Nightwing #141 Review

 

Nightwing #141 Review

Writer: Dan Watters

Penciler: Denys Cowan

Inker: Norm Rapmund

Colorist: Francesco Segala

Letterer: Wes Abbott

Cover Artist: Jorge Fornés

Variant Cover Artists: Tim Bradstreet, Dustin Nguyen & Dan Mora

Editors: Jessica Berbey & Rob Levin

Publisher: DC Comics

Price: $4.99 US/$5.99 US Card Stock

Release Date: August 19, 2026

 

Some see it as a symbol of Blüdhaven's rejuvenation. Others, like Nightwing, believe Mayor Bisogni's Superhighway has awakened ancient terrors. Yet as intercity neighborhoods vanish, the suburbs also suffer.

 

As the media debate his culpability for the vehicular deaths in a multicar pileup, Dick Grayson learns the Mayor's intentions behind the new road that divides his city. But with the architect and his murderer dead, will anyone listen to Nightwing? And if Prosecutor Eastbourne takes him to court, will Dick Grayson end up in prison like Barbara Gordon? Let's leap into Nightwing #141 and see!

 

Story

It’s a cold morning in Blüdhaven. The chill factor comes from Prosecutor Emily Eastbourne’s ultimatum. Nightwing must surrender and face judgment for the deaths that occurred when his car plowed into others on the Bisogni Superhighway. The clock is ticking. And as Eastbourne’s deadline looms, Dick Grayson stands in the crowd gathered before the courthouse, unsure how a hero should react to these circumstances.

 

In Nightwing #141, Dick Grayson feels like he’s waging a losing battle to improve living conditions for the city's inhabitants. In his desperation to rescue abducted children from the Cirque du Sin, Nightwing and the Zanni toppled buildings like toy blocks. The Bisogni Superhighway has destroyed more neighborhoods. Nightwing cannot sleep. In Gotham, the police are gunning for his Bat-family. His girlfriend is in Supermax. And even if the cop killed a monstrous murderer, that didn’t give Nightwing the right to send him to the hospital.

 

While Dan Watters addresses the role that costumed vigilantes play in society, his story also gives Nightwing a chance to hear what people think about him. While the media have beaten Prosecutor Eastbourne's war drums, not everyone thinks Nightwing is a menace to society. They may only see a fraction of how he works on their behalf. Nightwing may not agree with their interpretation of his actions. Yet as he ponders how to respond to Eastbourne's challenge, Dick Grayson remains vigilant, wanting to protect all the inhabitants of Blüdhaven in Nightwing #141.

 

Art

Emily Eastbourne tells anyone who will listen that she is pursuing justice for the people of Blüdhaven. Yet as the readout on her smartwatch approaches zero hour, she stands atop the Courthouse steps, surrounded by her legal associates. As Dick Grayson stands amid the crowd gathered before the podium, he remembers his car plowing into two others. Then, another spectator forces people aside as he acts out his recollections. As the man makes his case, a smile spreads across his face. Dick closes his eyes and raises his hand to cover his face.

 

While Denys Cowan and Norm Rapmund portray Dick Grayson’s hesitancy, Francesco Segala adorns Blüdhaven with a limited palette in Nightwing #141. Dick Grayson wears blue and yellow as he unleashes his anger on a criminal. Prosecutor Eastbourne, Nightwing’s fan, and someone else who gives Nightwing food for thought seem united in indigo. People also project their emotions. As Billy-Boy glows yellow, his fright colors the nearby buildings and the air. And when a member of the crowd glows red, she tinges everyone around her.

 

Wes Abbott places black uppercase letters in white balloons. Narration, thoughts, and off-camera dialogue reside in colored boxes. Intonation emboldens words, while broken balloon borders indicate lowered voices. Yet as white represents shattered lives, a word in a framed photo feels like a broken promise. Thanks to DC Comics for sharing this story with us.

 

Final Thoughts

When you’re one of many, it’s easy to compare your contributions to those of your contemporaries. But operating alone, under the veil of anonymity, Dick Grayson lacks a basis for comparison. He believes he should hold himself to a higher standard. Yet recently, he’s failed to toe Prosecutor Eastbourne’s strict line in relation to two murderers. So, when she asks him to submit to a higher authority, Dick Grayson wonders if someone else should judge his actions in Nightwing #141.

 

Rating 9.2/10

 

To look inside see Nightwing #141 Preview. 

 

For Dick Grayson's conversation with Cannibal Colm, see Nightwing #140 Preview. 

For Dick Grayson's team-up with Dr Benas Sereika see my review of Nightwing #139. 

For Dick Grayson's team-up with Starfire, see my review of Nightwing #138.

For Dick Grayson's team-up with Batman, see my preview of Nightwing #137.

For Dick Grayson's encounter with the witch of the crossroads, see my preview of Nightwing #136. 

For Batman's team-up with Dr Benas Sereika, see my review of Batman: Dark Patterns #1.