WARNING: Contains Spoilers for NIGHTWING #119!
Nightwing is officially adopting a Red Hood-approach to fighting crime, and it is safe to say that Batman will not be a fan of this change, given his tough and unwavering stance on dealing with crime. This radical change is one of the most exciting developments in Dick Grayson’s character in years, and promises to usher in one of Nightwing’s most compelling eras in comics.
…Nightwing’s decision to control crime rather than fight it…
Dan Watters, Dexter Soy, Veronica Gandini, and Wes Abbott’s Nightwing series launches in issue #119, heralding one of Dick Grayson’s most exciting and transformative chapters yet, as the very foundations of Bludhaven shake with a significant shift in the hierarchy of power.
After the death of Heartless in the run of Tom Taylor and Bruno Redondo, the city was beginning to find its rhythm, with the bosses and underbosses of Bludhaven’s major gangs coming together to form an alliance with the goal of taking down Nightwing. However, Instead of forging an alliance, the gang leaders meet their fate when the building where they are meeting explodes..
Nightwing will fight a meta-clown, a militarized police force and the gangs of Bludhaven
The explosion that kills the bosses and underbosses of Bludhaven’s most prominent gangs marks the debut of Nightwing’s newest villain – a nameless, seemingly meta-powerful clown with an unhealthy obsession with Dick. Although Nightwing remains unaware of this villain’s existence and role in the attack, he fully understands the imminent consequences.: Absolute chaos as the now leaderless gangs engage in bloody turf battles. The situation worsens when Dick visits his sister, the mayor of Bludhaven, only to discover that she is making a deal with the CEO of a shady weapons company.
This deal will essentially arm the corrupt Bludhaven police department with military-grade weapons, further intensifying the already escalating gang violence and putting Nightwing in even greater danger, as these weapons will likely be turned on him as well. Despite her disagreement with her sister’s decision to use the police as a weapon, Dick recognizes that with the crime bosses gone, it’s only a matter of time before the conflict between the underlings turns into a bloodbath.– unless he does “a call that not everyone will like.” This call is Nightwing’s decision to control crime rather than fight it, indicating that he is taking a page out of Jason Todd’s book.
Nightwing takes a page out of Red Hood’s book when fighting crime
Instead of stopping crime, Dick is trying to control it
After deciding that drastic times call for drastic measures, Nightwing makes his way through Bludhaven, interrupting the various battles between the warring gangs. However, instead of arresting the perpetrators of the crime, Dick makes the same offer to each gang: he will find out who killed their respective bosses, and until he does, he will make no arrests, as long as the gangs stop their retaliation and territory. . wars. He then gives his subordinates a communication device, instructing them to call him if any other gang comes after them, assuring them that he will take care of it. That’s why, Instead of fighting the gangs of Bludhaven, Dick is taking the crime-control approach.
Despite not participating in or facilitating the crime, Dick Grayson essentially becomes the Supreme Crime Lord of Bludhaven, taking on a completely unexplored role for his character. For Bat-Family fans, it’s hard not to see the similarities between this approach to crime-fighting and the one Jason Todd took in Judd Winick’s film. Batman: Under the Red Hood. Jason is the Bat Family’s pioneer in fighting crime through less conventional means.– he also chose to control crime rather than try to stop it completely. However, there are important differences between Jason and Dick’s methods.
Jason has notably taken on a much more direct role in crime control, actively participating in criminal activity and eliminating other crime bosses in Gotham. He had no qualms about killing the most despicable criminals and villains. Nightwing, on the other hand, takes a more passive approach, allowing gang members to operate freely under certain conditions – such as a ban on turf wars. Dick is definitely not going to use weapons or kill anyone; instead, their approach focuses on keeping everyone, even criminals, safe. However, the parallels between Dick and Jason’s approaches remain undeniable.
Batman will HATE Nightwing’s new crime-fighting approach
The comic page comes from Batman/Catwoman: Gotham War – Battle Lines #1 (2023-)
Despite Nightwing’s relatively censored approach to controlling Bludhaven’s crime, he and Barbara “Oracle” Gordon recognizes that this decision would likely be something Batman would disapprove of. Barbara explicitly states, “…I’m not sure [Batman would] approves taking four gangs of brutal criminals under his protection. He would probably rather punch them in the face.” Although Dick recognizes her point of view, he believes her method will result in less bloodshed between the gangs and prevent them from being massacred by the soon-to-be-armed police.
Although Batman has yet to realize what Nightwing is doing in Bludhaven, fans can be sure he will be far from approving, especially considering Batman/Catwoman: Gotham War – Battle Lines #1 (2023). This issue makes it clear that Batman has a “no rooms” attitude towards crime. Thus, Dick’s willingness to permit any type of crime, particularly that of four violent gangs, directly conflicts with Bruce’s position that no crime should be tolerated: “We stop crime. We do not permit some crimes simply because they seem more acceptable than others.” With this in mind, the inevitable confrontation between Dick and Bruce approaches.
Nightwing’s new crime-fighting tactic is the best character development in years
Main cover by Dexter Soy for Nightwing #121 (2024)
Dick’s new role as crime lord and gang protector of Bludhaven represents one of the most exciting developments for Nightwing’s character in years. This transformation presents a more nuanced approach to fighting crime, entering morally gray territory. Watters did an impressive job of smoothly transitioning Dick into this role; the justification behind Nightwing’s choice, combined with Oracle’s support, makes this decision feel organic and true to his character. Fans are undoubtedly eager for news of Nightwing new crime-fighting method to reach the Bat-Family so they can witness the family’s reactions to Dick’s innovative approach.
Nightwing #119 is now available from DC Comics!
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NIGHTWING #119 (2024) |
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