Nightwing #5

Script: Steve Orlando
Artist: Roge Antonio
Colorist: Chris Sotomayor
Letters: Carlos M. Mangual
Publisher: DC

The thing about crossovers is I read two of the series that are being crossed over into Night of the Monster Men and I still feel confounded by some of it when reading it for the first time. There's probably a segment of people reading all the three of these books but even then I don't think the first 2 installments of this story have been as good as the debut arcs for each of them.

This issue takes a closer look at Dick in the midst of all the Monster Men action, even though there's still a lot of time spent with Batman and Batwoman. I think the lack of clarity on what each title is supposed to do works against the event (this issue features Batman more than the last), but Orlando is good at writing Nightwing. He's quippy in spite of all the chaos while having a less pessimistic outlook than Batman. The characterization of Nightwing, and a lot of DC characters, has been on point since Rebirth started. I feel that like on Batman #7, they once blew the reveal here (there being four Monster Men) because they already showed us the four bodies on the third page of the Batman book.

Speaking of which, the monsters look better here but I'm still not in love with their design. Roge Antonio's art is alright for most of the issue. Everyone's expressions are either stone-faced or angry, which I guess fits the theme of mayhem and destruction, but there is a Gotham Girl (she's from the main Batman ongoing, don't worry I checked) panel on the second-to-last page that does look completely out of place. She's drawn with a deadpan look while she's very emotionally addressing Batman and Nightwing.

Nightwing #5 keep both the same letterer and colorist from the series' debut arc. And Carlos Mangual and Chris Sotomayor were a good fit together, so I'm glad that we get to see them continue their work here. Sotomayor's coloring is good, as it usually is. His scenes with Nightwing investigating the lab have great lighting and there is a handful of neat close-ups against solid color backgrounds. Mangual goes all out with the sound effects and I… really like that. Sound effects are a huge part of how horror comics build atmosphere, and while this isn't a horror story because horror is rarely compatible with superhero stories (if your main character can beat up anyone and anything, is there anything to be afraid of?), Mangual's lettering does give the book that edge.

As with Batman #7, I think the story on Nightwing #5 could be better. That being said, there are some good things on both of these comics. You'll probably like this crossover if the idea of it strongly appeals to you beforehand, if you are on the fence about it, you should probably skip it.