Originally published on Patreon
My god, Nightwing might be one of my favourite comic series ever. This book is so consistently, ridiculously good every month. I need more of it!
This issue picks up where the last left off, with Heartless having attacked Blockbuster's offices. Rather than fighting the villain, however, Heartless makes the criminal businessman an offer. He wants to buy out his stake in Bludhaven. Unfortunately for him, Blockbuster isn't ready to quit this city yet.
The fight that ensues between the two of them is great, and really sells Blockbuster as a figure not to underestimate in a fight. So far this series we've seen him prove to be an effect villain behind the scenes, but I think this might be the first time we've seen him get physical; and it's very impressive. I think it's an easy comparison to say he's the DC version of Kingpin, but I don't think that's entirely inaccurate either. He's huge, powerful, and can either crush you physically, or with his power and influence.
Elsewhere in the issue Dick is trying to remove the graffiti that was put on Alfred's statue in Haven last issue, and gets attacked by some crooked cops. This gives us a nice bit of a chase, where we get to see Dick don an awesome Nightwing leather jacket that I absolutely need.
Following this, it seems like the police, who are in Blockbusters pocket, are stepping up their harassment of Haven, having their officers harass anyone there in the guise of 'protection'. Part of the set-up is the Police Commissioner turning up and giving an impromptu press conference, where he tries to use the unrest in Haven as an excuse for shutting it down, even blaming those Dick is helping as 'biting the hand that feeds them'.
Thankfully, Dick has Barbara and Haley on hand to fuck up this mans day, as they upload footage of the criminals who vandalised Haven; several off-duty police officers. The press conference ends up with the Commissioner having to defend himself from accusations of police corruption, and Dick walking away with a smile on his face.
Honestly, having Dick win not by throwing punches or doing any heroics, but by revealing a corrupt police force in a public and highly embarrassing way like this was one of the most fulfilling moments I've ever read in comics. Cops are corrupt and evil as a whole. and seeing them get the punishment they deserve, even if only in a fictional setting like this is just sublime. The fact that Haley got to release the footage with a tiny 'boop' of the keyboard was the cherry on this exquisite cake.
The artwork on this series, by Bruno Redondo, is just lovely. Everything is neat and clean and clear. You're never lost, or left wondering what' going on. There are tons of detail and things to look out for. It's a genuine pleasure to pick this book up and just stare at the artwork every month.
This is a series that is doing so well, and Tom Taylor is a huge part of that success. This book, along with his Superman: Son of Kal-El are some of the best books that DC has put out in years; and should be read by everyone.
This article, and many others, can be read a month early on my Patreon for as little as $3 a month!
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