Nightwing is a superhero alias used by multiple characters in American comic books published by DC Comics. The most prominent bearer is Dick Grayson, the original Robin, who adopts the Nightwing identity to assert his independence from Batman. The name has its origins in Superman comics, where it was initially used by Superman in the bottled city of Kandor.
Following the Crisis on Infinite Earths and Zero Hour: Crisis in Time! continuity reboots in 1985 and 1994, respectively, Nightwing was reimagined as a legendary vigilante from Krypton 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, and Power Girl also briefly took on the Nightwing name in Kandor-based stories. Other versions of the identity appeared in non-canonical or alternate stories.
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 by ComicsAlliance in 2013.[3]
Fictional character biography
Pre-Crisis Era
Superman
Superman as Nightwing. From Superman #158 (1963). Art by Curt 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.
In Superman's Pal, Jimmy Olsen #69 (June 1963), "The Dynamic Duo of Kandor" introduces Nightwing's dog Nighthound. In "The Feud Between Batman and Superman" in World's Finest #143 (August 1964), Batman and Robin themselves visit Kandor with Superman and Olsen and the two Dynamic Duos team up.
Van-Zee
In pre-Crisis continuity, Van-Zee and Ak-Var assumed the Nightwing and Flamebird identities to fight crime in Kandor.
Post-Crisis
Kryptonian mythological figure
Post-Crisis, there is a different originator of the Nightwing identity. Several hundred years before the birth of Kal-El, there was a Kryptonian 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.
Superman
In 2001's Superman: The Man of Steel #111, Superman and Lois Lane travel to a version of Krypton later revealed to have been created by the villainous Brainiac 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 in Superman (vol. 2) #158.[6]
Tad Ryerstad
Tad Ryerstad appeared in a storyline where he took on a parody version of the name, "Nite-Wing."
Nightwing (vol. 2) #118-122[7] run features Jason Todd wearing Dick's costume and killing in New York City which led to a police manhunt against Nightwing.[8]
Cheyenne Freemont
Cheyenne Freemont briefly wore a modified Nightwing costume in an alternate storyline.
Power Girl
Power Girl used the Nightwing identity in a Kandor-based storyline.
Following the events of Nightwing (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. It needs a hero. Blüdhaven needs Nightwing."[9]
Alternative versions
Terry McGinnis briefly moonlights as Nightwing in Batman Beyond #4, after Detective Ben Singleton claims to know Dick Grayson's past as Nightwing, which turns into a media fiasco.[8]
Other uses in DC comics
In the DC Comics Tangent 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 of The Atom's involvement in the Cuban Missile Crisis.
Cover of Nightwing #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 with Alfred 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 by Chuck Dixon with art by Scott McDaniel focused on Dick Grayson’s efforts to protect Blüdhaven, a crime-ridden city near Gotham. Nightwing faced major villains such as Blockbuster 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 in Nightwing#93. She would write until issue 100. Her run would then take a brief break for Dixon and McDaniel's return with Nightwing 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 of Lilith and Troia lead to the disbandment of both the Titans and Young Justice. Nightwing joins the Outsiders, a more mission-focused team led by Arsenal.
In the "One Year Later" storyline following the events of Infinite 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 and Tim Drake, highlighting his continued connection to Gotham.
"Titans Return"
Nightwing reunites with his former teammates to combat a new threat connected to Trigon. The team successfully prevents an apocalyptic event and later assists Jericho, 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.
"Batman R.I.P" and "Battle for the Cowl"
Bruce Wayne is presumed dead following a confrontation with the villain Doctor Hurt and the events of Final 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.
The New 52
Nightwing in his New 52 costume. Cover of Nightwing (vol. 3) #0 (November 2012). Art by Eddy Barrows.
In 2011, DC Comics relaunched its superhero line with The 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 title Grayson.
In 2016, DC Comics launched the Rebirth 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 the anti-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’s Infinite Frontier publishing initiative. The new series, written by Tom Taylor and illustrated by Bruno 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 in The 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 in Batman Beyond, being on display in the Batcave. In the episode "Lost Soul", Terry McGinnis borrows the Nightwing mask to protect his identity after his Batsuit is stolen.
A Nightwing animated series was in development before being shelved in favor of Young Justice.[13][11]
Nightwing appears in Young Justice, voiced by Jesse McCartney.[10] This version is the leader of the Team, before leaving by the end of the second season, Invasion, and joining the Outsiders.
Nightwing appears in Harley Quinn, voiced by Harvey Guillén.[15] This version initially struggles to cooperate with the Bat Family, until they are forced to brave the Riddler's escape room alongside Harley Quinn and her crew. In the fourth season, he is killed by a sleep-deprived Harley, with Joker taking credit. He is resurrected by Talia al Ghul in the season finale "Killer's Block", and swears to get revenge on Harley.
Chris O'Donnell portrays Dick Grayson in Batman Forever and Batman & Robin. In Forever, 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 the DC Extended Universe, with Bill Dubuque writing the script and The Lego Batman Movie director Chris 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 loves Warner 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 of TheWrap reported that it had been cancelled.[21]
Nightwing appears in the Injustice: Gods Among Us prequel comic. After being accidentally killed by Damian Wayne, he is given Deadman's powers and takes on his mantle.[38][39]
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 "Nightwing Voices (Batman)". Behind The Voice Actors. Retrieved July 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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