Nightwing #140: Perfectly Timed Backstory

Recent Nightwing issues, though varied in story, all feature Blüdhaven’s new super highway as an instigator. Nightwing #140 goes to the heart of why that is in an issue that is more discovery than action.

Nightwing #140 starts as most issues in “Blüdhaven Lore” have. It connects the story that is about to unfold to the super highway in some way. The story that unfolds from there isn’t about the super highway, but that connection is firmly in mind. In this case, Watters introduces another neighborhood that has been negatively impacted by the super highway. But instead of telling a story specifically connected to it, he spins it off in a different direction by putting Nightwing’s more conventional detective skills to work.

The result is a story that finally provides the “why” behind the super highway’s apparent influence on Blüdhaven and its residents. Watters doesn’t go too deep into motive, though, which leaves some question and suspense for future installments.

Watters also slips in references to the background storylines regarding the mysterious Blüdhaven witch and the threat that Nightwing must surrender himself to the city’s law enforcement. Overall, this issue showcases a very effective means of balancing multiple storylines.

Cowan finally delivers an expressive Nightwing in Nightwing #140. The depiction of the series’ main character has been an ongoing issue throughout the “Blüdhaven Lore” story arc. Indeed, at times it almost looks like the art is copied from panel to panel. The problem was made even more apparent by other characters who were much more detailed when it came to facial features. While it’s true that Cowan only has half of Nichtwing’s face at his disposal, there hasn’t been much variation in either mouth shape or eye shape when it comes to presenting different emotions. The titular character still isn’t nearly as emotive as others, nor does he have much facial detail. But his appearance here is a definite improvement.

Cannibal Colm, the villain who provides Nightwing with the background on the super highway, gets the best visual treatment. He delivers a wide range of expressions from petulant and angry to inappropriately happy. Cowan establishes a high level of derangement for the character, appropriate given his name and what he is. Rapmund’s heavier inks reinforce the shading on Colm’s face, further adding a significant amount of depth to his features.

Segala uses a red monochrome for Colm’s apartment and Colm himself during Nightwing’s confrontation with him. Nightwing, still appearing in his standard colors, stands out during these sequences, creating a startling contrast. Like Cowan’s work that makes Colm look especially deranged, this color scheme reinforces the character’s disturbing nature, extending it even to his environment.

This color scheme contrasts significantly with the flashback sequences as Colm delivers exposition on the background of the super highway. Presented in a natural color like other characters and in daylight, the character feels considerably smaller than in his own environment.

Watters employs third person narration at the beginning and end of the issue. Abbott picks a faded yellow for these caption boxes, and unfortunately they often blend into Segala’s coloring. Contrast this with the blue of Nightwing’s caption boxes or even just the white dialogue bubbles which often jump off the page.