On January 21, 2026, DC Comics dropped Nightwing #134 — and fans are still talking about it. The latest chapter in Dick Grayson’s solo series not only pushes the character into genuinely strange, carnival-themed territory, it’s also sparked speculation among collectors about future value, variant covers, and the direction of the series.
What’s the Story About?
In Nightwing #134, Dick Grayson finds himself drawn into the Cirque du Sin, a sinister carnival where the stakes couldn’t be higher — the souls of Blüdhaven’s children. Nightwing must navigate deadly games for the fate of his home city, blending his acrobatic roots with grim, psychological threats.
This issue acts as a pivotal chapter in the ongoing arc featuring Zanni, an unsettling antagonist whose unpredictable nature has been building over recent issues. The conflict escalates here, forcing Dick into bizarre traps that threaten not just bodies, but souls — a darker twist on a familiar theme for a hero rooted in circus origins.
Critics generally praise the issue’s boldness, though some reviews describe the narrative as “messy but compelling,” noting that the surreal tone and shifting scenes can be hard to follow while remaining engaging.
The Creative Team
A big part of this issue’s buzz comes from the talent behind it:
- Writer: Dan Watters – Known for his nuanced takes on psychological horror and character-driven plots, Watters continues to shape Nightwing’s current era with unusual threats and emotional depth.
- Artist: V. Ken Marion – Bringing a dynamic, textured style to the main story art, Marion’s visuals give Cirque du Sin a dreamlike yet ominous feel that fits the issue’s unsettling premise.
- Colorist: Veronica Gandini – Her palette anchors the visuals with eerie contrasts that enhance the carnival’s grim atmosphere.
- Cover Art: Dexter Soy leads the main cover with several variants by Elizabeth Torque, Phan Tuan Dat, and Travis Moore — all of which have become hot talking points among speculators.
Variant Covers & Collector Speculation
One of the biggest drivers of collector buzz has been the multiple variant covers tied to this issue. Specialty variants — including limited card stock and artist homage versions — already appear to be selling out at retailers. Sweater Weather and boutique art card stock variants in particular were listed as sold out on some comic shop sites, pointing to strong preorder demand.
For speculators, this raises two segments of interest:
- Low print run variants — These often appreciate if demand outstrips supply, especially for issues with strong narrative hooks.
- Key narrative beats — While issue #134 isn’t officially labeled a key issue, the bold tonal shift and possible cliffhanger have readers guessing if it leads into something bigger — maybe a new recurring villain or a long-term arc.
Price charts early in its release show only minimal recorded sales data so far, but the buzz indicates this could change once CGC grades begin circulating.
Rumors and Fan Theories
With the carnival concept so entrenched in Nightwing’s circus heritage, fans are spinning theories about:
- Zanni’s true origins — Is he connected to the Fifth Dimension or another cosmic threat?
- Possible ties to past arcs — Some speculate callbacks to Nightwing’s early circus family days could hint at deeper emotional beats down the line.
- Justice League ties — Unexpected cameos (e.g., Martian Manhunter) in recent installments sparked chatter about crossover implications — or even bigger DCU plans.
Whether these rumors mature into concrete plot points or simply fuel fan enthusiasm, they’re already driving lively discussion on forums and speculation boards.
Final Thoughts
Nightwing #134 may not be a universally acclaimed classic, but its blend of surreal storytelling, creative art, and collectible variants has made it a must-talk comic this quarter. For fans of Dick Grayson, it’s a memorable detour that re-centers him in a role that leverages his circus roots while pushing him into darker territory. For collectors and speculators, the variant covers and narrative momentum offer potential long-term interest.
If you missed it in stores or digitally, now’s the time to grab a copy and see for yourself what all the buzz is about — because this issue might just be remembered as a turning point for Nightwing’s era.
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