Nightwing #35

Writer: Sam Humphries

Artist: Bernard Chang

Colourist: Marcelo Maiolo

Letterer: Carlos M. Mangual

Sam Humphries begins his much-anticipated run on NIGHTWING with this issue, having left GREEN LANTERNS a few issues ago. Humphries is joined by former BATMAN BEYOND artist Bernard Chang, so this book has an immediately-apparent new feeling to it since it's an entirely new creative team at the helm, excluding letterer Carlos M. Mangual.

This was an exciting a fun issue; Humphries and Chang change up the feel of Bludhaven and set it apart from the other DC cities. Chang and colourist Marcelo Maiolo play up the neon nature of the city and so many pages contain some of the best colouring work Maiolo has ever done. Chang's art style also has a different feel to his previous BATMAN BEYOND work. It's more expressive than usual and the aforementioned colouring really brings a new dimension to the art.

I also think that Humphries is a great fit for this book. The Runoffs played a big part in Tim Seeley's run but I think it was wise of Humphries to focus on Dick himself in this issue to really let the tone of the story sink in. I also like what Humphries is doing for Dick's personal life, as he starts a fitness business which to me makes sense from a character standpoint.

A new villain is introduced: The Judge. Humphries ties him into Dick's backstory but doesn't overdo it like Seeley did with Raptor. I'm sure it'll be further explored down the line but what little information I was given was enough for me. The Judge seems to be an interesting character with a somewhat unique powerset and he's already making big moves against Nightwing by the time the cliffhanger hits.

Humphries and Chang really impressed me with their debut on the title. Their new villain looks to be an interesting one and a simpler take on Dick's personal life grounds this story in a satisfying way. Chang's art is the best it's ever been, and I'm certain this title is in safe hands.