Things have been getting more and more intense in Dan Watters’ Nightwing run. The Cirque du Sin story has been pushing Nightwing in ways he was not expecting after all he went through with Heartless and Blockbuster. It has shown that Bludhaven will always look to fill the dark hole of power that exists in its underground. How will Dick Grayson deal with everything going on? Let’s find out with Nightwing #133
CREATIVE TEAM
Writer: Dan Watters
Artist: V. Ken Marion
Colorist: Veronica Gandini
Letterer: Wes Abbott
NIGHTWING #133 SOLICITATION
“BLÜDHAVEN IS TURNING ON ITS HERO. NIGHTWING DOESN’T HAVE TIME TO CARE. As strange disappearances grip the city, the mysterious Cirque du Sin seems to be gaining power. Now, to save the city’s children, Nightwing must follow the circus music where no one else dares.” – DC Comics
HIGHLIGHTS FROM NIGHTWING #133
Maggie Sawyer Great Nightwing Analysis
Bludhaven Police Commissioner Maggie Sawyer delivers one of the best analysis of who Nightwing is in this issue. There talk gets into how Nightwing is a reflection of someone who was inspired and raised by Batman and Superman’s ideals. That has led him down a path where he goes back and forth between a hero who inspires and also can invoke fear. It is something that has both its good things and drawbacks as this Cirque Du Sin story arc has proven. Maggie using her experience having worked in Metropolis and Gotham City to talk with Nightwing as equals helped make this come across as a genuine analysis of the character.
Supporting Cast Create High Stakes
Nightwing #133 is a big build up to the final phase of Cirque Du Sin storyline. With this being a big set-up issue Dan Watters maximize using the supporting cast to emphasize that. Both Melinda Grayson-Lin and Barbara Gordon offer up different perspectives of the stakes when it comes to Dick Grayson’s decision. With Melinda we see how much damage the Cirque Du Sin have had on the city as its left her in a spot she feels she needs to leave. While Barbara reminds Dick he doesn’t have to do things along, even though she knows he will because that’s who he is. Both interactions are different as they are unique to the relationship they each have with Dick Grayson.
Martian Manhunter Teases Bludhaven Big Change
Even though he was on the cover of Nightwing #133 I was still surprised about Martian Manhunter’s appearance. Watters did a good job at treating it as a genuine surprise that works in the context of the story. While surprising, Watters made sure the seeds were laid for Martian Manhunter’s role with his appearance along with the Justice League back in Nightwing #130. That appearance helped set-up an understanding why Martian Manhunter stayed behind to talk with Nightwing after he detected something was wrong with Bludhaven. While he plays an important role in getting Nightwing to the Fifth Dimension the more key role Martian Manhunter plays is further teasing the big change ahead for Bludhaven.
Cirque Du Sin Horrifying Fifth Dimension Threat
Throughout this chapter of the story arc, Watters and V. Ken Marion make sure the horror vibe around the Cirque Du Sin is always in the air. There is this chill down Nightwing’s spine that you as the reader feel that he has no choice but to meet the Cirque Du Sin on their playground. Once he gets there through the portal Martian Manhunter creates you immediately get a sense of dread. We are left wondering how exactly Nightwing can turn Cirque Du Sin’s Fifth Dimension playground against them and save the kids from their grasp.
WHAT DIDN’T WORK IN NIGHTWING #133
Tease of Vanishing Supporting Cast
For all the great things this issue does the one thing that does not work is the possible big development of Melinda leaving Bludhaven. Melinda has been a much needed member for Nightwing’s supporting cast. Without her it does leaves this series in a spot to start over. Melinda has been such a great family presence for Dick Grayson’s life outside the Batman Family. It would be a real shame if she does in fact leave Bludhaven. It would be much stronger character move if she stays and faces the ramifications of Cirque Du Sin, showing she can rise above the negativity.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Nightwing #133 delivers a strong set-up to the final phase of the “Cirque Du Sin” storyline. Dan Watters and V. Ken Marion drive home that no matter the results Bludhaven will be changed forever. That creates an even greater sense of importance to what Nightwing decides to do to take on Cirque Du Sin on their home field. That decision sets the stage for Nightwing to make even more tough decisions that have many different results.
Story Rating: 8 Night Girls out of 10
Art Rating: 8 Night Girls out of 10
Overall Rating: 8 Night Girls out of 10
For more opinions on anime, comic book, movies, and sports you can follow Kevin on TikTok, Bluesky, Instagram, Threads, and Twitter/X.