Nightwing is a superhero alias used by multiple characters in American comic books published byDC Comics. The most prominent bearer isDick Grayson, the originalRobin, who adopts the Nightwing identity to assert his independence fromBatman. The name has its origins inSuperman comics, where it was initially used by Superman in the bottled city ofKandor.
Following theCrisis on Infinite Earths andZero Hour: Crisis in Time! continuity reboots in 1985 and 1994, respectively, Nightwing was reimagined as a legendary vigilante from Superman's home planet ofKrypton whose story inspires Dick Grayson's choice of name when he leaves behind his Robin identity.
Jason Todd, a former Robin, briefly impersonated Nightwing in one storyline.Chris Kent, Superman's adopted son, andPower Girl also briefly took on the Nightwing name in Kandor-based stories. Other versions of Nightwing have also appeared in non-canonical and alternate universe stories, including in other media.
In 2013, Nightwing placed 5th on IGN's Top 25 Heroes of DC Comics[2] and Grayson as Nightwing was ranked the #1 Sexiest Male Character in Comics byComicsAlliance in 2013.[3]
Superman as Nightwing. FromSuperman #158 (1963). Art byCurt Swan.
The Nightwing identity first appeared in ''Superman'' #158 (1963), in which Superman assumes the name while operating as a vigilante in Kandor. Dick Grayson first adopts the Nightwing identity in ''Tales of the Teen Titans'' #44 (1984), following his decision to retire as Robin. The new persona allows him to continue crimefighting while establishing a distinct heroic identity.
InSuperman's Pal, Jimmy Olsen #69 (June 1963), "The Dynamic Duo of Kandor" introduces Nightwing's dogNighthound. In "The Feud Between Batman and Superman" inWorld's Finest #143 (August 1964), Batman and Robin themselves visit Kandor with Superman and Olsen and the two Dynamic Duos team up.
Post-Crisis, there is a different originator of the Nightwing identity. Several hundred years before the birth ofKal-El, there was aKryptonian man who was cast out from his family and decided to take on crime as the vigilante Nightwing, whose crimefighting tactics were similar to Batman's. When Superman tells Dick Grayson of this story, Dick takes the name for himself.[4]
After retiring as Robin, Dick Grayson continues his superhero career under the Nightwing identity. He frequently collaborates with other heroes and eventually receives his own solo series in 1995. Following Bruce Wayne's apparent death, Grayson temporarily assumes the role of Batman before returning to his Nightwing persona.
Nightwing's costume is designed for agility and stealth, incorporating lightweight armor and a utility belt with essential gadgets. His primary weapons are twin escrima sticks made of a high-durability polymer, which can be used for both offense and defense. In some versions, these sticks can link to form a staff or function as grappling tools. His suit often includes smoke pellets, throwing discs, tracking devices, and other tools tailored to infiltration and acrobatic combat.
In 2001'sSuperman: The Man of Steel #111, Superman andLois Lane travel to aversion of Krypton later revealed to have been created by the villainousBrainiac 13 and based on Jor-El's favorite period in Kryptonian history.[5] Labeled as criminals, Superman and Lois become fugitives, adopting the Nightwing and Flamebird identities to survive, just as had Superman and Olsen inSuperman (vol. 2) #158.[6]
Nightwing (vol. 2) #118-122[7] run featuresJason Todd wearing Dick's costume and killing in New York City which led to a police manhunt against Nightwing.[8]
Following the events ofNightwing (vol.4) #114-116 Bruce adopts the suit and name while Dick Grayson has left Blüdhaven to cure his fear of heights. Bruce does this under the belief that "Blüdhaven has lost too much. Itneeds a hero. Blüdhaven needs Nightwing."[9]
Terry McGinnis briefly moonlights as Nightwing inBatman Beyond #4, after Detective Ben Singleton claims to know Dick Grayson's past as Nightwing, which turns into a media fiasco.[8]
In the DC ComicsTangent Comics series, "Nightwing" is a secret government organization which appears throughout the series. Headed by Marcus Moore and Francis "Black Lightning" Powell, who act to protect the US and also conceal the true nature ofThe Atom's involvement in theCuban Missile Crisis.
Cover ofNightwing #1 (September 1995). Art by Brian Stelfreeze.
Due to Nightwing's growing popularity, DC Comics published a one-shot issue and a four-part miniseries in 1995.
In 'Nightwing: Alfred's Return' #1, Dick Grayson reunites withAlfred in England and uncovers a terrorist plot. In the subsequent miniseries, Nightwing investigates the death of his parents and a political conspiracy in the fictional country of Kravia.
"A Knight in Blüdhaven"
In 1996, DC Comics launched Nightwing's first ongoing monthly series written initially byChuck Dixon with art byScott McDaniel focused on Dick Grayson's efforts to protect Blüdhaven, a crime-ridden city near Gotham. Nightwing faced major villains such asBlockbuster and briefly worked as a police officer.Devin Grayson later took over the series continued many of the existing storylines. Devin Grayson's run is also notable due to its controversial depiction of sexual assault inNightwing#93. She would write until issue 100. Her run would then take a brief break for Dixon and McDaniel's return withNightwing Year One (Nightwing #101-106).
"Graduation Day"
Nightwing served as the leader of various Titans teams over the years, becoming a central figure among former sidekicks. In the 'Graduation Day' crossover event, the deaths ofLilith Clay andDonna Troy lead to the disbandment of both the Titans and Young Justice. Nightwing joins the Outsiders, a more mission-focused team led byArsenal.
In the "One Year Later" storyline following the events ofInfinite Crisis, Dick Grayson returns to New York City and discovers that Jason Todd has been impersonating Nightwing. Grayson resumes leadership of the Outsiders, operating as an undercover agent.
During an investigation into a series of murders connected to a criminal named Raptor, Nightwing is attacked and buried alive but ultimately survives. He struggles with recovery and reevaluates his role both as a hero and in civilian life.
He later investigates a series of killings committed by the duo Bride and Groom and briefly allies with morally ambiguous individuals to stop them. Throughout this period, Nightwing maintains contact with members of the Bat-Family, including Bruce Wayne andTim Drake, highlighting his continued connection to Gotham.
Nightwing reunites with his former teammates to combat a new threat connected toTrigon. The team successfully prevents an apocalyptic event and later assistsJericho, whose unstable condition poses further danger.
After Jericho possesses Nightwing's body, Grayson experiences intense psychological distress. Although the Justice League intervenes, Jericho escapes. In the aftermath, Nightwing decides to leave the Titans to focus on events unfolding in Gotham.
Bruce Wayne is presumed dead following a confrontation with the villainSimon Hurt and the events ofFinal Crisis.
In the aftermath, Gotham falls into chaos, leading several figures—including Jason Todd—to attempt taking up the mantle of Batman. Initially hesitant, Dick Grayson ultimately accepts the role and becomes the new Batman, choosing Damian Wayne as his Robin.
Nightwing in his New 52 costume. Cover ofNightwing (vol. 3) #0 (November 2012). Art by Eddy Barrows.
In 2011, DC Comics relaunched its superhero line withThe New 52, introducing a revised continuity. In this version, Dick Grayson is reestablished as Nightwing, wearing a redesigned costume with a red emblem instead of the traditional blue.
The character is portrayed as being younger than in previous iterations, and the series explores his efforts to balance personal life and vigilante duties. The series concluded in 2014 and was followed by the espionage-themed titleGrayson.
In 2016, DC Comics launched theRebirth initiative, which restored many legacy elements to its characters. Dick Grayson returned to the Nightwing identity with a new solo series, once again wearing his traditional black-and-blue costume.
Early storylines featured his involvement with the Court of Owls and a partnership with theanti-hero Raptor. Later developments included a loss of memory, leading Grayson to adopt the name “Ric Grayson” and temporarily retire from his role as Nightwing.
In 2021, Nightwing became part of DC'sInfinite Frontier publishing initiative. The new series, written byTom Taylor and illustrated byBruno Redondo, follows Dick Grayson's return to Blüdhaven after inheriting Alfred Pennyworth's fortune.
Grayson uses the inheritance to establish a charitable foundation while continuing his vigilante work. The series introduces new antagonists such as Heartless and revisits conflicts with familiar foes like Blockbuster. It also explores his relationship with his half-sister, Melinda Zucco, who becomes mayor of Blüdhaven.
Nightwing appears inThe New Batman Adventures. Additionally, a spin-off focused on him and Catwoman was considered at one point before being shelved.[11]
Nightwing's costume makes cameo appearances inBatman Beyond, being on display in theBatcave. In the episode "Lost Soul",Terry McGinnis borrows the Nightwing mask to protect his identity after his Batsuit is stolen.
ANightwing animated series was in development before being shelved in favor ofYoung Justice.[13][11]
Nightwing appears inYoung Justice, voiced byJesse McCartney.[10] This version is the leader of theTeam, before leaving by the end of the second season,Invasion, and joining the Outsiders.
Nightwing appears inHarley Quinn, voiced byHarvey Guillén.[15] This version initially struggles to cooperate with the Bat Family, until they are forced to brave theRiddler's escape room alongsideHarley Quinn and her crew. In the fourth season, he is killed by a sleep-deprived Harley, with Joker taking credit. He is resurrected byTalia al Ghul in the season finale "Killer's Block", and swears to get revenge on Harley.
Chris O'Donnell portrays Dick Grayson inBatman Forever andBatman & Robin. InForever, Dick considers "Nightwing" as his alias. In the character's second appearance within the film series, he pursues being a vigilante on his own and wears the Nightwing costume design, though keeping the Robin alias and cape.
Warner Bros. Pictures was developing a Nightwing live-action film centered on the character, set in theDC Extended Universe, withBill Dubuque writing the script andThe Lego Batman Movie directorChris McKay signed on to direct.[18] Discussing why he likes the character and signed on for the project, McKay cited the character's showman personality and background as an entertainer and expressed his excitement for depicting that in the film. He later stated that he wants to introduce a complete adaptation of the character, something that hasn't been done in previous film interpretations of him before. McKay continued to state that the director-driven approach is why he lovesWarner Bros., and how the franchise is differentiating itself from other popular shared universes. McKay also confirmed that the film would acknowledge the titular character's past from the source material, including his time as a part of Haly's Circus, and also reaffirmed that the film will be a straightforward action film with minimal use of CGI special effects and grounded realism. Although the script was nearing its final draft, McKay said in 2021 that the project was delayed due to DC having "other priorities", but also reaffirmed his intentions to still make the film. He also said that the film could possibly be reworked to remove its connections to the DCEU continuity.[19][20] In August 2023, Umberto Gonzalez ofTheWrap reported that it had been cancelled.[21]
Nightwing appears in theInjustice: Gods Among Us prequel comic. After being accidentally killed by Damian Wayne, he is givenDeadman's powers and takes on his mantle.[38][39]
^abcdefghijklmnopqrst"Nightwing Voices (Batman)". Behind The Voice Actors. RetrievedJuly 12, 2024. A green check mark indicates that a role has been confirmed using a screenshot (or collage of screenshots) of a title's list of voice actors and their respective characters found in its credits or other reliable sources of information.
^"LEGO Batman: Character Gallery".Game Informer. No. 186. October 2008. p. 92. Features a two-page gallery of the many heroes and villains who appear in the game with a picture for each character and a descriptive paragraph.
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