Nightwing #106 - DC Comics

NIGHTWING No. 106, November 2023

Whilst neither Nightwing nor Batgirl really “sail the high seas” in this twenty-two page publication as “DC Comics” solicitation suggests, it doesn’t mean for a second that Tom Taylor’s storyline is any less riveting. In fact, “The Crew Of The Crossed” still contains an abundance of swashbuckling saltiness with which to ensnare the audience’s imagination, and keep them utterly hooked as they’re plunged neck-deep in the mysteries of the Quartermaster’s enigmatic Hold; “Oh, it’ll be worth it. This is beyond anything you’ve ever seen. We’re talking generations of wealth in one -- It’s gone.”

Furthermore, this pirate-flavoured periodical also provides plenty for the adrenalin-junkies out there, courtesy of a pulse-pounding set-piece which sees the titular character and Barbara Gordon’s more sedentary alter-ego chasing down an ambulance through the busy streets of Bludhaven. Such a headlong dash could easily have become a somewhat typical affair as seen in many a comic book. But such is the Australian author’s skill that he imbues Dick Grayson will plenty of panache as he holds a polite conversation with his distant lover whilst simultaneously battering a pair of overconfident body-snatchers.

Similarly as successful as this tome’s penmanship is its pencilling, with Stephen Byrne providing its layouts with lots of shadowy subterfuge and secrecy. Indeed, considering that Ruben Blüd’s costume simply consists of the former Captain wearing a sailor's sou'wester and waterproof jacket, the actual character generates a spellbinding air of ambiguity which makes him utterly convincing as the pivotal protector of an ancient secret society, who seemingly knows the location of several highly sought-after safes.

Far more tongue-in-cheek, though potentially just as deadly for Nightwing as this comic’s main tale, is Michael Conrad’s short “Breakfast For Dinner”. Initially dealing with Richard just teaching Cassandra Cain how to make his famous pancakes in her flat's kitchen, this somewhat harmless undertaking may well be seen by some bibliophiles as something of a ‘filler’. However, throw in a well-dressed, professional assassin who plans to kill Grayson just as soon as the right moment presents itself, as well as two incarnations of Batgirl, and this tale contains some unexpected bite which should cause most Bat-fans to promptly visiting their local book shop to ensure they've pre-ordered a copy of its next instalment.

The regular cover art of "NIGHTWING" #106 by Bruno Redondo