• Nightwing_101_cover
    Nightwing #101
    Writer:
    Tom Taylor
    Artist:
    Travis Moore
    Letterer:
    Wes Abbott
    Cover Artist:
    Bruno Redondo
    Publisher:
    DC
    Price:
    $4.99
    Release Date:
    2023-02-21
    Colorist:
    Adriano Lucas

With the Dark Crisis over, the Teen Titans, now lead by Nightwing, have stepped up to fill the void the Justice League left behind. It's a new day for the heroes of the DC Comics Universe as the Titans rebuild their base on Blüdhaven and Nightwing introduces an upbeat morale. The champion of the Dark Crisis may need more than a positive attitude to face his first big challenge as leader.

Written by Tom Taylor, with art by Travis Moore, colors by Adriano Lucas and letters by Wes Abbott, Nightwing #101 introduces the Titans' newest threat. After the Titans save Blockbuster's daughter Olivia -- Neron isn't impressed, as she still owes him her soul. He wants revenge, and thanks to the Grinning Man, whom he gifted the identity of the King of Vlatava to, he might have the means to do it.RELATED: Nightwing is the Best Choice to Lead the New Era of the Justice League - Here's Why

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The Dark Crisis arc brought an end to an era for the current DC canon. Nightwing was the MVP of the Dark Crisis, especially when the Justice League was presumed dead, serving as a beacon of hope and stability. Much of this is due to Dick Grayson's personality, which is refreshingly different from the cynicism of his former mentor.

This fresh and inviting presence serves Nightwing #101 and its ensuing new arc very well. While the stakes are high -- with plenty of mystery, conspiracy, intrigue and deception, there is a sense of levity in this issue, as conveyed through Tom Taylor's use of tone, dialogue, and cinematic pacing. As scary as the circumstances are, it's a real treat to see the Titans back in action with their easy chemistry and warmth. Nightwing's character and leadership style heralds a much-needed change after so many crossovers focusing on angst and loss -- he fills the role of leader and as the metaphorical heart, a role once filled by his father-figure Alfred Pennyworth, whose influence can be felt in this issue through Nightwing's diplomatic approach.

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Nightwing #101 has a bright narrative tone throughout to balance the eerily whimsical darkness and this is reflected nicely in the visuals as well. Artist Travis Moore's inking style, with its soft realism and strong, airbrushed black placements and carefully detailed rendering conveys the maturity and gravity of the narrative. This pairs nicely with colorist Adriano Lucas's palette of warm, saturated brights. Even the hellscape of Neron's demon-filled lair, with its unnatural scope of oranges, purples, fuchsias and greens, looks bright and almost cheery.

The realm of reality, where the Titans dwell, is rendered in subtler, muted tones, which works to highlight the bold and optimistic brights of the Titans; Starfire and Raven's purples, Beast Boy's vibrant green, and even Nightwing, cutting a sharper silhouette in black and cerulean, stand out as larger than life, as the beacons of hope they have become under Nightwing's tenure as leader.

Nightwing #101 is the start of a new era. Shiny, sparkling and effervescent without detracting from the intrigue, drama and danger of the incoming plot. The enemies may be demonic, but Nightwing's new role as leader, and his effect on the ongoing DC Comics canon, is heaven-sent and worth a read.