Nightwing #105 presents a story that brings fans of this series back to where it all began. Writer Tom Taylor and artist Bruno Redondo reunite for the issue, fresh off their most recent Eisner Award nominations. The creative duo chose to tell this issue entirely from the perspective of their protagonist, Dick Grayson. Traditionally not the most groundbreaking of ideas, but the comic book medium allows for readers to see directly through Nightwing’s eyes.
Dick Grayson’s ongoing series is seemingly always dealing with distractions from outside sources. Whether it be the Fear State event, or the fallout of Dark Crisis, the day-to-day activities in Bludhaven are often left in the backseat. The narrative Tom Taylor set out to tell when he took over this book often fades in and out of view depending on the issue. Nightwing #105 does not have this problem.
Simple but Beautiful
Ultimately, the story isn’t exactly anything to write home about. Nightwing and Batgirl assist the city of Bludhaven by dealing with the duo known as Double Dare. Taylor chooses to tell an average Nightwing adventure that lends itself to the first-person technique Redondo is choosing to employ. There will be absolutely no complaints about this, given the quality of the comic’s art. Simplicity can often lend itself to excellence.
The art within Nightwing #105 is masterful, there is no other way to say it. This appears to be the case every time Redondo returns to the helm, but it is always wildly apparent when he incorporates his own particular flair. Redondo carefully crafts the multitude of action scenes to provide readers with a pleasant visual experience. The first-person moments of Nightwing swinging through the Bludhaven sky stand out amongst the bunch. From the beginning of this series, Redondo is quick to present readers with an incredible backdrop of the city. This ability also lends itself to the sequence of Nightwing riding a motorcycle through town, allowing for an up close and personal view of Bludhaven’s traffic.
Exquisite artistic storytelling lies in the details, and Nightwing #105 is no stranger to details. The countless shadows and reflections within Redondo’s art make it hard to believe he consistently delivers this work on time. Each and every reader is given Nightwing’s genuine viewpoint through the little things. On the page, they appear small, often missable, but without them the depth of this art would suffer.
Old Enemies
A new confrontation lies within this remedial story, one that brings us back to the beginning of this journey. Nightwing comes face-to-face with Lyle Shelton, previously revealed to be the villain known as heartless. Just like many of us, Nightwing will quickly remember him from their childhood confrontation. This new meeting between the two acts as a revelation. The fight between Nightwing and Heartless will no longer continue solely in the masked world.
Lyle Shelton’s inclusion as his everyday self in Nightwing #105 serves as a reminder of Taylor’s preconceived narrative. The opening pages of his run portrayed all three of our main characters, Dick, Barbara, and Lyle in a confrontation. It may have taken us two years, but he has successfully navigated the story back to that moment.
Nightwing #105 is a comic as delightful as they come. It kicks off a new story arc for Nightwing with a simple story but flawless art.
9/10
