Nightwing comes face-to-face with the Judge – the man who’s been ruining lives all over Bludhaven. Like a Prince of Darkness, he offers the heart’s desire, but for a price. And usually, people are too willing to agree.

But this vendetta has become more than putting away a manipulative bad guy. Nightwing let the Judge slip through his hands once before, and now feels that much of the blood spilt is on his hands. He’s determined to end it, once and for all. But the Judge harbors a secret that Nightwing is unable to see, and that may make the difference between victory and defeat.

It’s a good story so far, from new-to-the-title writer Sam Humphries. The Judge isn’t your typical super-villain, all posturing and dreams of world domination. He’s far more subtle, like an evil version of “the Dude” Lebowski, even worrying over the perennial drink in his hand. Cuz if you’re always drunk, you’re never drunk.

I enjoy Bernard Chang’s artwork. I think it works very well on the title, moreso than previous artists in that Chang (and Maiolo) give Bludhaven a polish that all the neon and glitz requires to convey a better sense of place. Sometimes Chang’s work reminds me of Howard Chaykin’s, but never so much that he appears to be imitating Chaykin. Perhaps merely an influence.

Rating: 9/10