Nightwing, Vol. 3: The Battle for Blüdhaven's Heart

Nightwing (2016)

by Tom Taylor, Bruno Redondo (Artist), Geraldo Borges (Artist)

With Dick Grayson under the protection of Nightwing and the Titans, Blockbuster's finding it difficult for his hit men to get Grayson…until Heartless comes in to offer Blockbuster a deal. Meanwhile, Blockbuster discovers who Grayson's mole in his mob is, and it all ends with a secret identity revealed and heart taken…and you'll have to read this to find out whose! This volume collects Nightwing #92-96.

Genres: Comics, Dc Comics, Graphic Novels, Superheroes, Graphic Novels Comics, Fiction, Batman

176 pages, Hardcover

First published June 27, 2023

About the author

Once a professional juggler and fire eater, Tom Taylor is a #1 New York Times Bestselling, multi-award-winning comic book writer, playwright and screenwriter.

Well known for his work with DC Comics and Marvel, Taylor is the co-creator of NEVERLANDERS from Penguin Random House, SEVEN SECRETS from Boom Studios and the Aurealis-Award-winning graphic novel series THE DEEP. Taylor is also the Head Writer and Executive Producer of The Deep animated series, four seasons of which is broadcast in over 140 countries.

He is perhaps best known for the DC Comics series, DCEASED (Shadow Awards Winner), NIGHTWING (nominated for 5 Eisner Awards), SUPERMAN: SON OF KAL-EL (GLAAD Award Nominee), INJUSTICE: GODS AMONG US, SUICIDE SQUAD, EARTH 2 and BATMAN/SUPERMAN as well as Marvel's FRIENDLY NEIGHBORHOOD SPIDER-MAN, ALL NEW WOLVERINE, X-MEN: RED, DARK AGES and SUPERIOR IRON MAN. Taylor is also the writer of many Star Wars series, which include STAR WARS: INVASION and STAR WARS: BLOOD TIES (Stan Lee Excelsior Award winner). Taylor has written for Marvel, DC Comics, Dark Horse Comics, IDW Publishing, Boom Studios, Wildstorm, 2000 AD and Gestalt Comics.

He can be followed on twitter @TomTaylorMade.

Reviews

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nightwing.
We all love him.



Dick Grayson, with the help of Alfred's fortune, has decided to create a Haven for people (specifically the underage homeless population) in his city. He's determined to make a difference, but the forces that run Bludhaven are just as determined to stop him.
Now Nightwing is working to take down Blockbuster and his criminal empire with the help of Batgirl, and rekindling his first love at the same time.
Adorable. I'm just a gooey mess reading about those two.



Meanwhile, you've also got a serial killer called Heartless running around killing people and (you guessed it) taking their hearts. He has a whole closet full of hearts in jars tucked away in his secret lair. If that doesn't scream psycho, I'm not sure what does. And if he teams up with Blockbuster, Bludhaven could be in serious trouble.
Luckily, it seems as though Blockbuster doesn't play well with others.



This one was another exceptional volume that had some great twists and turns in it.
The biggest was when Blockbuster discovered Nightwing's secret identity. I was all like, whoooooa! Now what?!




Then Heartless pops up in an alley and snatches Blockbuster's heart right out of his chest in revenge for being thrown out of the window.



I always thought of Blockbuster as a Kingpin knock-off, but he was pretty cool in this one. And who is this Heartless? I can't wait to see how this plays out.



Another exceptional volume in Tom Taylor's run.
Highly Recommended.

[Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

"I've never been able to ignore when someone's in trouble. No matter the odds, no matter the danger. When I see the powerless attacked . . . I leap in." -- the thoughts of Dick Grayson, a.k.a. Nightwing

Taylor & company do a commendable job in keeping this superheroic soap opera as readable as ever in the 'third time's a charm' volume The Battle for Bludhaven's Heart. While it does borrow from the previous book's plot thread of depending on friends for assistance - the Teen Titans, the Justice League, and various 'Bat' family members pop up to lend a hand in pleasing cameo appearances - the core of the narrative concerns our title vigilante being in an unenviable position and tasked with doing the near-impossible, that being dismantling the thoroughly evil and corrupt faction of the city government in his new base of operations. Highlights again include bantering with the dependable Barbara Gordon (a.k.a Batgirl AND Oracle) and lots of crunchy action scenes, not the least of which was an epic curb-stomp moment where Nightwing is temporarily felled by the big bad known as Blockbuster. The fact that I wanted to yell out 'nooooo!' during that low moment - like a shocked ten year-old - speaks for how enjoyably involving this graphic novel series has been thus far.

[Khurram · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. I love even a book that really delivers on what had been promised and built up to in the previous issues/books.

Dick Grayson has set out his plans for Blüdhaven to create his own pieces of Haven. The man who claims "is the city" is not about to lay down and surrender any part of it. Nightwing needs to use every recourse available to him, both heroes and law enforcement, if he has a chance to save a city that corruptions personified at the highest levels. Also, there might be some overdue changes in Grayson's personal life.

Great book. The artwork is perfect for the story. The right amount of action and storytelling as well as the main event showdown.

If I have one complaint, it is how anyone does not know Dick Grayson is Nightwing? I know Superman (who did inspire Nightwing's costume), glasses have been a joke for years, but part of the things why is works he changes his hair, acts clumsy as Clark Kent and Clark Kent is not a hugely known public figure before he came out with his secret. Grayson acts the same in his civilian life as he does a Nightwing. Same hair, established in both cities where they both lived. His mask only covers his eyes, and there are tonnes of pictures of both of them. Rant over.

The book finishes with a variant cover gallery and sketchbook of characters and costume designs. The battle is over, but a war is still coming.

[Chantaal · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Nightwing run is so good. Just SO GOOD. I'd truly recommend this Tom Taylor run to anyone interested in checking out the book, even if you don't know much DC. There's enough explanation (but not too much to weigh things down) to give context to all the relationships that are touched on in almost every single issue. Batman is always cool and cold and in the shadows, but Dick is a family man and a true friend and that SHINES here, makes this a better book than I could have hoped for.

Also +1000 points for having Babs laugh in Dick's face at the tropey "it's too dangerous to be together" shtick.

Redondo is just so fucking good at his craft. The art is so good. The variant covers are so good. Everything about this book has been JUST SO GOOD.

[John Wiswell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Continues to put a smile on my face.

[David Muñoz · Rating 5 out of 5]

ANOTHER GREAT ARC FROM THE FANTASTIC TEAM OF TAYLOR, REDONDO, AND LUCAS!

Volume 3 of this series I can’t praise enough, and of course it’s another enjoyable read. This arc starts with Dick’s plans of making Bludhaven a better place finally coming to light as his new ‘Haven’ hub has been built and the people of the city love it. It’s an area as the name insists where people can be amongst themselves with a library, basketball court, free food, free cafes, a skate park, and beautiful scenery all around. In the middle of it all is a statue of Alfred Pennyworth as an honor from Dick as the whole plan is under the same named foundation Dick started. Of course with all this good going on the baddies have to come out and play, and Block Buster is growing more angry that Dick Grayson is still breathing in Bludhaven. He gets more people on his bankroll and to take back the city that he once called his. However, with all the help Dick has and him having the mayor playing double agent on Block Buster, he’s proving to be a real problem to Block Buster as both Dick Grayson and Nightwing. So now it might be time for Black Buster to get his hands dirty in order for things to actually go his way. Oh and the Heartless character from the first arc is back, also challenging for the city of Bludhaven. SHEESH!

Tom Taylor writes more good comics? I mean come on, what else is there to expect? This arc sort of feels like a closing point in the title setting up some other big things for possibly the next 20+ issues. I can see this being a good end point for volume one of an omnibus which I hope DC ends up doing, cause I can’t think of any other series currently that deserves it more. Another part of this arc I liked so much was the further work Taylor did on the relationship between Dick and Barbara to finally officially get them back together. I think the two are meant for each other and it’s not only cute to see them back as a couple, but it’s always a thrill to see them team up in crime fighting. More action in this volume as well which was super fun and it made the read move faster than it already does. Just more good stuff and I can’t wait for more.

Bruno Redondo oh how I love thee. Yea if you’ve seen my previous reviews you know how much I love Redondo’s work and this volume is just more great material I get to marvel at. The more I see Redondo’s work the more I wish he could do other works for different characters. I would love nothing more than for Marvel to get their shit together, find a good writer for Spider-Man, and see Redondo’s take on my favorite character. Yea yea I know, a man can dream. Regardless of what he works on though, I am here for it.

Last review I didn’t praise this guy enough, but Adriano Lucas on colors is super impactful to this book. His choice of color palette is normally blue and purple tones so his ability to make those kinds of colors work without it feeling like too much speaks a lot to his talent. He also paints a beautiful night in the city and it all makes the vibe as chill as those lofi study videos on youtube.

Overall; This felt like a great sort of cap off to what the previous 2 volumes (and one tie in volume with Fear State) set up. but also gets in the perfect positions for more great content.

[Molly™☺ · Rating 4 out of 5]

It attempts rather blatant socio-political commentary in the first half before reclaiming the cheesy, comicbook shenanigans that make the other volumes work so well. Whilst the narrative doesn't feel as unaninmously strong as previous entries, Taylor's characterisations don't miss, and it is nice to see a ton of familiar faces back to wrap up this arc. Definitely at its best when embracing its comic roots, there's still a lot to love about this series, even though I would have liked to give it a slightly lower rating of 3.5 stars.

[Oscar · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was really good!

[Diz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tom Taylor's Nightwing run continues to be very good. In this volume, Nightwing calls in a few buddies to help take down Blockbuster. Seeing him with all of his friends was really heartwarming. The story also sets up the next big villain for the series--someone who has been working in the background all along.

[Robert · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's still TT and Redondo so you know it's worth reading, it just doesn't quite hit the heights of previous volumes.


Hooray for cameos! Dick's real superpower is having lots of friends.


RIP poor old Blockbuster. That lunk had run his course as a credible threat, though I guess he got to have his moment of badassery chucking Heartstealer out the window.

[Dakota Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Nightwing vs. Blockbuster saga comes to a close in The Battle for Bludhaven's Heart. While this volume is somewhat surprise-free (Nightwing always seems to have the upper hand), Bruno Redondo's amazing artwork and Tom Taylor's great grasp of the characters make it well worth reading. The pacing is effortless, just a breeze to read.

I only wish the tale weren't so black and white - all the cops are corrupt, all the heroes are clever, all the orphans are blessings in disguise. Sure, Blockbuster's a big dumb villain, but maybe let the guy win one round? Then it feels better when Nightwing swings in for the victory punch.

[Willow Heath]

Every time I think Taylor and Redondo have reached their peak as a creative team, they smash that ceiling and fly even higher!

This is both a moving and an adrenaline-pumping story of flushing the toxicity out of a city. Organised crime, police corruption (yes, I know all police are corrupt, ACAB), and propaganda are all tackled, exposed, and eliminated by Nightwing, with a little help from his friends.

But the loveliest part of this fantastic arc is the way in which Dick and Babs' romance progresses. It set my heart on fire!

[Derek · Rating 5 out of 5]

Continues to be the best Big Two book on the market today with art that pops off the page and a story that captures the modern Bat family perfectly through the lens of Nightwing's generally more positive vibe. An optimistic take on this superhero business for a generation in desperate need of escape from doom and gloom. Sometimes it"s just nice to read scenes between scumbags and go "ooooooohhhhhh you're going to get it good" and then later they get it good.

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another really good volume in this series, it’s becoming a nice feel good comfort read. I thought this story was a little predictable at times but other than that great to get more of Nightwing.

[Paul · Rating 4 out of 5]

This really is one of my favourite titles when it’s firing on all cylinders, so it’s a shame when the flow is interrupted by having an issue drawn by a fill-in artist halfway through an arc. If it weren’t for that, this would be five stars all the way from me.

[Matthew Ward · Rating 4 out of 5]

This run continues to be excellent. Both Blockbuster and Heartless are interesting and worthy bad guys to challenge Nightwing and I love seeing the political corruption involved with this battle over Bludhaven.

[Katherine (Kat) · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.9/5
Rounded up to 4 stars.

[Spens (Sphynx Reads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Actual rating: 4.5

Another solid volume! Nightwing, Blüdhaven, and the entire cast of characters are all just so compelling that I could read about them forever.

[Mohan Vemulapalli · Rating 4 out of 5]

This third volume of the Nightwing: Infinite Frontier" series, written by Tom Taylor, continues the strong story telling and furious action sequences seen in previous volumes. Expect more puppy cuteness, a resurgence from Heartless, a cameo from Bruce and Ace in civies, Dick and Barbara getting their $^#% together, a welcome appearance from Metropolis law enforcement, bad cops, upright citizens and Mayor Zucco taking a stand.

4.5 stars rounded to 4.

[Richard · Rating 5 out of 5]

While the newly rich Dick Grayson is amping up his philanthropy in Blüdhaven, the city’s corruption also rises to a fever pitch! And Dick, Barbara, and Mayor Melinda are walking on a razor’s edge trying to combat it. And who’s brilliant idea was it to bring Maggie Sawyer from Metropolis into Blüdhaven?! Give that person a raise!! It’s yet another great volume of this latest Nightwing run as the story plunges forward, full steam ahead.

I love how Alfred’s impact on Dick is never forgotten and the flashbacks and interactions with the rest of the Batfamily are great. And Redondo is still in top form here on art duties.

[Alex Sarll]

Upbeat, acrobatic superheroics, a little light formal experimentation - the Hawkeye debt was always obvious, but this is also very much kin to Mark Waid's Daredevil run, even aside from Blockbuster basically being the Kingpin in a Peter Stringfellow wig. Utter froth, but better that than most recent DC output.

[Robert · Rating 1 out of 5]

If it wasn't explicitly biased enough already, lets make it clear - a dozen corrupt members of the Bludhaven police department are depicted. each and every one is a white guy. Inclusion and representation only goes one way.

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Starting 2025 off with another beautiful comic. I love Dick Grayson and Barbara Gordon.

[Rizwan Khalil · Rating 5 out of 5]

Smashing Blockbuster's face using Herman Melville's 'Moby Dick' should definitely feel incredibly cathartic satisfying to Dick Grayson's Nightwing... 😄

Love all these little funny details from the ever brilliant Bruno Redondo's always eyepopping illustrations, as well as Tom Taylor's always sharp, brisk-paced, on-point, sardonic humorous writings. Other than a couple of times of jarring switching of artists (from Redondo's stellar works to a lesser quality one, unfortunately) from issue to issue, this volume was a whole lot more enjoyable than the last couple, as it was back on track moving the central plot progressively forward from the first volume in a BIG way. No unnecessary side-stories/crossovers to sidetrack helped, obviously. Pure fulltoos fun!

[Abbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Babs and Dick FOREVER

[Adam Fisher · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nightwing really puts everything he has on the line for his city, Bludhaven... and after this Volume, I really mean everything!
Highlights:
- Using the money from Alfred, Dick is able to set up Haven, an area of the city where all are welcome, and can find a place to stay, healthcare, food... a place for the less fortunate of the city
- Of course it is attacked the first night, but via Oracle's hidden cameras (the regular cameras were shut off), the perps are revealed to be all corrupt cops and the corrupt commissioner.
- Behind most of this, in one way or another, is Blockbuster. So many heroes gather to take him down in one night.
- Bludhaven gets a new temporary police commissioner in Maggie Sawyer from Metropolis (yes, that Maggie that has romantic ties with Batwoman). She sanctions Nightwing this one time, hoping Blockbuster really can be ousted at the same time as the corrupt cops and officials.
- The heroes are able to stop all of Blockbuster's crime and Dick goes toe to toe with him. The crook gets the upperhand briefly and the mask falls, revealing Nightwing's identity
- Blockbuster is defeated (and eventually killed by Heartless, a new villain who removes people's hearts and uses them for his own)
- Dick and Barbara officially make their relationship serious (awwww)

Overall, a really good Volume. A nice team-up that wasn't overly focused on the other characters, only that they helped out, which seems like something that should happen more often. Really interested to see what will come of this new villain.
Recommend.

[Jess · Rating 4 out of 5]

Too short overall, I think, but I continue to really like this series and the art in it. The variant cover of Dick's butt is what I want from comics.

[Guilherme Smee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tom Taylor, Bruno Redondo e o brasileiro Geraldo Borges trazem um quadrinho muito satisfatório neste quarto volume da premiada série do Asa Noturna. Sabe por que satisfatório? Porque parece fim de novela das 21h quando você torce muito pro vilão se ferrar bonito no final e ele acaba se ferrando tão lindo que merece aplauso! No caso deste encadernado que se chama A Batalha pelo Coração de Bludhaven (a Panini Brasil não dá nome pros encadernados DC sei lá por que), mostra policiais da cidade sabotando um centro de recuperação infantil fundado por Dick Grayson. O mandante do crime é o próprio comissário de polícia, que é aliciado com o maior chefão do crime da cidade, o Arrasa- Quarteirão. E aí o que se segue parece parte do roteiro de Game of Thrones Brasil, em que acontecem muitas reviravoltas com os políticos corruptos, só que em Asa Noturna essas reviravoltas fazem com que paguem por seus crimes de verdade. Os desenhos de Redondo e Borges são lindamente completados pelas talentosas cores de Adriano Lucas, fazendo dos quatro um time imbatível!

[‎⋰˚☆ alo ₊˚✧ · Rating 4 out of 5]

todavia no entiendo como dick anda con barbara cuz pa mi batfam es truly fam so esto es casi incest en mi mente lol anyways excelente plot! dick usando el dinero que le dejo alfred para give poor kids housing es tan personal to me dlb

[Bab · Rating 5 out of 5]

the best y/n I've ever read.