Nightwing #106: Arr Ya Ready to Talk Like a Pirate?

Nightwing #106 is a fun kickoff to the latest story arc and this time it has… pirates! It’s a unique spin and another reminder why this series is not just one of the best around, but also takes chances and keeps the series fresh.

The issue begins with a flashback to Dick Grayson’s infamous “Ric” days with an old acquaintance gifting Dick a mysterious package. It’s unknown what’s in it, but it’s clear it needs to be safely stored away until another day. The timeline shifts to the current day, and readers find Nightwing in pursuit of the group he left it with. (Spoiler alert: it’s pirates.)

Written by Tom Taylor, this issue has great pacing and the incorporation of Dick’s spy days help flesh out the character even more than the series has done so far—and done well. It’s evident Taylor is wanting to incorporate a fun story into this ongoing series, and this move is welcomed as it gives opportunities to expand Dick’s world more than readers have typically seen.

The art and panel designs are well done and incorporate the “pub” and “pirate” like ambiance when necessary. Stephen Byrne on pencils and Adriano Lucas (colorist) make for a good team for the series. The character designs match comedic timing and the action set pieces continue to be exciting. Wes Abbott’s lettering is also well done and helps convey tones and the story flow as the lettering is clean and doesn’t get in the way of the art.

The back up story is lighthearted. Written by Michael W. Conrad with the artistic team of Serg Acuna (artist), Adriano Lucas (colorist), Wes Abbott (letterer), the story is a small scale moment between Dick and Cassandra Cain. The theme of breakfast for dinner is a nice personal moment between members of the Bat Family and while it doesn’t have any large scale implications (that we currently know of), it is still a nice addition as Dick has truly become a leader in the DC Universe.