Nightwing #125: Dead Law, Dead Justice

Up until this point, Dan Watters’ work on Nightwing has been a refreshing blend of the character’s roots and the author’s clear love for the supernatural and macabre. It’s a mix that initially felt potent—injecting Blüdhaven with eerie atmosphere while still honoring Dick Grayson’s high-flying legacy. However, Nightwing #125 pushes the bounds of that blend as it marks the first real stumble in this run.

While not a bad issue by any means, #125 feels awkwardly placed. It follows an arc that lacked total resolution, and instead of continuing those threads, it abruptly pivots to something slower and more introspective. This change in tone and pace is jarring to say the least. The story leans hard into building a creepy, noir-tinged tension, but without anchoring it to the emotional stakes previously set up, it comes off as disconnected—if not outright uninteresting in places.

Francesco Francavilla’s art contributes heavily to this tonal shift. Where Dexter Soy’s pencils delivered energy and momentum suited to Dick’s agile, expressive style, Francavilla brings a pulpy, stylized look that drips with retro flair. It’s visually striking but doesn’t always serve Nightwing well—his presence often feels out of sync with the aesthetic, like he’s stepped into someone else’s comic.

That said, there are still compelling ideas at play. Watters continues to explore the murky overlap between law and justice in ways that give Blüdhaven a fresh, haunted texture. The introduction of Captain Hallow as an antagonist adds thematic weight, challenging the city’s corrupt institutions with the question: is upholding the law truly the same as delivering justice? It’s a smart parallel to the dilemma Dick faced in the previous arc—but without more of his perspective in the issue, it lands with less impact than it should. Maggie Sawyer takes on the role of point-of-view protagonist here, and while she’s a welcome presence, the transition feels abrupt. Her narration lacks the momentum to carry the issue on its own and following her so soon after the first arc dulls the emotional continuity of Dick’s journey.

Nightwing #125 isn’t a total misfire—it’s ambitious in its themes and stylish in its presentation—but it arrives too early and lacks the cohesion needed to justify the detour. Watters and Francavilla are clearly swinging for something unique, but in this case, the execution doesn’t quite land.