Nightwing FAQ

[pennywisdom]

WHO IS NIGHTWING?

Nightwing is a costumed crime-fighter appearing in DC comics. He possesses no super-powers, yet has amazing detective, athletic, and martial arts abilities. His alter ego is Dick Grayson.

WHAT WAS DICK GRAYSON’S FIRST APPEARANCE?

Dick Grayson has a long and storied history in the DC Universe. His first appearance in any capacity was as Robin in Batman #1, published in 1940. Dick grew up in a circus family, but was orphaned at a young age. Millionaire Bruce Wayne took him in as his ward (and eventually, adopted son). Dick became Robin, Batman’s young sidekick. At the time, teenage sidekicks were becoming popular and were thought of as a way to encourage new and younger readership. Over the decades, Dick became one of the most popular and arguably the greatest Robin.

HOW LONG WAS HIS CAREER AS ROBIN?

Dick’s career as Robin lasted several decades. During this time, many writers and artists would put their own spin on the character and take him on legendary adventures. Of course, it was also obvious that the character was growing up and couldn’t stay a sidekick forever. Throughout the Golden and Silver Ages of comics, Robin was a brave and loyal secondary character, but a secondary character nonetheless. In more modern times, he felt his relationship with Bruce change. Like all sons, he needed to leave the nest.

WHAT WAS HIS FINAL MOMENT AS ROBIN?

Finally, Dick gave up the mantle of Robin for good. One of the catalysts was an incident that involved Two-Face. Dick was forced to make a decision that resulted in the death of the District Attorney, as well as the near-death of Batman himself. Dick calls it his greatest failure and it is part of the reason he left the Batcave. He went on to form the new Teen Titans.

WHEN WAS NIGHTWING'S DEBUT?

Tales of the Teen Titans #44. Making his debut in 1984, Nightwing premiered in an issue featuring Jericho and Deathstroke. Nightwing would become one of the most popular Titans of all time, as well as their leader.

WHERE WAS DICK DURING THE EVENTS OF "KNIGHTFALL"?

As many Batman readers know, Bruce Wayne gave the mantle of Batman to a young upstart named Jean Paul Valley in a storyline known as "Knightfall" in 1993 and '94. Bruce had been defeated by a villain known as Bane who shattered his back, crippling him indefinitely. Bruce had met Valley during a previous adventure (see: Sword of Azrael). Jean Paul was subconsciously controlled by an ancient religious sect known as the Order of St. Dumas. He was trained since his infancy to be the ultimate warrior, Azrael, the Angel of Vengeance. During that time, Bruce had lost contact with Dick, and was extremely desparate for a replacement Batman. Bane was still on the loose, as were many of the Arkham inmates. Jean Paul got the job done, but he transformed the Batman personae into a violent creature full of malice and spite. Bruce came back and reclaimed the title of the Batman in 1994.

DID DICK EVER THINK ABOUT REPLACING BRUCE AS BATMAN?

He did. In a storyline known as "Prodigal", Dick became Batman at Bruce's behest. Although it was only temporary, it was a significant storyline in that it forced Dick to come to terms with his past failures in life (both personal and as a crime-fighter) and take on Two-Face by himself once and for all. It showed that Dick was still growing up and learning about his own identity as a man. It also helped cement Dick's relationship with the current Robin, Tim Drake.

DOES NIGHTWING STAY IN TOUCH WITH THE BATCAVE?

Yes, especially before moving to Bludhaven. After "Prodigal", Bruce became Batman again permanently. During this time (the mid 90's) there were several crossover storylines, many of which featured Nightwing as a pivotal character. Even after his move to Bludhaven, Nightwing is still a central character in the Batman mythos. Today, he appears frequently in the pages of Batman comic books.

WHEN DID NIGHTWING GET HIS OWN SERIES?

In 1996, writer Chuck Dixon, penciller Scott McDaniel, and inker Karl Story created the first issue of Nightwing. This was actually a long time coming. Nightwing had been a favorite character of readers and critics alike for many years. Although he had his own mini-series (not to mention frequent appearances in the Batman comics), he had never starred solo in an ongoing series. So, naturally, his having his own book was very exciting. In the opening story, Dick relocates to Bludhaven, a city not far from Gotham. This city, however, is even more corrupt than Gotham. Unlike Gotham's reliable James Gordon, Bludhaven's PD is crooked and untrustworthy. The crime lords run the streets, and a hero like Nightwing is needed here more than anywhere else.

During his stint on Nightwing, Chuck crafted what is considered by many to be the definitive version of the character. Dick has grown up a lot since his days as Robin, and is now a hero in his own right, still living under the influence of his mentor, but no longer controlled by him. His adventures during this time are full of action, intrigue, and basically, the stuff every Nightwing fan loves. Chuck and Scott's run on the series is collected in TPB format. A Knight in Bludhaven (http://www.dccomics.com/graphic_novels/?gn=1301), Rough Justice (http://www.dccomics.com/graphic_novels/?gn=1304), Love and Bullets (http://www.dccomics.com/graphic_novels/?gn=1303), Big Guns (http://www.dccomics.com/graphic_novels/?gn=1302), On the Razor's Edge (http://www.dccomics.com/graphic_novels/?gn=2958) and A Darker Shade of Justice (http://www.dccomics.com/graphic_novels/?gn=1300) are all valuable must-reads for any Nightwing fan.

IS NIGHTWING STILL BEING PUBLISHED?

Yes. Chuck is no longer writing Nightwing on a permanent basis. Devin Grayson is currently writing and the new art team of Phil Hester and Ande Parks will be coming onboard with issue #107.

WHERE CAN I READ NIGHTWING'S ORIGIN STORY/LEARN WHERE THE NAME CAME FROM?

Check out Nightwing #101-106. The original creative team tells the tale of Nightwing's "Year One".

WHO ARE SOME OF NIGHTWING'S VILLAINS?

Nightwing does not have as many as Batman, but definitely some deadly characters. In the early days, Dudley Soames, aka Torque was one of Nightwing's greatest adversaries. Blockbuster is Bludhaven's answer to Marvel's Kingpin character. Stallion, Brutale, the Electrocutioner, Double Dare, Chief Redhorn, Lady Vic, the False Facers and our old friend, Deathstroke, all show up and do plenty of damage. Even would-be vigilantes give Nightwing some trouble. The Huntress, the Tarantula, and a young imposter known as Nite-Wing are all characters to look for.

IS NIGHTWING STILL A TITAN?

No. Today's Teen Titans has returned to its roots and features a group of kids formerly known as Young Justice. They represent the youngest characters is the DCU. Dick is a member of the Outsiders, a group of twenty-something super-heroes whose adventures are on the cutting edge of DC. Think of them as the "Not Ready for JLA Players". Dick's friendship with Roy Harper (Arsenal, formerly Speedy) is just one of the relationships that makes this book so interesting. This book is very "cast-oriented" and showcases Dick as a team member better than any title outside the Titans. Incidentally, Dick has not been a member of the Justice League.

[pennywisdom]

HOW MANY COSTUMES HAS NIGHTWING HAD?

Three. His original costume was a strange outfit that had a large collar and open chest. It resembles something a Las Vegas Elvis impersonator might have worn if he were a Teen Titan (just joking).

Nightwing's next outfit retained elements of the original, but seemed slightly more bird-like.

His most recent costume (he's had the new costume since the mid-90's) is more sleek and simplitic. It's my favorite and will probably be the Nightwing costume everyone remembers. He typically uses batons, as well as many other weapons. Instead of a Batman-style utility belt, he has functional gauntlet pouches.

HAS NIGHTWING EVER APPEARED IN THE BATMAN ANIMATED SERIES?

Yes. Dick Grayson was Robin in the earliest days of Bruce Timm's animated series. Mirroring comic book continuity, he grew up and became Nightwing in the later days of the show. The Animated Series is considered by many to be the truest Batman adaptation in any medium, and is wholeheartedly recommended.

WHO WERE NIGHTWING'S LOVE INTERESTS?

During his stint with the Titans, Dick's greatest love was Kori, also known as Starfire. He had a one-night stand (as well as a lot of tension) with the Huntress. And, of course, Barara Gordon, the original Batgirl, now Oracle, is considered by many to be his one true love of all time. For a time, Dick dated Clancy, an Irish girl who lived in his new neighborhood in Bludhaven. I've seen his name also linked to Jade, as well as several other DCU ladies.

WHAT IS DICK'S DAY JOB?

Dick quit college early. After moving to Bludhaven, he became a cop. This helped him gather info. on the BPD power structure and gave him an inside edge on the comings and goings of one of DC's most corrupt cities.

WHAT'S DICK'S RELATIONSHIP WITH BRUCE?

As all fathers and sons know, relationships go through their ups and downs. Despite conflicts in the past, Bruce and Dick have patched things up. Today, Dick is offically Bruce's adopted son.

WHO ARE SOME INFLUENTIAL NIGHTWING CREATORS?

Chuck Dixon, Scott McDaniel, and Karl Story, Devin Grayson, Greg Land, Drew Garaci, Rick Leonardi, Mike Lilly, and Patrick Zircher are just some of the many notable and talented contributors to Nightwing's solo title. Of course, Perez and Wolfman are the classic Titans team. And if I were to name all the talented and influential creators who have worked on the Batman books, we would be here all night.

WHERE CAN I READ ABOUT NIGHTWING NOW?

Check out Nightwing's solo title, both current and back issues. The back issues have been conveniently collected (see above) in TPB format. Be sure to read Outsiders by Judd Winick, Tom Raney, and Scott Hanna (a new art team will be coming on soon). Also, Dick has a very influential place in the DC Universe. As such, he has many friends, associates, and enemies. Look for him to pop in and out of various titles all the time.

[kash]

WHO IS NIGHTWING?
Incidentally, Dick has not been a member of the Justice League.


but wasn't he a member of the Justice League Task Force as well as the JLA's leader during the Obsidian Age storyline. He is also currently a reserve IIRC

[pennywisdom]

That's true. Although I don't consider him to be permanent member. He has made JLA appearances, but is not, and hasn't been, a member of the "Big Seven". Good observations, though.

[Mia]

He had a one-night stand (as well as a lot of tension) with the Huntress.


Ermmm.....I wouldn't exactly call a one night stand "love", especially when Huntress made it quite clear that she was using him to get into the Bat group.

Also remember that he spent some quality time with Catwoman in Nightwing #52. Great issue.


HOW LONG WAS HIS CAREER AS ROBIN?


Wasn't this really six years? 13-19?



Oh by the way folks I strongly suggest that you check out Robin Year One
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1563898055/qid=1110861988/sr=2-1/ref=pd_bbs_b_2_1/103-7032592-8173446.


It provides a great background on Dick's first year as Robin. And shows what a fine young man he is. He doesn''t crawl in hole and die when things get rough. Check it out worth every penny.

[pennywisdom]

I think it's pretty obvious that his one-nighter with Helena wasn't love. But it happened, so it might be worth mentioning. I put in proper context when I explained it earlier.

As for his time spent as Robin, you're counting in DCU years and I'm counting in real-time. He debuted as Robin in the early 40's and he became Nightwing in the mid 80's. You're correct in that it only covered a few years of his life.

[BigKenW]

Holy crap. I had no idea he spent the night with Selena. Does Bruce know about that?

Also, Nightwing was the leader of the JLA and headed the lineup for many issues when the JLA was sent back in time during Obsidian age. I also beleive he has a JLA reserve status similar to Wally West when he was in the Titans.

[pennywisdom]

Holy crap. I had no idea he spent the night with Selena. Does Bruce know about that?

Also, Nightwing was the leader of the JLA and headed the lineup for many issues when the JLA was sent back in time during Obsidian age. I also beleive he has a JLA reserve status similar to Wally West when he was in the Titans.
Yes. That's been mentioned. :)

[Mia]

Holy crap. I had no idea he spent the night with Selena. Does Bruce know about that?




They didn't get that far (they were interupted by gun men). I don't know if Bruce knows, but if he does it shouldn't have made any difference. Bruce and Selina aren't a couple.

By the way, apart from history, I just don't get the Dick and Babs relationship. Why is he interested in her?

[pennywisdom]

By the way, apart from history, I just don't get the Dick and Babs relationship. Why is he interested in her?
That depends in small part on who's writing and in large part on who's reading. Different people have different takes on the Dick/Barbara relationship. History actually plays a big part in it. As a pair, they go WAY back. In fact, they are one of the oldest teams in comic book history. When you grow up with someone, you grow attached to them in one way or another.

I also believe that Dick is interested in Babs for the same reason that many readers are. That is to say, he has an immense respect for her as a human being, not just as a crimefighter. She has been forced to overcome odds and she has persevered every step of the way. Unlike other comic book characters who die/disappear/explode, only to be resurrected by magic/super-powers/higher beings, Barbara Gordon has faced a very real problem and managed to overcome that problem in a very real way. She's a genuine hero and that's one of the things that Dick respects, honors, and loves more than anything else. She never caved in to pessimism, so she is a bright spot in Dick's dark world.

Also, she's cute. That never hurts. :)

[Mia]

Thank you Penny. The reason I am asking is that I have no idea why Nightwing would be attracted to Barbara. Until recently, for the most part, she's been portrayed as a 'know-it-all' and a miserable woman. She's been horrible to Dick, always pushing him away. Even under Dixon she's been shrillish. So I just didn't see what he saw in her.

[pennywisdom]

You're welcome. :) I agree with your viewpoint to an extent. She has had some tender moments, in all fairness. Good point, though.

[Asian Knight]

Does Dick still use the whip that looked like a ponytail? Or does he have a different arsenal now.

[pennywisdom]

Does Dick still use the whip that looked like a ponytail? Or does he have a different arsenal now.
To be honest, I'm not 100% sure what you're talking about. Dick has carried and used batons for many years now. He can cast a line, attach himself to a solid object and swing around in this manner, but I don't recall him using a whip. Perhaps I'm just remembering incorrectly?

Also, anyone who might have an interest in the Dick Grayson character should check out the new All Star Batman and Robin comic being published by DC in the very near future. It's written by the legendary Frank Miller, with art by the legendary Jim Lee and it features a legendary sidekick, Dick Grayson. There is a good indication that this title will be fairly Robin-centric, so anyone who enjoys Miller, Lee, or Robin should be into it.

[Fenix]

I would like to hear something about his personality. I alwalys think he´s not as "dark" as Bats. Am I right?

[BigKenW]

I would like to hear something about his personality. I alwalys think he´s not as "dark" as Bats. Am I right?

Not quite. He has really been moving towards the dark side. I don't want to spoil so I won't go into details BUT, read Nightwing 90-100 (I think, it may be 88-100) that goes over Dicks life and what happens. It leads into War Games. He has gone as dark as they can.

In Last Laugh, he beat the Joker to death with his fist.

Joker was clinically dead until paramedics were able to revive him. Something Batman would never do.

When you read those issues I recommended, you will understand how far he has gone, but he tries to bring himself back.

If you want spoilers, we can put them in, just lemme know.

[pennywisdom]

I would like to hear something about his personality. I alwalys think he´s not as "dark" as Bats. Am I right?
Interesting topic. Ultimately, there is no one correct answer. It depends on who is writing and who is reading. Which isn't to say that Dick isn't well-defined, but, as with any comic book character, different writers and readers have differing approaches to the same situation.

One criticism is that Dick is too much like Batman. They are both costumed crime-fighters who operate mainly at night, using detective skills and various gadgets and weapons to solve cases and defeat non-cosmic (and often non-powered) villains as well as common criminals. Some people believe that this and this alone makes Nightwing too much like Batman. They believe that Dick is perpetually in Batman's shadow and reading his adventures is too much like reading "Diet Coke Batman". As far as his personality goes, he has occasionally been written to be the junior version of Batman. If you pick up the first arc of Outsiders by Judd Winick, for example, you will see a Nightwing that operates essentially as the teams resident "Batman". He has a very no-nonsense approach to getting the job done, and suffers very few frivolities. He is a pro through and through and his intelligence and skills guide the team.

More often than not, however, this is not the case. If you were to put both Batman and Nightwing side by side, you would most likely see that the differences are only superficial. Nightwing is typically more easy-going and relatable. Batman is usually more driven. Nightwing has more of a sense of humor. Batman is much more focused. Also, Batman is the DCU's resident Mr. Professional. If he can't do it, no one can. Nightwing (according to the classic 90's Dixon run on the series) is a bit more likely to slip and fall. He's an adult, but he's still young enough to be learning the ropes. He's definitely more than capable, but he's often portrayed as a more realistic alternative to Batman's near-infallibility. Is he "lighter" than Batman? I would say yes. Without being overly jokey, he's much more light-hearted than Batman.

I also believe that there's more to his personality than merely being "Batman but less grumpy". He dreams of a normal life, and his solo title often focuses more on his Dick Grayson persona than on Nightwing. For this reason, he is sometimes thought of as DC's "Peter Parker". That is to say, one of the things that makes him interesting is the fact that he is more of an "everyman" who has to juggle normalcy with superheroing. Now that I think about it, he is different from Batman in almost every way that counts, but the complexity of the characters is one of the things that makes this topic so debatable.

Keep in mind, everything I've stated so far is based on my perception of the character, and is open to reasonable discussion. I was born in 1983, so most of what I've read is post-Crisis. If you were to go back through the annals of comic book history, you would find that there have been many, many different versions of Batman and also different versions of Robin/Nightwing. Batman is right up there with King Arthur and Dracula as far as fictional characters who have been re-interpreted so many times that the final product is ultimately left up to the individual reading.

Finally, I'd like to use this post as an excuse to plug my all-time favorite single issue of Nightwing and that is no. 10 (originally published in 1997). In this issue, Dick is gassed by the Scarecrow and forced to live out his worst nightmares. It's simply brilliant, and offers some of the best insight into the character.

[Fenix]

BigKenW
When you read those issues I recommended, you will understand how far he has gone, but he tries to bring himself back.

pennywisdom
Now that I think about it, he is different from Batman in almost every way that counts, but the complexity of the characters is one of the things that makes this topic so debatable.

I know that I´m nickpiking in your posts, but it´s also interesting to see how, both of you, are thinking or tending to see a complex character "not so dark" or "in a different darkness" so to speak. I´m not a nightwing reader, all I know about him is from his crossovers with the Bats titles or JLA. Anyway, your explanations open an interenting point to dig into the character. I would try to find some of the numbers you recommend.
Thanks.

[pennywisdom]

Ken does have a point. In very recent issues (published within the past year or so), Nightwing's world and character have been increasingly more dark and less stable. This is all the doing of one writer, however.... Devin Grayson. Whether or not Devin Grayson's version of the character is better/worse/more correct/less correct than Chuck's is open to individual interpretation.

I think in order to get a complete picture of the character, you should take into account several different interpretations of him. As such, simply looking at recent developments and assuming that Dick is "as dark" as Batman would be a bit perfunctory. Many feel Grayson hasn't been doing a very good job of character development. Others feel she's going somewhere and is trying to make a complete a statement as possible with this character. Whatever the case, read as much as you can before drawing any conclusions.

[Murrocko]

Nightwing is mf favorite DC character, favorite comic character in general, I have no idea who any of his rouges are, the only that come to mind are Blockbuster and Deathstroke (I don't think he even counts since they consider each other somewhat allies). So could someone tell some of Nightwings villians with a brief summary of them.

[pennywisdom]

WHO ARE SOME OF NIGHTWING'S VILLAINS?

Nightwing does not have as many as Batman, but definitely some deadly characters. In the early days, Dudley Soames, aka Torque was one of Nightwing's greatest adversaries. Blockbuster is Bludhaven's answer to Marvel's Kingpin character. Stallion, Brutale, the Electrocutioner, Double Dare, Chief Redhorn, Lady Vic, the False Facers and our old friend, Deathstroke, all show up and do plenty of damage. Even would-be vigilantes give Nightwing some trouble. The Huntress, the Tarantula, and a young imposter known as Nite-Wing are all characters to look for.
Most of Nightwing's Rogues Gallery comes from the old Chuck Dixon days. Go back to my original post and check out the links to the TPB collected editions.

Off the top of my head: Dudley Soames was a cop who got caught up with Blockbuster. Bludhaven's police force was unbelievably crooked. Anyway, Soames wound up on the business end of Blockbuster's wrath. Back then, Blockbuster's preferred method of whacking a guy was to twist their head around 180 degrees until their neck snapped. A bunch of dead gangsters with their heads twisted around was the reason Nightwing began investigating mob activity in Bludhaven in the first place. In the bizarre case of Dudley Soames, however, he managed to survive the ordeal. His head was affixed backwards. The only way he could see forward was to wear small mirrors inside his glasses... it was a really cool visual and Chuck wrote this character as one of the most brutal and compelling "dirty cop" characters around. Plus, his accent was badass. He went by the name Torque and was one of Nightwing's greatest enemies (he tussled with Dick and Helena, if I remember correctly) until Devin Grayson had him die in one of her stories.

Blockbuster is brilliant genius (and also giant) Roland Desmond. When Dick first comes to Bludhaven, Roland is one of the most powerful crime lords around. Lady Vic is a British assassin and mercenary who is hired by Blockbuster to kill Nightwing. Ditto Brutale, who wears a bizarre costume and has a penchant for knives and bladed weapons. Double Dare, IIRC, are a team of French female circus acrobats who commit Catwoman-like burglaries.

I will continue listing as much villain info as I can think of in the future. Your best bet is always to check out the comics themselves. If you can't find the back issues, most of what you want to read is collected in TPB form. Use the links I provided, DC's website, Amazon.com, and eBay if you're interested.

[BigKenW]

Ken does have a point. In very recent issues (published within the past year or so), Nightwing's world and character have been increasingly more dark and less stable. This is all the doing of one writer, however.... Devin Grayson. Whether or not Devin Grayson's version of the character is better/worse/more correct/less correct than Chuck's is open to individual interpretation.

I think in order to get a complete picture of the character, you should take into account several different interpretations of him. As such, simply looking at recent developments and assuming that Dick is "as dark" as Batman would be a bit perfunctory. Many feel Grayson hasn't been doing a very good job of character development. Others feel she's going somewhere and is trying to make a complete a statement as possible with this character. Whatever the case, read as much as you can before drawing any conclusions.

Very well put. I really like Grayson's take on Nightwing. She has actually tried to do things with the character besides have him just be under Batman's shadow.

I read somewhere that due to the Infinite Crisis books and War Games, she said it's almost impossible to write a character book anymore at DC. She had alot of plans for Nightwing that were totally derailed or pushed back for the large events that have happened, and are coming. Something to the effect of having to write stories by commitee now.

That said, when I first started reading Outsiders, I HATED Judd Winick's take on Nightwing. He seems to have fallen in line with Devin's take on him, just a little more adult. When Young Justice/Titans came out, alot of what happened with Nightwing and Arsenal seemed forced. If that story, and the first few issues of Outsiders, had come our after the recent Nightwing issues, it would have made a lot more sense. It makes you wonder if Winick got a glimpse at Grayson's story bible (assuming she had one), checked over too fast and missed his gradual change and shot too far ahead when he began writing outsiders.

BTW - I really like Outsiders now. Winick makes both Arsenal and Nightwing two of the best characters in the DCU. IMHO.

As for Nightwing Criminals, I only came onboard when Dick joined the Bludhaven PD. His biggest enemies were the corrupt police force. In those issues I mentioned in my previous post you get to see a lot of them including Deathstroke and Shrike.

However, it seems like a large portion of Dick's enemy's and supporting characters have moved on to Robin.

On a side note. Devin Grayson and Gail Simone's moves to break up Dick and Barbara were very good. It is letting both characters branch out on their own more. Oracle is no longer just the super computer answering machine and Nightwing's girlfriend. Nightwing is more carefree, has a bigger edge, and has been able to change both his locale, team statuses, and been able to go undercover. For more on that read the issues, I mentioned earlier and the War Games TPB's that cover Birds of Prey and Nightwing. (For those of you put off by crossovers, War Games was really pretty good. It actually establishes Nightwing, Robin, and Batman as real to the public.)

[scherem]

Q: What issue(s) of Batman did Dick leave him?
Q: In a recent issue of Flash (Post IC issues). Wally says to Batman, "tell Tim what you told Dick when he left, it meant the world to Dick that you said that"--- what is this in reference too?

Maybe add a bit of background on Dick-- the stuff that was fleshed out in Batman Year 3 and A Lonely Place of Dying.

[pennywisdom]

Q: What issue(s) of Batman did Dick leave him?
I'm "word" person, not a "number" person, which can really stink in certain situations. It's nearly impossible for me to recall issue numbers, so I don't know what to tell you. I'm sure someone else will help out. Sorry about that.

[DouglasDanger]

This needs a lot of updating... but I dont feel knowledgeable enough to do it.

[pennywisdom]

Comic books, for better or worse, often seem to operate on a pretty loose continuity timeline, with the actual dates and numbers changing from era to era. As such, it’s hard to get an exact bead on Dick’s age, when he became Nightwing, etc etc. Recently published, however, is a collected edition of Nightwing 101 through 106 wherein Chuck Dixon, Scott Beatty, Scott McDaniel, and Andy Owens retell Nightwing’s “Year One”. In this story (which takes place six years ago), we see Dick Grayson as a 20 year old Titan and as an aging Robin who is quickly losing his interest and patience in his partnership with Batman.

This book is prefaced by a timeline to let readers know what happened and how long ago (DCU time) it happened. I just wanted to post back and first of all, recommend the book wholeheartedly to any Nightwing or DC fan and, secondly, to give you guys a look at said timeline. This is a perfect addition to the Nightwing FAQ thread.

Check it out:

A Brief History of Dick Grayson

26 Years Ago: March 21: Richard John Grayson is born to John Frederick and Mary Loyd Grayson, the Flying Graysons of the traveling Haly’s Circus [Robin Annual #1]

11 Years Ago: When the Flying Graysons are murdered by Anthony “Boss” Zucco, Dick Grayson is made the ward of Bruce Wayne. A natural athlete, he quickly begins training with Batman [Detective Comics #38, Robin Annual #4]. Meanwhile, circus owner Garrison “Pop” Haly is also murdered. His brother, Harrison H. Haly V, assumes responsibility for the family business [Robin Annual #4].

10 Years Ago: Dick Grayson debuts as Robin and helps capture “Boss” Zucco, who implicates ringmaster Stan Rutledge as the man who actually killed the Graysons and Haly [Robin Annual #4]. As far as Dick knows, Zucco is dead [Robin: Year One] but, in truth, the killer is sent to prison . After a final test, Robin officially becomes Batman’s crime-fighting partner [Batman Chronicles: The Gauntlet].

As he begins his career as Robin in earnest, Dick faces such foes as The Mad Hatter, Killer Moth, and Two-Face [Robin: Year One]. After Two-Face savagely beats the Boy Wonder, a gravely injured Robin is sidelined by Batman.

After being “fired” by Batman, Dick-disguised as “Freddy Loyd”-infiltrates a gang of boy thieves trained by the assassin Shrike and earns the enmity of a youth named Boone, who begins training to assume his mentor’s guise following Shrike’s death [Robin: Year One]. Dick is reinstated as Robin and rejoins Batman’s crusade against crime.

Robin, Kid Flash, and Aqualad unite in Hatton Corners to defeat the villain Mr. Twister [The Brave and the Bold #54]. Shortly thereafter, the three join forces with Donna Troy (now known as Wonder Girl) and Speedy to prevent their mind-controlled mentors from embarking on a crime spree. United as a team, they call themselves the Teen Titans [Teen Titans #53; Secret Origins Annual #3].

[b]8 Years Ago: Dick serves for a brief period as Barbara Gordon’s Congressional aide. Batgirl and Robin team up several times . Still infatuated with Batgirl, Robin works with her regularly most of the year [#5, 7, 9, 11, 13-16, 20].

[b]7 Years Ago: After breaking up with college girlfriend Lori Elton , Dick becomes romantically envolved with Barbara Gordon (suggested by a photo in Nightwing #43), who is in a similar funk over her recent loss in the U.S. Senatorial elections [Detective Comics #487]. Dick subsequently begins a half-hearted relationship with another Hudson University classmate, Jennifer Anne [Detective Comics #488, 490-495].

With his duties as Robin increasingly taking precedence in his life, Dick drops out of Hudon University [Detective Comics #495] and moves back to Gotham, initiating a dispute between him and Bruce [The New Teen Titans Archives #1].

Robin, Kid Flash, Wonder Girl, Beast Boy and Cyborg are gathered by the empath Raven to save Princess Koriand’r of Tamaran from Gordanian slavers. Koriand’r remains on Earth during this time, taking the name Starfire [DC Comics Presents #26, New Teen Titans #1-2]. Starfire learns English through physical contact with an Earthman – she gives Robin a passionate kiss [New Teen Titans Archives Vol 1].

[b]6 Years Ago: Robin is shot in the shoulder by the Joker, who leaves him alive out of the realization of the damage he could inflict on the Dark Knight by targeting Batman’s crime-fighting associates.

Batman and Robin become increasingly distant, especially with Robin spending more and more time away from Gotham while leading the Teen Titans. Because of their estrangement, Dick moves into Titans Tower and throws himself into a ferocious exercise program to the great concerns of the other Titans [The New Teen Titans (first series) #29].

That brings us up the events of Nightwing: Year One and the debut of the character. This timeline shows us that Dick is 26 and has been Nightwing for the last 6 years. Again, comic book continuity is never solid and I’m sure timelines like this are altered all the time, but if the preface of this book is any indication, this is the history as current DC continuity would have it.

[pennywisdom]

This needs a lot of updating... but I dont feel knowledgeable enough to do it.
Be more specific. What exactly are you interested in? A synopsis of what has happend in Nightwing over the past year?

[Young Avenger]

Is Nightwing Existance known to the public? If so, what do they think of him?

[pennywisdom]

Is Nightwing Existance known to the public? If so, what do they think of him?
AFAIK, his relationship with the public was similar to Batman's pre-War Games.

[Asian Knight]

To be honest, I'm not 100% sure what you're talking about. Dick has carried and used batons for many years now. He can cast a line, attach himself to a solid object and swing around in this manner, but I don't recall him using a whip. Perhaps I'm just remembering incorrectly?

Also, anyone who might have an interest in the Dick Grayson character should check out the new All Star Batman and Robin comic being published by DC in the very near future. It's written by the legendary Frank Miller, with art by the legendary Jim Lee and it features a legendary sidekick, Dick Grayson. There is a good indication that this title will be fairly Robin-centric, so anyone who enjoys Miller, Lee, or Robin should be into it.

I read about this somewhere a while back. It was when he was I believe a member of the New Teen Titans. All I can remember is Raven wearing the white cloak and actually revealing herself with long black hair. Cyborg was around then as well. And no, I'm not referring to the cartoon.

[pennywisdom]

I read about this somewhere a while back. It was when he was I believe a member of the New Teen Titans. All I can remember is Raven wearing the white cloak and actually revealing herself with long black hair. Cyborg was around then as well. And no, I'm not referring to the cartoon.
I don't remember that, and I'm not finding anything on Google. Therefore, you just imagined it. ;) :D

Seriously, if you have any info on Dick Grayson's weapons list (including the whip) post what you know. I don't know anything about a whip.

Murrocko requested more information on Nightwing's rogues. Now seems like a good a time as any to post some detailed info on Deathstroke. Here is a link to pretty much everything you could want to know about the character: DEATHSTROKE (http://www.titanstower.com/source/whoswho/deathstroke.html).

[Freelyx]

I read about this somewhere a while back. It was when he was I believe a member of the New Teen Titans. All I can remember is Raven wearing the white cloak and actually revealing herself with long black hair. Cyborg was around then as well. And no, I'm not referring to the cartoon.

Okay I am a long time reader and lover of Nightwing, but I must agree with pennywisdom where he said all this is subject to individual interpretation.

However regarding the "ponytail whip" that you are asking about, I don't believe it was ever a weapon. It was an artist representation of Dick shortly after changing from his second Nightwing outfit to the current Blue and Black he wears. While still in the second outfit, artist's had shown him with longish curly hair that reached to just about mid-back or shoulder blade level. When his mini series ran before the main solo title started he went to Alfred and turned in the second outfit, telling Alfred he was retiring. Alfred gave him the current outfit that had been designed by "Harold" (I could be off on this name) the hermit who was living in the Batcave and had been helping Bruce with several of the caves tech things. Alfred said it was "just in case".

Dick ended up donning that outfit to save someone kidnapped to a remote island where he fought Arsenals estranged girlfriend Cheshire. It was during this that the ponytail emerged. Dicks hair was tied back and looked to be gelled in some way to resemble a long whip. It was never intended or to my knowledge used as a weapon, just his style at the time. As I recall I believe he lost that ponytail in the first issue of the miniseries that lead up to his solo title debut. While fighting some knife welding baddies on the back of a moving vehicle one of them slashed with their blade as he ducked and Dick responded with a comment something like, "Do you know how long it takes to grow something like that?!" as he finished off the thug.

This is all from memory however and someone with those titles on hand or better knowledge might be able to correct me.

[Freelyx]

Not quite. He has really been moving towards the dark side. I don't want to spoil so I won't go into details BUT, read Nightwing 90-100 (I think, it may be 88-100) that goes over Dicks life and what happens. It leads into War Games. He has gone as dark as they can.

In Last Laugh, he beat the Joker to death with his fist.

Joker was clinically dead until paramedics were able to revive him. Something Batman would never do.

When you read those issues I recommended, you will understand how far he has gone, but he tries to bring himself back.

If you want spoilers, we can put them in, just lemme know.

Um... respectfully, I'm not sure I agree with this.

In the "Hush" story line Batman very clearly states that his intention is to kill Joker with his bare hands. Had Jim Gordan not been there to stop him, its likely Joker would have been killed by Batman. Batman remains the darker of the two characters even now in my opinion. Although I must admit due to a lack of funds as of late I missed "Last Laugh", my bet is Grayson may have killed Joker, but he wasn't thinking "I'm going to kill this clown now so no one else gets hurt." He probably lost his temper and beat him to the brink of death in a haze of anger, where Batman on the other hand, though clearly infuriated, was clear in his intentions to cross that line and kill Joker. Again please correct me if I am wrong here I did not read the Nightwing "Last Laugh" story.

[pennywisdom]

I think Freelyx is right in that Dick never had a whip, although he did have a very long ponytail that resembled a whip for much of the 90's. Very nice synopsis of Nightwing's solo mini-series, BTW. Harold was indeed the name of the mechanical savant who lived in the batcave, although I had forgotten that he designed Nightwing's current costume. For the record, Dick lost his ponytail not in the mini-series, but in the first issue of the ongoing. He did get it chopped off by a guy with a blade.... I have a sneaking suspicion Chuck was just looking for an excuse to get rid of it. AFAIK, he's had short hair since.

As far as the "darkness" debate goes, there's no one absolute answer. There are as many different interpretations as there are Batman readers. To be honest, I'm pretty tired of discussing what constitutes appropriate "darkness" levels for the Bat and all related characters. That's just been done to death, and in the end, there's no right or wrong answer, anyway. Too dark.... not dark enough... dark, dark, dark. If we can't end that debate, we should at least pick a new adjective, don't you think? ;)

Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to get back to listening to the Darkness while I read my favorite comic, Darkness, and watching Army of Darkness.

[Freelyx]

In regards to his costume changes:

http://www.apparitionstudios.com/images/rg1.gif <-- Robin Richard Grayson era.

http://www.apparitionstudios.com/images/rg2.gif <-- Nightwing first costume, appeared in Tales of the New Teen Titans #44

http://www.apparitionstudios.com/images/rg3.gif <-- This costume design was brought back from a possible future by Mirage a shapeshifter who was posing as Starfire.

http://www.apparitionstudios.com/images/rg4.gif <-- This one is his current design that was given to him by Harold & Alfred.