 

The Nightwing series in the hands of writer Ram V Watters (often simply referred to as Watters by fans) and artist Dexter Soy has reached an exceptionally high level. Nightwing #131 can confidently be called one of the best chapters of their run dynamic, emotional, beautifully illustrated, and surprisingly accessible for new readers. It’s an issue that moves the story forward while leaving readers wide-eyed on the final page.

And yes if you’re reading this issue for Killer Moth, you absolutely get your money’s worth. And then some.

The Anti-Batman at His Best

The biggest surprise of the issue is just how brilliantly Killer Moth is handled. A character who has often been treated as a joke is, here, both hilarious and genuinely dangerous. Watters squeezes everything out of him his dialogue is sharp, self-aware, occasionally absurd (with inventions like the “Mothmarine,” “moth-rocket,” and “moth-death ray”), but never crosses into outright parody.

He’s the purest form of an “anti-Batman” a criminal obsessed with bats, loaded with gadgets and ego. And yet, in the right circumstances, he’s deadly even if he comes off like a “big dumb crook.” That balance of comedy and real stakes works phenomenally well.

Soy draws him spectacularly. The character design, exaggerated body language, and theatrical presence make Killer Moth steal every scene he appears in.

Bryce and the Weight of Responsibility

At the emotional core of the issue is Dick’s relationship with Bryce his young protégé, sometimes referred to as “Nightwing Prime.” The idea of Dick Grayson once taken in by Bruce becoming a mentor himself is narratively powerful. Watters nails Dick’s voice: empathetic, responsible, but torn between being a hero and being a guardian.

Bryce is naïve. He’s 11 years old. He’s learning to use his powers and crucially relies too heavily on the belief that he’s invulnerable. That creates an interesting contrast with the fundamentally human nature of the Bat-Family. Dick isn’t just fighting crime; he’s trying to guide someone with immense power and zero life experience.

And that’s where some structural issues begin to surface.

Too Many Plot Threads or a Rich Tapestry?

Watters clearly has no shortage of strong ideas. We get further development of Olivia Pearce, intrigue surrounding Zanni and the Cirque du Sin, gang activity tied to the Man-Bat formula, cooperation with Commissioner Sawyer, and the ongoing mentorship of Bryce.

That’s a lot. At times, maybe too much.

Dick occasionally feels reactive rather than proactive putting out fires instead of driving the narrative. The confrontation with Zanni continues to build rather than explode, which may frustrate readers eager for escalation. Instead of one grand narrative feast, we’re served several excellent courses at once.

That said the final page strongly suggests these threads may soon converge into a powerful crescendo.

Action, Lighting, and Emotional Impact

Visually, this issue is top-tier. Soy reaches a level here that many readers may not have realized he was capable of. The underwater infiltration of the Mothmarine, the rooftop chase sequences, Bryce’s laser vision slicing through the darkness every action beat looks cinematic.

But the real star is the lighting.

The contrast of neon glows, muzzle flashes, cold moonlight, and the sickly radiance of Kryptonite beams creates near-filmic tension. The final scene brutal and emotionally devastating is a visual knockout.

Bryce, convinced of his own invulnerability, is struck by a Kryptonite beam. The moment of his apparent death with the circus looming in the background and a haunting vision of Zanni lands as one of the most powerful scenes in the run. It’s a gut punch for both the reader and for Dick.

A Perfect Jumping-On Point

Importantly, Nightwing #131 works extremely well as a starting point for new readers. A new arc, clear contextualization of recent events, distinct conflicts, and a strong cliffhanger it delivers satisfaction while igniting curiosity for what’s next.

You can read classic stories like Nightwing: Year One or the run by Chuck Dixon to appreciate the broader legacy, but this issue stands firmly on its own.

Is a Superpowered Protégé the Right Call?

Not everyone will be thrilled with the concept of a near godlike protégé operating in Nightwing’s world. Many fans appreciate the Bat-Family precisely because of its grounded, human quality. Introducing a child with overwhelming powers shifts that dynamic significantly.

If Bryce were simply a traumatized, non-powered kid brought into this life mirroring Bruce and Dick’s relationship the story might feel more intimate and psychologically focused. On the other hand, the tension between godlike strength and childish immaturity adds a layer of tragedy and volatility that’s hard to ignore.

Final Thoughts

Nightwing #131 is an almost complete package. Sharp dialogue, clever humor, real stakes, thrilling action, and an emotionally crushing finale it’s one of the strongest entries in the current run.

If this issue signals where Watters and Soy are headed, we may be witnessing one of the most compelling Nightwing eras in years.

It’s the kind of comic that leaves you both satisfied and desperate for the next chapter.

Pros

+Fantastic dialogue, especially for Killer Moth

+Strong pacing with a powerful cliffhanger

+Outstanding artwork lighting, motion, composition

+Emotional weight in Dick and Bryce’s relationship

+Excellent jumping-on point for new readers

Cons

– Too many concurrent plotlines dilute the central narrative

– Dick occasionally feels reactive in his own series

– The superpowered protégé concept may not appeal to fans who prefer a grounded Bat-Family

Score: 8.5/10

One of the strongest issues of the run exciting, dramatic, and visually stunning. If the next chapter delivers on this finale’s promise, Nightwing fans are in for something truly special.