Writer: Tom Taylor
Art: Travis Moore, Bruno Redondo, C.S. Pacat, Eduardo Pansica, Julio Ferreira, Andriano Lucas, and Wes Abbott
Publisher: DC Comics
Price: $3.99
Release Date: June 20th, 2023
Masterminds Tom Taylor and Bruno Redondo are back at it again to present Nightwing fans another special issue uniquely designed for them to be Nightwing for a day in this week’s Nightwing #105! This oversize story will feature Nightwing from his point of view, allowing readers to use his escrima sticks and leap through Blüdhaven! You don’t want to miss this issue, as there’ll be other surprises along the way, including who’ll show up beside you!
If you’re interested in this comic, series, related trades, or any of the others mentioned, then simply click on the title/link to snag a copy through Amazon as you read the Nightwing #105 Review.
THE DISPATCH
The issue is drawn a bit differently than normal for effect. The perspective is a “first-person shooter” effect. So, everything is through the eyes of Nightwing. It’s an interesting concept that I offer a ton of credit to this creative team for giving it a try. It’s reminiscent of the incredibly long run-on issue that Bruno did back in Nightwing #87. Readers, it’s something unique and it’s worth a try. Again, props need to be given to Bruno Redondo and Tom Taylor for seeing how this style of storytelling shakes out. And ultimately, they won’t know until readers get their hands on it to judge. But at first glance, it certainly makes Nightwing #105 memorable.
Additionally, Bruno understands that an entire issue in “first-person shooter mode” would mean Nightwing is barely seen. So, he uses a ton of mirrors and other reflective surfaces in the issue to get quick glimpses of Nightwing periodically throughout the issue. It’s actually quite clever and well-orchestrated providing a very cute and entertaining ending.
As far as the story goes, Nightwing #105 is pretty cut and dry. It comes across as a one-shot anyone could pick up and follow along with. Maybe not too well but they could still follow along with the premise fine enough. To diehard Nightwing fans of Taylor’s, this story jives well with the narrative beats already aligned for the readers. What’s actually the most interesting about this story is that Taylor had laid out who the villain is, his backstory, and his secret identity BUT has held that information back from the main character providing a unique wrinkle to Taylor’s run. Moreover, speaking of clever wrinkles and additions, I also liked the train talk and how it explained within reason how Nightwing gets around the city so fast. It’s the little things that add depth to a character as well as a story.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Overall, Nightwing #105 was pretty entertaining. In terms of the story, nothing vital happens. Nothing too new happens. And, nothing shocking is revealed with any crazy twists or cliffhangers. Therefore, the issue itself doesn’t move the needle much in terms of narrative plot beats. However, Nightwing #105 is all about Bruno! Bruno is Uber famous! Bruno provides readers with the “first-person shooter” vibe that elevates this issue making it a visual masterpiece that breaks the glass in terms of revolutionary graphic design. Just like in Nightwing #87 with Taylor and Redondo, this issue takes on an all-new light with this perspective and artistry. There is no doubt that this will be the comic DC fans will be discussing at the water cooler this week! I highly recommend everyone pick it up even if you haven’t been following along monthly. This comic, like Nightwing #87, will be nice to have in your collection for years to come. You can thank me later. Let me know what you think, have a great week, and God Bless!