Something is taking over Titans Tower! What exactly is it? Worse, Barbara Gordon, aka Oracle, is missing! Anything that took over Titans Tower took Barbara. Naturally, Nightwing went into the belly of the beast to find her. But the most suspicious is that only Olivia Pierce gave Nightwing a new suit to go to the tower without hurting him. Yes, something isn’t summed up. So, with all this chaos going on, how does this question move the story forward with the “Tower of Fear”? Let’s break it down.
DC
Now Dan Watters is really doing his research because he isn’t just one Nightwing in the Titans Tower. In fact, there are three “wing names” characters in this book. But ruining the surprises leaves us half the fun here, so we don’t dig deep into who they are. But what’s important is that Watters can have a narrative filled with nods to Nightwing’s long history, an analysis of Maggie Sawyer and Melinda Grayson’s political will and a slow burn on what Olivia Pierce is planning. This sounds overwhelming, but honestly, it’s not. Much of this builds up to a bigger thread of what Olivia and the great Zanni are trying to do to Nightwing and what they are willing to go. Watters can accept this comprehensive threat and mentions planted in Nightwing history, which many longtime fans will be happy to see. Additionally, the ongoing use of creating this series between Nightwing and Maggie and Melinda continues to add depth to the series, making the story feel more complicated.
DC
This issue is one of the best issues Dexter Soy and Veronica Gandini gave. Soybeans often provided a very complicated and detailed linework, but this issue offers in addition to more creative work from him as the story gives a more fantastical twist. This allows Soy to step out of his comfort zone and show his ability to communicate problems full of artwork that readers are already used to, showing how it reflects the tone of the story, and how it reflects with something more dynamic, blending soft lines with his typical jug style. Here, Veronica Gandini appears to be finding a consistent groove.
As far as the colours were concerned, some previous issues felt a bit flat, while others previously worked well to blend the dark tones of previous issues. Here, Gandini can offer a variety of shades, some light, some flats, and some lively. This variety is good for providing stories that feel faster and more intense than before. Some parts still flatter me a bit and I feel that there is a possibility that I will use more shading and colour in certain parts to add something complicated to the story. Overall, however, the story is well-written and coordinates with the multifaceted tones involved in this issue.
Overall, Nightwing #128 is a good issue, continuing an interesting arc that explores both the history of Nightwing and expands the depths of those around him. Furthermore, this issue is entertained through multiple art styles that add to the goofy magic that the existence of the fifth dimension offers. As a result, this issue is not a show stopper, but another important entry in the series, showing that the dedicated Nightwing enemy will cause him trouble.
“Nightwing” #128 dives deep into legacy, lies, madness
Nightwing #128
Unlike the typical Nightwing threat, Nightwing is a powerful issue that helps to advance the Ark while continuing an interesting and unique story.
Dan Watters bends his appreciation and knowledge of Dick Grayson’s history by incorporating wild plots, filling them with plots, and nodding to his long history.
The story gives an interesting twist to the typical Nightwing enemy, and by facing a greater magical threat than he has in his life, without the help of any suit other than his own enemy manufactured.
Some of Veronica Gandini’s colours are still flat and less vibrant to me.
The story itself can be more engaging, but there are plenty of moving parts that only have so many pages to encapsulate it.
