Nightwing #97 delivers a superb story that stings readers with a sucker punch. I would love to be a fly on the wall as fans reach the end. Well done, Taylor. Kudos to the art team for making everything sublime. Read Full Review

After learning Blockbusters fate, Maroni makes a difficult decision. Meanwhile Nightwing and Melinda discuss current events.Later, he and Batgirl accompany a transport. When it is attacked, the duo engage in combat. Then, Nightwing and Batgirl take an informant under their care. Finally, after an interesting night, the group are surprised by someone unexpected.The Story: Tom Taylor delivers an exciting entry point into a new storyline. Maronis actions are the direct result of Blockbusters downfall, and I am curious as to how many more bosses will turn up due to the impact. The storys title Power Vacuum seems to point in this direction and feels very promising. With that out of the way, Id like to address the cliff hanger finale. Wow! Just, wow! I wont spoil it, but I will say the mind of Tom Taylor is truly something to behold, and long-term readers of this series will be completely astonished. I am REALLY looking forward to the next chapter in this story.The artwork in this issue is i Read Full Review

The current creative team on Nightwing continues to be one of the better collections of talent in mainstream comics today. Its smart, savvy stuff that glides across the page in a way that balances action with drama and humor. It may not fit perfectly with every other title in Gotham Citys corner of the DC universe, but it keeps in touch with the overall rhythm of everything well enough to keep Nightwing firmly grounded in one of the most totally corrupt cities in the DC universe.  Read Full Review

The art shifts subtly but thrives thanks to the cohesive force of Lucass palette and Abbotts streamlined lettering. It doesnt take much to catch up, so its a high recommendation to jump on this book now. With the book approaching a landmark issue, and Nightwing taking the spotlight in titles across DCs plans post-Dark Crisis, its clear the hero is one to watch in the coming months, thanks in part to the high caliber set by this series. Read Full Review

‘Nightwing' enters a new phase as the series ramps up towards a pretty big 100th issue, exploring what happens to people and a city when a massively powerful force is suddenly extinguished. This issue perfectly balances a smaller story, with lots of emotional weight & significant bits of action, alongside the overarching bigger story happening around the characters. Read Full Review

Taylor seems to be the first writer taking Dick and Barbara's relationship seriously for a long time, and it seems a big milestone might be coming. Read Full Review

I've said it before, and I'll say it again… BUY THIS COMIC! Read Full Review

Nightwing #97 is a fun, high-paced issue that ramps things up after the last issues seeming conclusion. Blockbuster might be dead, but his death has meant danger and high-stakes action scenes for Nightwing and Batgirl. Read Full Review

The end twist was great, and I applaud the creators for not leaving the Ric Grayson era in the dust. It wasn't a beloved era, but it still has dramatic potential. Unlike the Melinda cliffhanger, I honestly cannot predict where this might lead. Read Full Review

In what will likely be the biggest twist of this series, readers are left hanging with a rather large cliffhanger one that firmly ties Taylor and Bruno Redondo's run to that immediately before it. Read Full Review

More of the same, by which I mean the funnest, most enjoyable, most personable comic on the stands. A new story kicks off with some great character moments and a wild cliffhanger. Read Full Review

Nightwing #97 is an effective, if somewhat unassuming transition issue as The Battle for Bldhaven's Heart leaves a new status quo. The art is tight, the action well rendered, but there is a nagging feeling that Tom Taylor's scripts are growing repetitive. There is an ease of craft on display and it's nice to have a book as consistent in quality as Nightwing, but the issue's cliffhanger is equal parts exciting and worrying as Taylor searches for his next big hook. Read Full Review

Nightwing #97 is an odd issue.  After the last issue's shocking cliffhanger, I expected something more significant than what we got here.  Still, the cliffhanger will undoubtedly have fans talking, and I can't wait to see how Tom Taylor explains what is going on. Read Full Review

A strong pace made some of the shortcomings with the story does not interfere with the entertainment value of Nightwing #97. Tom Taylor knows how to write all these characters in compelling ways that's enhanced by Bruno Redondo, and Geraldo Borges artwork. The ending that brings back one of the worst parts of Nightwing's history was definitely a let down that I hope Taylor and company are able to make work in the next issue. Read Full Review

Sal Maroni must be escorted to Gotham to testify because now that Blockbuster is dead, he is no longer protected. Everyone wants him dead and Nightwing and Batgirl are in charge of keeping him safe. Taylor and Redondo perform a perfectly balanced act between action, humor and quiet time. I love that Taylor brings up the rampant police corruption in Bludhaven (and that it didn't just evaporate because Blockbuster died). I like that the love story between the two heroes continues. Taylor is keen on it and I find, if it goes through, that it will be a smart and brave change of status quo.

Another good issue. I love the playfulness between Babs and Dick. It starts with Maroni being cocky until he learns that Blockbuster is dead, then he turns state's evidence pretty quickly. The save by Nightwing was pretty cool and I love that Maroni heard them upstairs. I really hope they are not giving Dick a long-lost family member. That would suck.

Solid issue as usual. But police commissioners DO NOT DO THAT! (The whole "Montoya is commissioner" thing annoys me so much. I want back the Question.)

It was no big deal.

Art: 3.5/5
Story: 3.5/5
Total: 7/10

The art is really carrying this book at this point.