I Always Knew Nightwing's Sister Was Going to Become His Enemy, But It Still Stings
Warning! This post contains SPOILERS for Nightwing #123Nightwing's war in Blüdhaven is about to get very personal, as it's now leading to a confrontation with his own sister. Born Melinda Zucco, Mayor Melinda Grayson-Lin struggles to maintain her hold over the city as gangs are seemingly at each other's throats, leading to the people of Blüdhaven beginning to lose faith in her leadership. While Nightwing has discovered the truth about what's been happening, his half-sister has grown desperate.
In this new Nightwing era from Dan Watters and Dexter Soy, a new company known as Spheric Solutions has come to town, offering new advanced tech and weapons to the predominantly corrupt BPD. At the same time, various gang leaders in Blüdhaven were mysteriously killed, motivating a brewing underworld war (justifying the strengthened police response). While Nightwing has found evidence that Spheric was behind the attacks and CEO Oliva Pearce's dark past, Melinda still sees Spheric as a necessary ally:
Requesting even more support from Spheric, it's clear that Nightwing may soon have no choice but to stand against his own half-sister in future issues.
Nightwing's City Is In Chaos
A Manufactured War Between Gangs and Police
Currently, Blüdhaven is home to four major gangs in the wake of Blockbuster's defeat in Nightwing's previous run by Tom Taylor and Bruno Redondo. These include The Teddies, Flyboiz, Clean-Cut Crew, and a reformed Blockbuster Gang. While all four leaders had met to discuss a treaty for the sake of profit-sharing and carving up the city's various illicit businesses, an explosion saw each gang's leader murdered by what was later revealed to be the circus-themed criminals known as the Cirque du Sin and their leader, The Zanni.
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Believing the gangs had been set up to escalate violence and justify the increase in police power, Nightwing has indeed discovered evidence of Spheric's manipulations and that Olivia Pearce was once Colombina, a member of the Cirque du Sin whom he and Batman encountered when he was still the first Robin. It's also worth noting that the group tried to recruit Dick Grayson following the death of his parents had Batman not adopted him first. With the death toll continuing to rise and gang members being turned into victims, Nightwing is determined to bring this manufactured war to an end.
Nightwing Will Be Forced To Fight His Sister, Melinda Grayson-Lin
Blüdhaven's Mayor Is Working With Spheric Solutions
Facing political pressure from opponents seeking to take her seat in the upcoming election, Melina wants a swift end to the violence claiming her city. Likewise, her half-brother is facing a very complex situation where, on the surface, it looks like he cares more about criminals than he does the city in general. In truth, these gangs are being murdered as scapegoats while begging Nightwing for his help. While Melinda can't necessarily be blamed for accepting what looks to be Spheric's offer of genuine help, it does mean things are about to get a lot messier between Blüdhaven's mayor and her vigilante brother as DC's Nightwing continues.
Nightwing #123 is on sale now from DC Comics.
- Created By
- Edmond Hamilton, Curt Swan, Marv Wolfman, George Perez
- Alias
- Dick Grayson
- Alliance
- Teen Titans, Titans, Outsiders, Justice League, Batman Inc., Birds of Prey, Young Justice
- Race
- Human
- Franchise
- D.C.
