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Nightwing (2016)
Nightwing, Vol. 5: Raptor's Revenge
Assassin. Vigilante. Mentor. And now nemesis. From his career as one of the Court of Owls' hired killers to his stint as Dick Grayson's would-be partner and teacher, the man called Raptor has always been one of the world's deadliest fighters. And now that Nightwing has rejected his offer, he's poised to become the greatest foe the black-and-blue guardian of Blüdhaven has ever known.
But Nightwing has other, older enemies in his adopted hometown. Now he'll need to count on them as allies.
When Raptor's vendetta threatens the lives of every man, woman and child in the Blüd, Nightwing is forced to turn to the man who hates him most, Blockbuster, for help. It's a team-up like nothing Nightwing has ever known--as if Batman and The Joker joined forces.
That's exactly what makes the alliance so dangerous. If it succeeds, Raptor will feel victory slip through his talons. But if it fails, the entire city of Blüdhaven will fall...
Nightwing Vol. 5: Raptor's Revenge is a pulse-pounding thriller that pits Nightwing against an unforgettable addition to his rogues gallery, from writer Tim Seeley (Batman Eternal) and artists Javier Fernandez (Red Hood/Arsenal), Miguel Mendonça (Wonder Woman) and Diana Egea (Smallville: Season Eleven). Collects Nightwing #30-34.
But Nightwing has other, older enemies in his adopted hometown. Now he'll need to count on them as allies.
When Raptor's vendetta threatens the lives of every man, woman and child in the Blüd, Nightwing is forced to turn to the man who hates him most, Blockbuster, for help. It's a team-up like nothing Nightwing has ever known--as if Batman and The Joker joined forces.
That's exactly what makes the alliance so dangerous. If it succeeds, Raptor will feel victory slip through his talons. But if it fails, the entire city of Blüdhaven will fall...
Nightwing Vol. 5: Raptor's Revenge is a pulse-pounding thriller that pits Nightwing against an unforgettable addition to his rogues gallery, from writer Tim Seeley (Batman Eternal) and artists Javier Fernandez (Red Hood/Arsenal), Miguel Mendonça (Wonder Woman) and Diana Egea (Smallville: Season Eleven). Collects Nightwing #30-34.
128 pages, Paperback
First published February 1, 2019
46 people are currently reading
374 people want to read
About the author
Tim Seeley
1,659 books611 followersTim Seeley is a comic book artist and writer known for his work on books such as G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero, The Dark Elf Trilogy, Batman Eternal and Grayson. He is also the co-creator of the Image Comics titles Hack/Slash[1] and Revival, as well as the Dark Horse titles, ExSanguine and Sundowners. He lives in Chicago.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews
June 7, 2018
All of Seeley's previous stories return for a big thud of a story. The story was drab and dry, parts of it I had to force myself to power through. Nightwing should be fun, almost DC's version of Spider-Man but with less quips. That sense of fun is missing from the book even though most of the characters in the book are seriously lame. I, for one, am looking forward to a change of writer at this point.
June 30, 2025
It was ok. 2.75 🌟
May 18, 2022
This was really good!
Raptor is back and he is taking revenge on Nightwing by sort of threatening Bludhaven and we see how that plays out and its awesome and his working with the Pigeon and how that threatens both Dicks personal and superhero life and so he has to work with Blockbuster to stop this mad man from transforming his city into a monster filled city and in the process discover things about himself and his family and all.. its a personal story with such high stakes and it ends in a predictable manner but fun way for sure and an emotional one. I like how it all comes together in the end and Seeley does give a good ending to the whole thing.
Also Huntress team up vs Orca and some gangs and yeah that one felt short and felt like going nowhere, honestly it would have been fun if they had explored more of the relationship drama but a nice redemption for the Run-offs as well and a focus on Shawn and Dick's relationship.
SO yeah overall an okayish volume with good character moments and a personal story for Dick and end of a good run on nightwing!
Raptor is back and he is taking revenge on Nightwing by sort of threatening Bludhaven and we see how that plays out and its awesome and his working with the Pigeon and how that threatens both Dicks personal and superhero life and so he has to work with Blockbuster to stop this mad man from transforming his city into a monster filled city and in the process discover things about himself and his family and all.. its a personal story with such high stakes and it ends in a predictable manner but fun way for sure and an emotional one. I like how it all comes together in the end and Seeley does give a good ending to the whole thing.
Also Huntress team up vs Orca and some gangs and yeah that one felt short and felt like going nowhere, honestly it would have been fun if they had explored more of the relationship drama but a nice redemption for the Run-offs as well and a focus on Shawn and Dick's relationship.
SO yeah overall an okayish volume with good character moments and a personal story for Dick and end of a good run on nightwing!
January 31, 2018
Zzz...
World: The art is mostly fine but u don't really feel the sense of motion that a book like this should have. The world building is okay, this is a culmination book, I'm not sure but I think Seeley is leaving and Humphries is coming in next so this is the culmination arc. The world is built as is from since Rebirth and this is Seeley playing with all his pieces.
Story: The story is rather forgettable because in all honesty the villain and the side characters and the series so far has been the same. Raptor's not a really engaging and consistent villain and his ties to Dick's past is fairly meh so yeah. The there are the Defacers and her crew and that arc is also rather ho hum making it...zzz. It ended oh good.
Characters: Dick is okay this arc, he is what Seeley has made him out to be since the onset but the storytelling is rather janky for him, suddenly he's a croupier. As I said above Raptor, Blockbuster and the rest just don't really engage and their storytelling is rather surface and totally cold making this rather a bunch of boring characters.
I'm glad there is a writer change that's for sure.
Onward to the next book!
World: The art is mostly fine but u don't really feel the sense of motion that a book like this should have. The world building is okay, this is a culmination book, I'm not sure but I think Seeley is leaving and Humphries is coming in next so this is the culmination arc. The world is built as is from since Rebirth and this is Seeley playing with all his pieces.
Story: The story is rather forgettable because in all honesty the villain and the side characters and the series so far has been the same. Raptor's not a really engaging and consistent villain and his ties to Dick's past is fairly meh so yeah. The there are the Defacers and her crew and that arc is also rather ho hum making it...zzz. It ended oh good.
Characters: Dick is okay this arc, he is what Seeley has made him out to be since the onset but the storytelling is rather janky for him, suddenly he's a croupier. As I said above Raptor, Blockbuster and the rest just don't really engage and their storytelling is rather surface and totally cold making this rather a bunch of boring characters.
I'm glad there is a writer change that's for sure.
Onward to the next book!
April 21, 2018
[Read as single issues]
All of Tim Seeley's plotlines come together for one last hurrah as Raptor returns to Bludhaven intent on taking down Dick Grayson once and for all.
Raptor's a character that I feel could have been even more of a nemesis for Dick if he had appeared a little more often in the series; I think Seeley split time between him and Blockbuster a little too evenly, which makes Blockbuster's 'face' turn here a little more unbelievable.
That said, the personal element that Raptor brings to the table packs a punch, and the sheer ruthlessness with which he enacts his plans is almost refreshing after a few arcs of underhanded behind-the-scenes villainy.
Javier Fernandez returns to join Seeley for their final arc, with some help from Miguel Mendonca; Fernandez defined the aesthetic of this series, so it's great to return to that as things come to a close.
All of Tim Seeley's plotlines come together for one last hurrah as Raptor returns to Bludhaven intent on taking down Dick Grayson once and for all.
Raptor's a character that I feel could have been even more of a nemesis for Dick if he had appeared a little more often in the series; I think Seeley split time between him and Blockbuster a little too evenly, which makes Blockbuster's 'face' turn here a little more unbelievable.
That said, the personal element that Raptor brings to the table packs a punch, and the sheer ruthlessness with which he enacts his plans is almost refreshing after a few arcs of underhanded behind-the-scenes villainy.
Javier Fernandez returns to join Seeley for their final arc, with some help from Miguel Mendonca; Fernandez defined the aesthetic of this series, so it's great to return to that as things come to a close.
June 24, 2020
5 🌟
Dick has to deal with the reappearance of Raptor.
Dick has to deal with the reappearance of Raptor.
September 16, 2018
Really not into this Raptor guy for a villain and the ex villain team up ...those guys are lame af.
January 8, 2019
This was decent. I didnt care for the art change towards the middle but all in all its was fine.
January 5, 2025
Raptor’s moral code was what made him compelling and interesting. Take that away and he’s just another villain of the week with a particular hatred for Nightwing. His working with the Pigeon felt inorganic. I don’t buy that he cares about her because it’s given little development, just like the obviously-much-bigger relationships Nightwing has. Like, he’s with Huntress at the beginning of this book. I always kind of struggle to see the chemistry of this relationship. And Shawn still loves him, and he didn’t want to break up with her, but he seems more over it than she does, and then he doesn’t all of a sudden again at the end. Basically, the relationships are poorly developed. Even the one between Mary and Raptor. Basically, he’s Snape. And the story of what Raptor was up to the night Mary died? Yikes. The final reveal of his name was the only thing he did at any point in this volume that worked for me.
July 23, 2018
3.5 Stars.
Raptor has come to Bludhaven. Nightwing's former partner, from his time infiltrating the Parliament of Owls, wants to join forces with Grayson, but the attempt on Bruce's life has made Raptor an enemy. Raptor's plan is to kill many of Bludhaven's residents by infecting with the same rage-like virus that Blockbuster has. So, in a moment of desperation, Nightwing makes a deal with Blockbuster: help me stop Raptor and I'll leave Bludhaven forever.
Taking that deal, the rest of the Volume is very fast paced, full of fighting and backstabbing and treachery. In the end, Raptor is stopped and inprisoned, Blockbuster is cured of his ability to shift into the huge rage fighter, and Bludhaven is still protected by a (no-longer-dating Huntress :( ) Nightwing.
Title is getting better, but I'd rather see Grayson back involved with Batman.
Recommend.
Raptor has come to Bludhaven. Nightwing's former partner, from his time infiltrating the Parliament of Owls, wants to join forces with Grayson, but the attempt on Bruce's life has made Raptor an enemy. Raptor's plan is to kill many of Bludhaven's residents by infecting with the same rage-like virus that Blockbuster has. So, in a moment of desperation, Nightwing makes a deal with Blockbuster: help me stop Raptor and I'll leave Bludhaven forever.
Taking that deal, the rest of the Volume is very fast paced, full of fighting and backstabbing and treachery. In the end, Raptor is stopped and inprisoned, Blockbuster is cured of his ability to shift into the huge rage fighter, and Bludhaven is still protected by a (no-longer-dating Huntress :( ) Nightwing.
Title is getting better, but I'd rather see Grayson back involved with Batman.
Recommend.
June 18, 2018
I didn't find this book particularly compelling. It wasn't bad, it just wasn't particularly memorable.
I really don't have any interest in the former villains turned heroes, it's a cool concept, but I don't really care about any of the characters. And the less we see of Dick's former girlfriend the better.
Blockbuster's character this time around is an interesting twist on the original, and I like Dick's hesitant alliance with him.
The story itself didn't really grab me and I struggled a couple of days later to remember what actually occured.
I really don't have any interest in the former villains turned heroes, it's a cool concept, but I don't really care about any of the characters. And the less we see of Dick's former girlfriend the better.
Blockbuster's character this time around is an interesting twist on the original, and I like Dick's hesitant alliance with him.
The story itself didn't really grab me and I struggled a couple of days later to remember what actually occured.
June 8, 2021
No, we didn't need to jam in yet another tangential historic subplot to Robin's backstory. No one asked for it. No one wants it. Stop using the classic stories of others as crutches or aiming for quality-by-association and write a good story of your own.
December 25, 2018
Esta edição marca a saída do roteirista Tim Seeley do título do Asa Noturna, depois de alguns anos que ele já acompanhando Dick Grayson desde a série Grayson, onde reinventou o personagem como um operativo secreto da organização secreta Espiral. Neste encadernado, então, Seeley fecha as pontas soltas deixadas por ele mesmo, como as ligações de Dick Grayson com a Desfiguradora e sua equipe de vilões reformados. Mas também explica alguns pontos abertos entre o herói e o anti-herói mercenário Raptor e os acertos de contas com o novo Arrasa-Quarteirão. Agora, quem assume o título será Sam Humphries, que estava encarregado do título dos Lanternas Verdes. Seeley, claro, fez um ótimo trabalho em Asa Noturna, assim como nos demais títulos que escreveu, dando dimensões maiores para os personagens, bem como construindo uma mitologia ao redor deles, com bons personagens de apoio. Este arco, entretanto, serve mais como um aparador de arestas, como falei antes do que como um arco super mega divertido e indispensável. Claro, vale a diversão, mas os desenhos de Javier Fernandez continuam me incomodando bastante. Vamos ver agora como a nova equipe criativa se sai neste título. Farewell, Tim!
June 3, 2022
Well, this run reach it ends and... it's was reaaaally ok. Just gave 3 stars for the art (which is still great). But just not brings anything new and something that will not be permanent, as we always see on a super hero book.
So, after the showdown against Minos on the last volume, Raptor is free from the hands of the Spyral, and it's after Dick and BludHaven. Because The Haven it's a corrupted city, that is taking everything on the poor and he's gonna avenge them, and bla bla bla....
Again, it's a generic ending, with a generic villain, with a generic plan. Really, it's a bad guy pouring some bad juice over the city to transform everyone on monsters. YES, AGAIN. And i will not consider this a spoiler. You already have seen this in a million stories, in every type of it.
But the art is still really good, and Javier anda Miguel really saved this book of being a terrible choice.
So, after the showdown against Minos on the last volume, Raptor is free from the hands of the Spyral, and it's after Dick and BludHaven. Because The Haven it's a corrupted city, that is taking everything on the poor and he's gonna avenge them, and bla bla bla....
Again, it's a generic ending, with a generic villain, with a generic plan. Really, it's a bad guy pouring some bad juice over the city to transform everyone on monsters. YES, AGAIN. And i will not consider this a spoiler. You already have seen this in a million stories, in every type of it.
But the art is still really good, and Javier anda Miguel really saved this book of being a terrible choice.
November 4, 2018
The journey of making Dick Grayson more than the first Robin continues. The best job of this was done with the mask and costume but Nightwing is a good character. Its just the stories that are told don't really separate him from his time as Batman's sidekick.
April 30, 2019
This was okay-ish. I think I need to take a pause from the series and read something else to get back my excitement of reading about Nightwing. This is not the best so far in the series but I do intend to work my way through them all.
June 13, 2018
Enjoyed this overall, although some things seemed rushed towards the end.
I don't think Seeley really knows what an anarchist is, though. He should ask one. :)
I don't think Seeley really knows what an anarchist is, though. He should ask one. :)
April 6, 2025
idk. I like Raptor and Defacer and that gay cowboy but Nightwing is just so bland in this series. I'm gonna stop reading after this volume. Also, they didn't make good use of Huntress in this. I don't like how she was more of a plot point than a character.
August 15, 2018
A bit bumpy start but this book has a satisfying finish. This book collects the last issues of Seeley's stellar run on Nightwing before Benjamin Percy takes over. I have really enjoyed Seeley's writing for the character. We learn the essence of what makes Nightwing such an interesting character and just as appealing as Batman. In this volume we wrap up the arc that began in Nightwing, Volume 1: Better Than Batman. Nightwing has to stop his former mentor Raptor from turning the citizens of Bludhaven into monsters. We get some closure to the relationship between Nightwing & Huntress which began Grayson, Volume 1: Agents of Spyral and span the whole Grayson arc. The story was a bit clunky at first but later the pace picks up and we get some great character moments. I really dug the historic connection between Dick Grayson and Raptor. I think this series is worth a read and in my opinion Dick Grayson is the greatest side kick that Batman has ever had and in a lot of ways he has surpass the Batman mantle. I am looking forward to see what Percy does with Nightwing.
July 25, 2018
Tim Seely brings his Nightwing run to a satisfying conclusion with Raptor's Revenge. I haven't always been sold on his work on Nightwing. However, for any fault I've had, it's been consistently good, even great sometimes, and I never thought things slipped into bad by any means. Raptor's Revenge is the culmination of many plot threads and it is particularly satisfying to see things coming to an end on so many fronts. I like that Raptor came back. His motivations through this volume are sound and his being a part of Dick's past makes him more compelling than I think he would be otherwise.
The main thing holding me back from a high score for this is something I've mentioned before. Tim Seely's Nightwing has impressive action, an interesting supporting cast (including a really great love interest for Dick and villains that aren't just filler) and a story that does get the chance to flourish over five volumes. No matter how good all that sounds, it still never reaches the heights it should. The ideas are great, the execution is what holds it back.
Regardless, I have enjoyed this run, enough that I am skepitcal about a new writer taking over. Hoping for good things, though.
The main thing holding me back from a high score for this is something I've mentioned before. Tim Seely's Nightwing has impressive action, an interesting supporting cast (including a really great love interest for Dick and villains that aren't just filler) and a story that does get the chance to flourish over five volumes. No matter how good all that sounds, it still never reaches the heights it should. The ideas are great, the execution is what holds it back.
Regardless, I have enjoyed this run, enough that I am skepitcal about a new writer taking over. Hoping for good things, though.
December 22, 2018
Pains me to score this one so low since love Nightwing and I usually enjoy Tim Seeley work but this felt...weak?
So this is the end of seeley's run on Nightwing. While it ramped up and got strong in the middle of his run, the last volume wasn't great and this one is even worse. The Return of Raptor should be fun and exciting but instead came off as dull and boring. Every single moment you can predict as Raptor tries to take apart Dick's life piece by piece till he's in misery. Not to mention Nightwing teaming up with Blockbuster, the new blockbuster, also made no sense. Anyway, it comes down to a big showdown that...isn't all that interesting.
Good: There's a few funny moments here, and I still like the way Tim writes nightwing himself.
Bad: The fights are boring, the story itself is pretty lazy and predictable. The cliche moments with the betrayals is so annoying. Not a good send off for Defacer and her crew. What was with the last few pages?
Overall, a very weak ending to a otherwise pretty enjoyable, if not shaky, run. A 2 out of 5.
So this is the end of seeley's run on Nightwing. While it ramped up and got strong in the middle of his run, the last volume wasn't great and this one is even worse. The Return of Raptor should be fun and exciting but instead came off as dull and boring. Every single moment you can predict as Raptor tries to take apart Dick's life piece by piece till he's in misery. Not to mention Nightwing teaming up with Blockbuster, the new blockbuster, also made no sense. Anyway, it comes down to a big showdown that...isn't all that interesting.
Good: There's a few funny moments here, and I still like the way Tim writes nightwing himself.
Bad: The fights are boring, the story itself is pretty lazy and predictable. The cliche moments with the betrayals is so annoying. Not a good send off for Defacer and her crew. What was with the last few pages?
Overall, a very weak ending to a otherwise pretty enjoyable, if not shaky, run. A 2 out of 5.
November 26, 2018
Nightwing is sent into a pit of moral ambiguity and acts in extremely, morally ambiguous ways which is neither super nor heroic. It was Nightwing who was always the straight arrow who pushed to morally ambiguous Batman back onto the straight and narrow. He wore the bright costume as Robin to keep Batman from falling too deep into the darkness. That's the character of Nightwing. If Tim Seeley wants to write Batman, he should do it, but turning Nightwing into Batman, Jr., doesn't work.
February 5, 2024
A successful conclusion to the Raptor arc 😉👍🌟💙!!
This was probably the best of the series considering the resolution and build-up pays off to form a satisfying conclusion.
We begin with BlockBuster (aka Roland) striking a deal with a rival gang called the 'The Whalers' to grant them the 2nd Hand's weapons in exchange for funds but when the Whalers return dissatisfied he promises to ruin the gang for good.
Meanwhile, Nightwing has a call to answer at a gala red carpet event for the newly elected corrupt Senator that has been hijacked by Kobra Snake men & Raptor. Raptor swears that the demise of the corrupt Senator who revoked healthcare to all of the blue-collar middle class of Blüdhaven needs to pay for his crimes to teach Nightwing a lesson on foiling the elite. Nightwing saves the politician's life as well as a waitress that Raptor attempts to kill amid his escape.
Fast-forward to Nightwing requiring resources to take down Raptor but upon being blocked by the BPD & Detective Svoboda he turns to BlockBuster who shares a vested interest in protecting the city of Blüdhaven. In exchange, Roland asks Nightwing to go after the Whalers who attempt to create a mutated whale venom to turn themselves into giant Orcas to gain leverage against BlockBuster. Their plan is ultimately foiled but so is Nightwing's relationship with Huntress who overheard Dick's conversation with BlockBuster. She determines Agent 37's character to be too morally grey and untrustworthy leaving Nightwing with a broken heart due to her breakup.
Nightwing then attempts to ask for assistance from the Run-offs but due to his failed relationship with Shawn aka Defacer, he is left high & dry to handle what Raptor plans to unleash on his own. That night the Run-offs make a plan to leave Blüdhaven upon Nightwing's warning but Defacer stops at her old mentor's base to warn her of the danger that is to come when she stumbles upon the Pigeon's grand plan and team up with Raptor.
While all of this occurred Roland was to speak to a youth forum for the future Business & Entrepreneurs of Blüdhaven when Raptor intervened forcing BlockBuster to reveal himself as a monster to the children. Raptor explains that he knew Nightwing would ask the corrupt rich like Roland for help and that he would punish BlockBuster by default. Fast forward to Raptor appearing at the Marcus Casino to play a game of Black Jack with Dick Grayson as his dealer where both men are engaged in a battle of wits. Dick reveals what happened the night of his parent's murder by Tony Zukko and how Raptor failed to protect his Mother's life as he swore to because he was distracted by lifting the wallet of special guest Bruce Wayne and that his own distraction is what led to the rich becoming his source of contention. Raptor gives a snide remark and then reveals that he poisoned the specialty cocktail Blüdy-Mary with BlockBuster serum turning all those who consumed the drink into monsters as he makes his escape.
Dick then makes a swift change into Nightwing and tries to fend off the Monster citizens while BlockBuster assists as the 2 team up. We gain a surprise attack from Tiger Shark, the Run-offs reveal that they didn't leave and help to provide an antidote to the madness while managing the crowds and Nightwing engages in a final round to take down Raptor.
The ending is very intense and kinda bittersweet considering Raptor tries to repent for his failure to be a part of Dick's life when he had the chance instead of hiding in the shadows. All is resolved and Nightwing is freed to fight another day with the knowledge that neither Raptor nor BlockBuster (reversed via injected antidote) will no longer be a problem in Blüdhaven.
Overall a nice setup and a satisfying ending. 8.5/10 🌟.
This was probably the best of the series considering the resolution and build-up pays off to form a satisfying conclusion.
We begin with BlockBuster (aka Roland) striking a deal with a rival gang called the 'The Whalers' to grant them the 2nd Hand's weapons in exchange for funds but when the Whalers return dissatisfied he promises to ruin the gang for good.
Meanwhile, Nightwing has a call to answer at a gala red carpet event for the newly elected corrupt Senator that has been hijacked by Kobra Snake men & Raptor. Raptor swears that the demise of the corrupt Senator who revoked healthcare to all of the blue-collar middle class of Blüdhaven needs to pay for his crimes to teach Nightwing a lesson on foiling the elite. Nightwing saves the politician's life as well as a waitress that Raptor attempts to kill amid his escape.
Fast-forward to Nightwing requiring resources to take down Raptor but upon being blocked by the BPD & Detective Svoboda he turns to BlockBuster who shares a vested interest in protecting the city of Blüdhaven. In exchange, Roland asks Nightwing to go after the Whalers who attempt to create a mutated whale venom to turn themselves into giant Orcas to gain leverage against BlockBuster. Their plan is ultimately foiled but so is Nightwing's relationship with Huntress who overheard Dick's conversation with BlockBuster. She determines Agent 37's character to be too morally grey and untrustworthy leaving Nightwing with a broken heart due to her breakup.
Nightwing then attempts to ask for assistance from the Run-offs but due to his failed relationship with Shawn aka Defacer, he is left high & dry to handle what Raptor plans to unleash on his own. That night the Run-offs make a plan to leave Blüdhaven upon Nightwing's warning but Defacer stops at her old mentor's base to warn her of the danger that is to come when she stumbles upon the Pigeon's grand plan and team up with Raptor.
While all of this occurred Roland was to speak to a youth forum for the future Business & Entrepreneurs of Blüdhaven when Raptor intervened forcing BlockBuster to reveal himself as a monster to the children. Raptor explains that he knew Nightwing would ask the corrupt rich like Roland for help and that he would punish BlockBuster by default. Fast forward to Raptor appearing at the Marcus Casino to play a game of Black Jack with Dick Grayson as his dealer where both men are engaged in a battle of wits. Dick reveals what happened the night of his parent's murder by Tony Zukko and how Raptor failed to protect his Mother's life as he swore to because he was distracted by lifting the wallet of special guest Bruce Wayne and that his own distraction is what led to the rich becoming his source of contention. Raptor gives a snide remark and then reveals that he poisoned the specialty cocktail Blüdy-Mary with BlockBuster serum turning all those who consumed the drink into monsters as he makes his escape.
Dick then makes a swift change into Nightwing and tries to fend off the Monster citizens while BlockBuster assists as the 2 team up. We gain a surprise attack from Tiger Shark, the Run-offs reveal that they didn't leave and help to provide an antidote to the madness while managing the crowds and Nightwing engages in a final round to take down Raptor.
The ending is very intense and kinda bittersweet considering Raptor tries to repent for his failure to be a part of Dick's life when he had the chance instead of hiding in the shadows. All is resolved and Nightwing is freed to fight another day with the knowledge that neither Raptor nor BlockBuster (reversed via injected antidote) will no longer be a problem in Blüdhaven.
Overall a nice setup and a satisfying ending. 8.5/10 🌟.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 3, 2018
3 1/2 Stars
I received a copy of Nightwing Vol. 5 from NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Raptor’s Revenge is the latest Nightwing volume (though I think even then we’re at least ten issues behind the single issue prints), and things don’t look good for Bludhaven. They’ve been building up the Raptor plotline since the first volume, so I’m happy to know it’s finally coming to a head here. It’s 50/50 on if they’re actually done with the Raptor plot after this; but since he’s been my favorite Nightwing antagonist so far I’m actually hoping they don’t drop him (maybe just give him a break so he can become a bit more mysterious again).
For more reviews, check out Quirky Cat's Fat Stacks
I received a copy of Nightwing Vol. 5 from NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Raptor’s Revenge is the latest Nightwing volume (though I think even then we’re at least ten issues behind the single issue prints), and things don’t look good for Bludhaven. They’ve been building up the Raptor plotline since the first volume, so I’m happy to know it’s finally coming to a head here. It’s 50/50 on if they’re actually done with the Raptor plot after this; but since he’s been my favorite Nightwing antagonist so far I’m actually hoping they don’t drop him (maybe just give him a break so he can become a bit more mysterious again).
For more reviews, check out Quirky Cat's Fat Stacks
May 27, 2018
Nightwing: Raptor's Revenge picks up where the previous volume left off, collecting five issues (30–34) of the 2016 on-going series.
While saving the life of a prominent, albeit unpopular senator, Nightwing finds out who was behind the attempted assassination – Raptor. Raptor had decided that if he couldn't be Nightwing's mentor, he would become Nightwing's worst enemy – ever. Nightwing calls in all his contacts in Blüdhaven to find where Raptor is, but was rejected for a myriad of understandable reasoning. In the end, Nightwing was forced to make a deal with Blockbuster – if they partnered up and stop Raptor, Nightwing would leave Blüdhaven forever.
Meanwhile, Shawn Tseng as Defacer paid a surprise visit to her former mentor's, Beatrice Butler (Pigeon Person) apartment only to find out that she's in league with Raptor. With the help of the Run-Offs, Tseng discovered the true plans behind what Raptor's is up to.
Apparently, Raptor had stolen a shipment of modified Blockbuster serum, which Roland Desmond plan to sell the modified serum to the criminal underworld so they can have compliant brute thugs with little intelligence for them to use. Instead, Raptor has decided to flood Blüdhaven with the serum so that everyone would destroy the city from within.
Raptor's plan is rather poetic and connected to Nightwing on several layers. Raptor wants to destroy Blüdhaven (Nightwing's home) using the modified Blockbuster serum (Nightwing's main villain) delivered by the birds of the night (Nightwing's namesake) trained and controlled by Pigeon Person (Nightwing's ex-girlfriend's mentor). Everything in Raptor’s plan is connected and centered on Dick Grayson.
While Nightwing and Blockbuster took on Raptor, Pigeon Person, and the infected citizens of Blüdhaven, the Run-Offs with the help of Orca, developed and distributed the antidote to the modified Blockbuster serum. In the end, Nightwing managed to defeat Raptor, Pigeon Person, and Blockbuster and save the city of Blüdhaven with the help of the Run-Offs.
Tim Seeley wrote Nightwing: Raptor's Revenge and apparently these issues collected in this trade paperback would be the last issues that Seeley would write for Nightwing for the foreseeable future. So it seems rather fitting to end his run with Raptor, because he started his run with him also. I liked how Seeley delved into Raptor's and in turn Grayson's past – not only does it give the villain a backstory, but it enriches the hero's past as well.
Nightwing: Raptor's Revenge had three pencilers: Miguel Mendonça penciled the first three issues of the trade paperback (Nightwing #30–32) with additional help from Scot Eaton on Nightwing #32. Javier Fernández penciled the last two issues of the trade paperback (Nightwing #33–34). Artistically, the flow went rather well, Mendonça and Eaton have similar penciling styles so the flow went rather well. However Fernández has a totally different style. However the flow was jarred once and it wasn't all that bad afterwards. While Fernández isn't my favorite Nightwing artist, I grew to love his work on the series.
All in all, Nightwing: Raptor's Revenge was a wonderful conclusion to Tim Seeley's run on Nightwing and I can't wait to read the new team's take on Nightwing and Dick Grayson.
While saving the life of a prominent, albeit unpopular senator, Nightwing finds out who was behind the attempted assassination – Raptor. Raptor had decided that if he couldn't be Nightwing's mentor, he would become Nightwing's worst enemy – ever. Nightwing calls in all his contacts in Blüdhaven to find where Raptor is, but was rejected for a myriad of understandable reasoning. In the end, Nightwing was forced to make a deal with Blockbuster – if they partnered up and stop Raptor, Nightwing would leave Blüdhaven forever.
Meanwhile, Shawn Tseng as Defacer paid a surprise visit to her former mentor's, Beatrice Butler (Pigeon Person) apartment only to find out that she's in league with Raptor. With the help of the Run-Offs, Tseng discovered the true plans behind what Raptor's is up to.
Apparently, Raptor had stolen a shipment of modified Blockbuster serum, which Roland Desmond plan to sell the modified serum to the criminal underworld so they can have compliant brute thugs with little intelligence for them to use. Instead, Raptor has decided to flood Blüdhaven with the serum so that everyone would destroy the city from within.
Raptor's plan is rather poetic and connected to Nightwing on several layers. Raptor wants to destroy Blüdhaven (Nightwing's home) using the modified Blockbuster serum (Nightwing's main villain) delivered by the birds of the night (Nightwing's namesake) trained and controlled by Pigeon Person (Nightwing's ex-girlfriend's mentor). Everything in Raptor’s plan is connected and centered on Dick Grayson.
While Nightwing and Blockbuster took on Raptor, Pigeon Person, and the infected citizens of Blüdhaven, the Run-Offs with the help of Orca, developed and distributed the antidote to the modified Blockbuster serum. In the end, Nightwing managed to defeat Raptor, Pigeon Person, and Blockbuster and save the city of Blüdhaven with the help of the Run-Offs.
Tim Seeley wrote Nightwing: Raptor's Revenge and apparently these issues collected in this trade paperback would be the last issues that Seeley would write for Nightwing for the foreseeable future. So it seems rather fitting to end his run with Raptor, because he started his run with him also. I liked how Seeley delved into Raptor's and in turn Grayson's past – not only does it give the villain a backstory, but it enriches the hero's past as well.
Nightwing: Raptor's Revenge had three pencilers: Miguel Mendonça penciled the first three issues of the trade paperback (Nightwing #30–32) with additional help from Scot Eaton on Nightwing #32. Javier Fernández penciled the last two issues of the trade paperback (Nightwing #33–34). Artistically, the flow went rather well, Mendonça and Eaton have similar penciling styles so the flow went rather well. However Fernández has a totally different style. However the flow was jarred once and it wasn't all that bad afterwards. While Fernández isn't my favorite Nightwing artist, I grew to love his work on the series.
All in all, Nightwing: Raptor's Revenge was a wonderful conclusion to Tim Seeley's run on Nightwing and I can't wait to read the new team's take on Nightwing and Dick Grayson.
May 6, 2018
'Nightwing Vol. 5: Raptor's Revenge' by Tim Seeley brings back a character from the Court of Owls and sets him against Nightwing in Bludhaven.
Dick Grayson is at a few crossroads in Bludhaven. He has a few relationship threads, a tenuous relationship with a casino owner/gangster, and a misfit gang of would be bad guys turned kind of good guys mad at him. Add the mix a weird drug that turns people into muscle-bound monsters and the return of someone who used to be a mentor, and you have a lot going on.
And that's a lot of the problem with this. The Raptor storyline alone would have been enough, but it just feels like a lot of things were crammed in to finish off a story arc. This leaves some emotional endings lacking. There is also an almost preachy amount of political banter. It didn't bother me, but it was borderline.
I liked the art of Miguel Mendonca and Diana Egea in the earlier issues. I cared less about the Javier Farnandez art in the latter issues, but it's all colored well by Chris Sotomayor.
I received a review copy of this graphic novel from DC Entertainment and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.
Dick Grayson is at a few crossroads in Bludhaven. He has a few relationship threads, a tenuous relationship with a casino owner/gangster, and a misfit gang of would be bad guys turned kind of good guys mad at him. Add the mix a weird drug that turns people into muscle-bound monsters and the return of someone who used to be a mentor, and you have a lot going on.
And that's a lot of the problem with this. The Raptor storyline alone would have been enough, but it just feels like a lot of things were crammed in to finish off a story arc. This leaves some emotional endings lacking. There is also an almost preachy amount of political banter. It didn't bother me, but it was borderline.
I liked the art of Miguel Mendonca and Diana Egea in the earlier issues. I cared less about the Javier Farnandez art in the latter issues, but it's all colored well by Chris Sotomayor.
I received a review copy of this graphic novel from DC Entertainment and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.
September 28, 2020
Raptor returns to face Nightwing one last time... again.
I think the problem I have with Raptor is that depending on the writer, his character changes too frequently. Sometimes he is a good guy with a tough exterior, next he is really just a villain, then he is neutral and does the job he best see's fit... I think there should be a solid foundation for his characterization to build from so that the character itself doesn't seem so flimsy or half thought out.
This volume see's him returning and teaming up with Pigeon. Because of this Nightwing has to team up with Blockbuster and they both work together to bring Raptor down. However it's the help of his ex love interest and the band of ex villains, who ultimately help the most.
I mean the story was ok, but again the fact that Raptor is good one volume, then bad the next one just feels half thought out and frivolously unnecessary. I guess the thought is to create drama from his and Nightwing's personal history and relationship. But to me, this just falls flat.
Recommended for Nightwing fans who don't mind shifting characterizations.
I think the problem I have with Raptor is that depending on the writer, his character changes too frequently. Sometimes he is a good guy with a tough exterior, next he is really just a villain, then he is neutral and does the job he best see's fit... I think there should be a solid foundation for his characterization to build from so that the character itself doesn't seem so flimsy or half thought out.
This volume see's him returning and teaming up with Pigeon. Because of this Nightwing has to team up with Blockbuster and they both work together to bring Raptor down. However it's the help of his ex love interest and the band of ex villains, who ultimately help the most.
I mean the story was ok, but again the fact that Raptor is good one volume, then bad the next one just feels half thought out and frivolously unnecessary. I guess the thought is to create drama from his and Nightwing's personal history and relationship. But to me, this just falls flat.
Recommended for Nightwing fans who don't mind shifting characterizations.
July 17, 2023
Great cover on Vol. 5 Raptor’s Revenge. I hope it doesn’t suck.
I have to admit I kind of liked Raptor as a foil for Nightwing.
Bleagh. They’re continuing the ‘Huntress’/Nightwing romance. Which has no more credibility than Defacer. Nightwing falls quick but not usually for losers and this is a double header.
But it’s a good thing we see right away what a witch Helena is! “…and I won’t be second to anyone or anything.”. Yeah, go tell it on your blog!
Still not a fan of the artist - though I don’t think it’s the same. Again, competent, just not interesting.
Sigh. Well it’s a little forced but the first story could go either way, so I’ll give it a chance.
After a couple of weak starts ‘Raptor’s Revenge’s third story starts to get good. It’s dipping into the same well as I’ve complained of before but it’s still a nice twist.
So nice that it actually feels a bit rushed.
Well, it’s good. It’s clumsy and messy and not really as elegant as I think it should be. But the story gets through.
I’ll give it a 4 because it doesn’t suck and it’s a good start.
I don’t even know where to begin to see what happens next!?!
I have to admit I kind of liked Raptor as a foil for Nightwing.
Bleagh. They’re continuing the ‘Huntress’/Nightwing romance. Which has no more credibility than Defacer. Nightwing falls quick but not usually for losers and this is a double header.
But it’s a good thing we see right away what a witch Helena is! “…and I won’t be second to anyone or anything.”. Yeah, go tell it on your blog!
Still not a fan of the artist - though I don’t think it’s the same. Again, competent, just not interesting.
Sigh. Well it’s a little forced but the first story could go either way, so I’ll give it a chance.
After a couple of weak starts ‘Raptor’s Revenge’s third story starts to get good. It’s dipping into the same well as I’ve complained of before but it’s still a nice twist.
So nice that it actually feels a bit rushed.
Well, it’s good. It’s clumsy and messy and not really as elegant as I think it should be. But the story gets through.
I’ll give it a 4 because it doesn’t suck and it’s a good start.
I don’t even know where to begin to see what happens next!?!
June 18, 2023
Did Tim Seeley get bored of writing Nightwing? It feels like it, as this volume ends his run by throwing the previous volumes into a blender and hoping the sludge that comes out makes a coherent story. Blockbuster still doesn't make much of a villain, and Raptor's motivations here don't really fit with his previous presentation (to the point that even Nightwing calls it out). We get some wrap-up on the Villain support group storylines as Shawn's ex-partner joins with Raptor (for no good reason), allowing for some decent action scenes that give a couple of the members a chance to make an impression in what is likely their last real presence in the series. But ultimately, no one's actions really make sense, and there's nothing that really feels like closure on Seeley's run.
That's kind of disappointing - I like a lot of Tim Seeley's work, and the first couple of volumes here had some potential. But it just runs out of steam.
That's kind of disappointing - I like a lot of Tim Seeley's work, and the first couple of volumes here had some potential. But it just runs out of steam.
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