-
Nightwing #92
- Writer:
- Tom Taylor
- Artist:
- Bruno Redondo
- Letterer:
- Wes Abbott
- Cover Artist:
- Bruno Redondo
- Publisher:
- DC Comics
- Price:
- 3.99
- Release Date:
- 2022-05-17
- Colorist:
- Adriano Lucas
Dick Grayson's past and present collide as he continues to chart a bold, new future for Blüdhaven in Nightwing #92, with old allies and enemies alike resurfacing around town. The acclaimed creative team of Tom Taylor and Bruno Redondo continue to deliver an absolute masterclass on how to blend superhero action and heart in comic book storytelling as their Nightwing run continues. Apart from bringing in some familiar faces and shining a light on Dick's past, Nightwing #92 feels like a particularly important chapter in the larger story that Taylor and Redondo are telling as the stakes continue to escalate.
With Dick devoting the billion-dollar fortune he inherited from Alfred Pennyworth towards the widespread improvement of Blüdhaven and its residents, the original Boy Wonder finds himself thrust back into the public eye. The occasion has Dick especially reflective of his upbringing under Alfred and Bruce Wayne, with his two father figures not necessarily seeing eye to eye on how to properly raise the young, impressionable superhero. As Dick reminisces on Alfred's impact on his life, with Barbara Gordon by his side, Blockbuster continues to carry out his vendetta to intimidate or crush the burgeoning philanthropist shaping Blüdhaven's destiny.
After setting a new course for Dick and his plans for Blüdhaven, both as Nightwing and in his civilian guise, Taylor has steadily been exploring how other major figures in Dick's life have shaped his outlook and reacted to his own changes. This remains true in Nightwing #92, with this issue underscoring how Dick's time as Robin anchored his brighter perspective on heroics in contrast to the overly self-serious Batman. As with previous issues, the core of Dick's emotional arc is his blossoming relationship with Barbara, and this issue maintains sight of that while setting the stage for a long-awaited showdown that could upend everything for both of Dick's personas.
Redondo, continuing his work with colorist Adriano Lucas and letterer Wes Abbott, further showcases that not every Bat-Family title has to be predominantly set in the dark. There is a colorful vibrancy to the art, engaging the reader in even the more dialogue-driven sequences as Dick launches his grand plan for Blüdhaven. The paneling remains as fresh and energetic as ever, helping elevate the artwork and bring an even more kinetic sensibility to the storytelling through its inventive use to progress the narrative.
One of the big highlights in the issue is a flashback kicking off Nightwing #92, taking place during Dick's tenure as the first Robin. Taylor captures just how different Bruce and Alfred's parenting styles are towards Dick without going the easy route and depicting Bruce as a colder, emotionally detached father figure. Similarly, Redondo and Lucas give the artwork during this flashback sequence a retro-chic aesthetic that evokes a more classic era for the DC Universe without coming off as too kitschy or dated in their presentation as they slightly change up their styles in rendering this earlier period.
Over a year into crafting the ongoing adventures of Nightwing, Tom Taylor and Bruno Redondo continue to exemplify why the title is one of the very best that DC is currently publishing. With the stage set, the creative team has steadily woven in elements of Dick Grayson's history and place in the DCU while building to what's quickly shaping up to be an epic showdown for the fate of Blüdhaven. Dick has made some big moves lately, with the support of his friends and earning him the ire of powerful enemies, and, after taking a moment to reflect on his past, Nightwing #92 shows Dick prepared to dive headfirst into his future.