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Nightwing by Dan Watters
Nightwing, Vol. 3: The Cirque du Sin
152 pages, Hardcover
Published July 21, 2026
About the author
Dan Watters
439 books174 followersDan Watters is a UK based comic book writer. His first book, LIMBO, was released through Image Comics in 2016. He has since written THE SHADOW at Dynamite Comics, and ASSASSIN’S CREED and WOLFENSTEIN for Titan Comics.
Currently he is writing the relaunch of LUCIFER for Vertigo’s Sandman Universe, as well as DEEP ROOTS for Vault Comics. Deeply rooted in London Town, and firmly of the Devil's party.
Currently he is writing the relaunch of LUCIFER for Vertigo’s Sandman Universe, as well as DEEP ROOTS for Vault Comics. Deeply rooted in London Town, and firmly of the Devil's party.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
August 23, 2026
3.2 stars
August 5, 2026
The ending to Dan Watters’ first Nightwing arc is… fine. There’s nothing too spectacular or special about it, there are some cool ideas that come about from Nightwing being in the fifth dimension, and I liked Martian Manhunter’s appearance in the book - but it all felt a bit rushed, a bit quick. The real challenge was told to us and not shown. An arc that’s taken 12 issues to build was finished in essentially two, and although I have no doubt further repercussions to the future of Blüdhaven and Nightwing’# status in the city are being felt in the ongoing series it felt that the menace that was building in the last two volumes fell flat. And maybe there is something in avoiding some sort of deus ex machina Nightwing to (despite being for all intents and purposes, just a guy) defeat a literal god (or maybe not literal?) as that would have been a tad trite - and instead use a deus ex machina faux Kryptonian. It’s better.
As usual, Dan Watters still writes a compelling and tonally strong narrative that keeps me interested. The whole run felt rooted in the style of Doctor Who sci-fi fantasy I loved growing up (did I mention in a previous review the Cirque du Sin are giving Night Travellers vibes from Torchwood?) which is a style I think works wonderfully with the grounded character of Nightwing who accepts all kinds of weirdness and quirk into his life.
And you did get a satisfying payoff to understanding the characters introduced way back in Volume 1, such as Olivia Pearce. It felt thought through and logically structured which is important if you want to add a new arm to the lore of a character.
Ahh, I enjoyed it so what if it didn’t blow my socks off? At least my feet are still warm.
As usual, Dan Watters still writes a compelling and tonally strong narrative that keeps me interested. The whole run felt rooted in the style of Doctor Who sci-fi fantasy I loved growing up (did I mention in a previous review the Cirque du Sin are giving Night Travellers vibes from Torchwood?) which is a style I think works wonderfully with the grounded character of Nightwing who accepts all kinds of weirdness and quirk into his life.
And you did get a satisfying payoff to understanding the characters introduced way back in Volume 1, such as Olivia Pearce. It felt thought through and logically structured which is important if you want to add a new arm to the lore of a character.
Ahh, I enjoyed it so what if it didn’t blow my socks off? At least my feet are still warm.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 29, 2026
Dan Watters keeps the run moving with all gas and no breaks.
August 13, 2026
Nightwing Vol. 3: The Cirque du Sin
Writer: Dan Watters
Artists: Dexter Soy, V Ken Marion
Originally published: September 17, 2025 – February 18, 2026
Collects: Nightwing #130–135
Collected edition published: July 21, 2026
★★★★★ (5/5)
I really enjoyed this one. The whole Cirque du Sin storyline got way crazier than I expected, especially with Olivia, Zanni, and the missing kids. I also liked seeing Dick actually take Bryce under his wing instead of just trying to get rid of his powers. Prime ended up being one of my favorite parts of the volume, and that ending genuinely got me.
The art was great too, and I liked how much of the story tied back to the previous volumes.
5 stars.
Future Me Notes
Dick leaves a warning for Bernard Bisogni, who is secretly connected to the Blockbuster gang.
The Clean Cut Gang inject themselves with Man-Bat venom, transforming into monsters.
The monsters clash with the police.
Nightwing Prime shows up and helps stop them.
Diana, Clark, J'onn, and Bruce cameo.
The JLA is concerned about this mysterious new Nightwing Prime.
Bruce and Dick have another Batman/Nightwing moment.
It has been about a month since Bryce's brother was killed by a cop.
Bryce is mostly returning to his original personality.
Instead of taking away Bryce's powers, Dick decides to train him.
Meanwhile, children are being lured toward the Cirque du Sin.
Olivia learns about Prime.
Drury Walker / Killer Moth is supplying the Clean Cut Gang with Man-Bat venom.
Dick tracks down Killer Moth's submarine and stops the smuggling operation with Oracle's help.
Killer Moth escapes.
Dick leaves Bryce homework before meeting with Sawyer.
There are now five missing children, and each left behind a drawing of the Cirque du Sin.
Bryce hears gunshots and immediately goes to investigate.
The Clean Cut Gang is attacking Killer Moth over the Man-Bat venom.
Bryce thinks his powers make him invincible.
He doesn't realize that kryptonite has become much less rare after Superman's actions in Superman Unlimited.
Bryce gets shot with kryptonite ammunition.
Dick arrives too late.
Bryce begins hearing circus music.
More children disappear.
Dick infiltrates Olivia's office.
He discovers that the suit Olivia previously lent him during the Nite-Mite storyline recorded everything he did while wearing it.
Olivia has been studying the recordings, allowing her to copy and counter Dick's fighting style.
Olivia finally reveals herself.
She explains that she once created a death trap for herself, expecting Robin to come save her.
Robin never came.
The guillotine cut off part of her face.
Her obsession with Robin/Nightwing grew from that trauma.
The confrontation is broadcast live.
Zanni appears, but nobody watching can see him because he exists outside normal reality.
Olivia's head suddenly falls off while Dick is approaching her.
On the broadcast, it looks like Dick killed Olivia.
Nightwing becomes a public enemy.
Sawyer comes to Titans Tower to meet with Dick.
There are now nine missing children.
Melinda visits and tells Dick she's leaving Blüdhaven.
Dick gives Melinda the money Pennyworth left him, which makes her realize her brother has other plans in mind
While Dick waits for Barbara and Haley to return from their walk, Martian Manhunter finally reveals himself.
J'onn uses his powers to transport Dick to the Cirque du Sin.
Dick has to go alone.
Inside, he encounters a Fifth-Dimensional manifestation of Olivia with her head detached.
Olivia tells him he has to play a game to win back the souls of the missing children.
Bryce continues reacting to the circus music.
The game is tin-can alley.
Every time Zanni knocks down the cans, another part of Blüdhaven is destroyed.
If Dick wins, he saves the children—but the destruction of the city continues.
The children's souls are trapped inside puppets.
The puppets begin grabbing Dick.
Martian Manhunter and Barbara work to protect civilians outside.
Dick throws Nite-Mite soup at Zanni.
Because the soup originates from the Fifth Dimension, it is capable of hurting Zanni.
It blows a hole through Zanni.
Zanni becomes enraged.
Olivia's manifested body throws her severed head toward Titans Tower, where Bryce is recovering.
Prime wakes up.
Zanni is injured.
The children begin waking up.
Dick figures out a way to escape and creates a ridiculously long ladder. 💀
The children climb out one by one, with Dick following behind them.
Zanni starts catching up.
Prime arrives and distracts Zanni so everyone else can escape.
Prime realizes he needs to sever the connection between the Cirque and reality.
He sacrifices himself by cutting off the Cirque du Sin's connection to reality.
Bryce is trapped inside with Zanni.
Dick gets emotional and wants to find a way to bring Prime back.
The Justice League helps save civilians.
The Teddies and Flyboiz also help with the rescue.
The children are successfully recovered.
Claire, Katie's daughter, steals Sawyer's communicator and contacts Nightwing.
She becomes Prime's messenger.
Claire explains that Zanni still tries to scare the children through their dreams, but Prime is always there too.
Bryce is happy where he is and has accepted his role as a hero.
Night-Hare is given to Claire.
Bernard Bisogni becomes the new mayor of Blüdhaven, setting him up as the next villain.
Notable Appearances / Cameos
Nightwing / Dick Grayson
Nightwing Prime / Bryce
Barbara Gordon / Oracle
Maggie Sawyer
Melinda Grayson-Lin
Batman / Bruce Wayne
Superman / Clark Kent
Wonder Woman / Diana
Martian Manhunter / J'onn J'onzz
Alfred Pennyworth / Pennyworth Foundation
Haley
Claire
Katie
Olivia Pearce / Olivia Hillman / Colombina
Zanni
Drury Walker / Killer Moth
Bernard Bisogni
Clean Cut Gang
Blockbuster Gang
Teddies
Flyboiz
Night-Hare
Justice League
Cirque du Sin
Writer: Dan Watters
Artists: Dexter Soy, V Ken Marion
Originally published: September 17, 2025 – February 18, 2026
Collects: Nightwing #130–135
Collected edition published: July 21, 2026
★★★★★ (5/5)
I really enjoyed this one. The whole Cirque du Sin storyline got way crazier than I expected, especially with Olivia, Zanni, and the missing kids. I also liked seeing Dick actually take Bryce under his wing instead of just trying to get rid of his powers. Prime ended up being one of my favorite parts of the volume, and that ending genuinely got me.
The art was great too, and I liked how much of the story tied back to the previous volumes.
5 stars.
Future Me Notes
Dick leaves a warning for Bernard Bisogni, who is secretly connected to the Blockbuster gang.
The Clean Cut Gang inject themselves with Man-Bat venom, transforming into monsters.
The monsters clash with the police.
Nightwing Prime shows up and helps stop them.
Diana, Clark, J'onn, and Bruce cameo.
The JLA is concerned about this mysterious new Nightwing Prime.
Bruce and Dick have another Batman/Nightwing moment.
It has been about a month since Bryce's brother was killed by a cop.
Bryce is mostly returning to his original personality.
Instead of taking away Bryce's powers, Dick decides to train him.
Meanwhile, children are being lured toward the Cirque du Sin.
Olivia learns about Prime.
Drury Walker / Killer Moth is supplying the Clean Cut Gang with Man-Bat venom.
Dick tracks down Killer Moth's submarine and stops the smuggling operation with Oracle's help.
Killer Moth escapes.
Dick leaves Bryce homework before meeting with Sawyer.
There are now five missing children, and each left behind a drawing of the Cirque du Sin.
Bryce hears gunshots and immediately goes to investigate.
The Clean Cut Gang is attacking Killer Moth over the Man-Bat venom.
Bryce thinks his powers make him invincible.
He doesn't realize that kryptonite has become much less rare after Superman's actions in Superman Unlimited.
Bryce gets shot with kryptonite ammunition.
Dick arrives too late.
Bryce begins hearing circus music.
More children disappear.
Dick infiltrates Olivia's office.
He discovers that the suit Olivia previously lent him during the Nite-Mite storyline recorded everything he did while wearing it.
Olivia has been studying the recordings, allowing her to copy and counter Dick's fighting style.
Olivia finally reveals herself.
She explains that she once created a death trap for herself, expecting Robin to come save her.
Robin never came.
The guillotine cut off part of her face.
Her obsession with Robin/Nightwing grew from that trauma.
The confrontation is broadcast live.
Zanni appears, but nobody watching can see him because he exists outside normal reality.
Olivia's head suddenly falls off while Dick is approaching her.
On the broadcast, it looks like Dick killed Olivia.
Nightwing becomes a public enemy.
Sawyer comes to Titans Tower to meet with Dick.
There are now nine missing children.
Melinda visits and tells Dick she's leaving Blüdhaven.
Dick gives Melinda the money Pennyworth left him, which makes her realize her brother has other plans in mind
While Dick waits for Barbara and Haley to return from their walk, Martian Manhunter finally reveals himself.
J'onn uses his powers to transport Dick to the Cirque du Sin.
Dick has to go alone.
Inside, he encounters a Fifth-Dimensional manifestation of Olivia with her head detached.
Olivia tells him he has to play a game to win back the souls of the missing children.
Bryce continues reacting to the circus music.
The game is tin-can alley.
Every time Zanni knocks down the cans, another part of Blüdhaven is destroyed.
If Dick wins, he saves the children—but the destruction of the city continues.
The children's souls are trapped inside puppets.
The puppets begin grabbing Dick.
Martian Manhunter and Barbara work to protect civilians outside.
Dick throws Nite-Mite soup at Zanni.
Because the soup originates from the Fifth Dimension, it is capable of hurting Zanni.
It blows a hole through Zanni.
Zanni becomes enraged.
Olivia's manifested body throws her severed head toward Titans Tower, where Bryce is recovering.
Prime wakes up.
Zanni is injured.
The children begin waking up.
Dick figures out a way to escape and creates a ridiculously long ladder. 💀
The children climb out one by one, with Dick following behind them.
Zanni starts catching up.
Prime arrives and distracts Zanni so everyone else can escape.
Prime realizes he needs to sever the connection between the Cirque and reality.
He sacrifices himself by cutting off the Cirque du Sin's connection to reality.
Bryce is trapped inside with Zanni.
Dick gets emotional and wants to find a way to bring Prime back.
The Justice League helps save civilians.
The Teddies and Flyboiz also help with the rescue.
The children are successfully recovered.
Claire, Katie's daughter, steals Sawyer's communicator and contacts Nightwing.
She becomes Prime's messenger.
Claire explains that Zanni still tries to scare the children through their dreams, but Prime is always there too.
Bryce is happy where he is and has accepted his role as a hero.
Night-Hare is given to Claire.
Bernard Bisogni becomes the new mayor of Blüdhaven, setting him up as the next villain.
Notable Appearances / Cameos
Nightwing / Dick Grayson
Nightwing Prime / Bryce
Barbara Gordon / Oracle
Maggie Sawyer
Melinda Grayson-Lin
Batman / Bruce Wayne
Superman / Clark Kent
Wonder Woman / Diana
Martian Manhunter / J'onn J'onzz
Alfred Pennyworth / Pennyworth Foundation
Haley
Claire
Katie
Olivia Pearce / Olivia Hillman / Colombina
Zanni
Drury Walker / Killer Moth
Bernard Bisogni
Clean Cut Gang
Blockbuster Gang
Teddies
Flyboiz
Night-Hare
Justice League
Cirque du Sin
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 23, 2026
I’m happy to report that Watters indeed stuck the landing with this story. Last volume I was a bit hesitant on where this all was headed, but man is Watters such a talented writer. I’ve been vocal about my dislike for the 5th dimension shenanigans in this run. However, Watters handles it perfectly, and actually made me sort of like it.
The core thing happening in this story is that the Zanni and Olivia are luring children into the 5th dimension—much like what happened to Olivia back in the day. We also got Nightwing Prime, and Dick trying to help him be a Superhero.
Yes, there’s A LOT going on, but it all balances out really well. I love how sinister Zanni is, and that reveal about Olivia was shocking. The themes of childhood innocence, children folk tales, facing fears, and so on are all well handled in this story. The climax was great, and Watters’ voice for Nightwing is just so good.
So yeah this was really great, and I’m happy that Watters made everything come full circle. This dude made me love Nightwing Prime.
The core thing happening in this story is that the Zanni and Olivia are luring children into the 5th dimension—much like what happened to Olivia back in the day. We also got Nightwing Prime, and Dick trying to help him be a Superhero.
Yes, there’s A LOT going on, but it all balances out really well. I love how sinister Zanni is, and that reveal about Olivia was shocking. The themes of childhood innocence, children folk tales, facing fears, and so on are all well handled in this story. The climax was great, and Watters’ voice for Nightwing is just so good.
So yeah this was really great, and I’m happy that Watters made everything come full circle. This dude made me love Nightwing Prime.
September 6, 2026
I've been keeping up with this run since I found out the first volume came out and HOLY SHIT it might just be my favorite Nightwing run so far.
The stakes are immediately set and only get crazier each issue, the characterization of everyone is really well done (especially our star Nightwing), the art is wonderful, and this particular volume is exactly what the last two were leading up to and it delivers pretty damn well.
I love how much this is about Dick Grayson and not so much an extention of the Batman mythos with him as a protagonist; it truly feels like he's his own person and this is his own journey.
The Zanni and Olivia Pearce and the Cirque Du Sin are some
of the best new addition to this hero's rogues gallery since probably fucking Blockbuster honestly
This is just going really well and I can't wait to get to the next arc
The stakes are immediately set and only get crazier each issue, the characterization of everyone is really well done (especially our star Nightwing), the art is wonderful, and this particular volume is exactly what the last two were leading up to and it delivers pretty damn well.
I love how much this is about Dick Grayson and not so much an extention of the Batman mythos with him as a protagonist; it truly feels like he's his own person and this is his own journey.
The Zanni and Olivia Pearce and the Cirque Du Sin are some
of the best new addition to this hero's rogues gallery since probably fucking Blockbuster honestly
This is just going really well and I can't wait to get to the next arc
Review of advance copy
Dan Watters' first big Nightwing arc comes to a conclusion as Dick takes the fight to the Zanni and the Cirque Du Sin at last.
Nightwing's not usually one for punching ghosts and monsters, nor is he one for the big superhero moments that Nightwing Prime brings to the proceedings, and yet somehow, Watters has made it work really well over the past two volumes, and brings it home for these last six issues as well.
Even when Dick's winning, he's losing, but he never gives up hope - because that's just who he is, and Watters understands that to a tee. The villains are awesome, the supporting cast continue to fit in nicely (who doesn't love Bitewing, honestly?), and the conclusion is bittersweet, but a nice springboard for what comes next.
Nightwing's not usually one for punching ghosts and monsters, nor is he one for the big superhero moments that Nightwing Prime brings to the proceedings, and yet somehow, Watters has made it work really well over the past two volumes, and brings it home for these last six issues as well.
Even when Dick's winning, he's losing, but he never gives up hope - because that's just who he is, and Watters understands that to a tee. The villains are awesome, the supporting cast continue to fit in nicely (who doesn't love Bitewing, honestly?), and the conclusion is bittersweet, but a nice springboard for what comes next.
August 28, 2026
3.5 stars
The Zanni arc comes to an apparent close, continuing a run that’s considerably more weirdly fantastical/supernatural than other mainline bat books the last few years (complimentary). This run hasn’t been particularly emotionally compelling so far, but I appreciate how much it’s been informed by esoteric historical circus culture (e.g. the Zanni itself).
Visually, I’m still not a fan of Soy’s art for the series; it’s done in a style that’s very 2000s comic art and feels dated but not classically cool. It’s not enough to put me off the series, and a page here or there actually ends up looking great, but I still wish any number of other artists were drawing it (a shame DaNi isn’t drawing this in addition to Batwoman).
The Zanni arc comes to an apparent close, continuing a run that’s considerably more weirdly fantastical/supernatural than other mainline bat books the last few years (complimentary). This run hasn’t been particularly emotionally compelling so far, but I appreciate how much it’s been informed by esoteric historical circus culture (e.g. the Zanni itself).
Visually, I’m still not a fan of Soy’s art for the series; it’s done in a style that’s very 2000s comic art and feels dated but not classically cool. It’s not enough to put me off the series, and a page here or there actually ends up looking great, but I still wish any number of other artists were drawing it (a shame DaNi isn’t drawing this in addition to Batwoman).
September 9, 2026
The first Nightwing collection that made me GET Nightwing. Really great stuff. I read all 3 trades and highly recommend this. Not perfect but considering I had been largely not a fan of Nightwing I’d say this portrayal of his character and the overall villain was quite good. Borderline surreal without actually tipping into any type of avant garde space, i was thoroughly entertained. Vol 2 I think was weakest but I’m nitpicking, the 3 volume arc was wonderful! (I don’t care that it’s a bit of a cliche, I loved Nightwing Prime and I hope him and his bunny live forever)
September 27, 2026
And we've come to the end of Dan Watters' first Nightwing story arch. What a ride, and honestly really dark and creepy at times. I really enjoyed this and couldn't put the comics down, so that's a great sign. Nightwing has to beat the main villain the Zanni and Olivia Pearce's backstory gets revealed (quite gruelly so) and even the Martian Manhunter has an appearance! I'm looking forward to what Watters has Nightwing go through next.
August 4, 2026
Satisfactory conclusion to the cirque de sin arc. I thought Nightwing prime was an excellent addition, not only to the story and the Nightwing mythos, but the DC universe as a hole, so I was downright shocked when they took him off the chessboard as quickly as they put him on there. Seems shortsighted, but I suppose they could retcon parts of this if they wanna bring him back.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy
Read as individual issues.
I don’t seem to care for Watters’ Nightwing as much as others do. And frankly, I really don’t enjoy Soy’s art here either. The backgrounds are nice, but the way he draws characters I’m not a fan of.
I don’t seem to care for Watters’ Nightwing as much as others do. And frankly, I really don’t enjoy Soy’s art here either. The backgrounds are nice, but the way he draws characters I’m not a fan of.
August 19, 2026
Generally satisfying end to the Cirque du Sin arc. It does feel like the big bad has been fully written into irrelevance, and I'm not sure yet if that's a good or bad thing. Definitely going to be lasting effects, which is generally a good thing.
September 10, 2026
another review on here puts it a little better - it's well-written and tonally consistent, just the pacing is strange and the subject matter is a little weird for nightwing. but overall i am still hooked for keeping up with this past this arc
Review of advance copy
Read as single issues
Review of advance copy
read as individual issues. dexter soy, my man.
July 26, 2026
"and if you ask me... superheroes are way cooler idea than a circus".
July 27, 2026
3.5 stars
August 2, 2026
3.5 Stars
August 6, 2026
Not my favorite but a decent conclusion to the Zanni arc.
August 10, 2026
Wraps up Watters first big story arc and it definitely could’ve been better with the setup they did. Art is incredible by Dexter Soy.
August 17, 2026
I guess they pulled it back
August 30, 2026
bryce found his calling i’m emotional
September 3, 2026
Nightwing Prime I have grown quite fond of u
September 27, 2026
Nightwing prime 🥲🥲🥲
September 14, 2026
5th dimension shenanigans vs Bat-family emotional mayhem...
Love it! Refreshing change from the standard gang war / mobster fights.
Love it! Refreshing change from the standard gang war / mobster fights.
Review of advance copy
Actual rating: 3.75 stars
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