DC’s New Nightwing Officially Revealed, as Bruce Wayne Replaces Dick Grayson (Yes, Really) (2024)

Warning: Contains spoilers for Nightwing #116!

Batman and Nightwing were the original dynamic duo, back in Dick Grayson’s Robin days, but their relationship has had plenty of ups and downs. Dick built a life for himself in Blüdhaven while Batman continued his work in Gotham. Now, as Heartless has pushed Grayson out of his own city, Bruce Wayne is stepping up for his son in the biggest way ever — by acting as Nightwing in his place.

Nightwing #116 by Tom Taylor and Bruno Redondo kicks off with the aftermath of Heartless framing Dick Grayson as the masked villain and poisoning him to induce a fear of heights. Unable to remain in Blüdhaven, he sets off to find Deadman and overcome the effects of the poison. In his absence, Heartless (calling himself Dick Grayson) issues a call for Nightwing to come and settle their "unfinished business," leading to a shocking costume change for Batman.

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Bruce Wayne sees the chance to finally repay Dick for all the times he's stepped up and taken over the cowl or shepherded the Bat-Family. He casts aside Batman to become Nightwing, acknowledging that Blüdhaven needs its hero.

Batman Honors Dick Grayson by Transforming Into Nightwing

This Scene Mirrors Nightwing's Time as Batman

Dick Grayson has worked tirelessly to turn Blüdhaven into a safer place to live, with Nightwing acting as its protector. The city is his home, and its success is a testament to the blood, sweat, and tears he's poured into it. Despite his always-full plate, the former Robin is still frequently the first in line to help others, and Batman has been a witness to Dick's dedication from the beginning. While Bruce is rarely open about his feelings, he's fiercely proud of his eldest son and well aware of what Blüdhaven means to him. Protecting the city is the least Bruce can do for Dick.

Since Batman's creation, the Caped Crusader has been the most central, core part of Bruce's identity, and he frequently casts other people and commitments aside in order to fulfill his self-imposed duties to Gotham. The image of him laying down the Batsuit to put on Nightwing's costume is an incredibly poignant moment, encompassing every ounce of respect and love he has for his son. Many times, Dick has proven that he'll make incredible sacrifices to uphold Batman's vision and values while asking for little in return, and Heartless' scheme created the perfect opportunity for Bruce to do the same.

Nightwing Doesn’t Need to Fight His Battles Alone

Batman’s Involvement Proves That Heartless Is Outmatched

Heartless means to dismantle Nightwing's life brick-by-brick, but he hasn't accounted for how many people he has willing to come to his aid. Though Dick insists on undertaking a solo quest to face his fears, he never has to face any fight on his own. However, Bruce rising to the occasion in such a major way shows how far Batman and Nightwing have come. The move allows him to showcase Dick's best qualities by, effectively, doing what he would do. Batman chooses to fight Heartless with his heart on his sleeve as he steps in to become the new Nightwing.

Nightwing #116 is available now from DC Comics.

NIGHTWING #116 (2024)
	Writer: Tom Taylor Artist: Bruno Redondo Colorist: Adriano Lucas Letterer: Wes Abbott Cover Artist: Bruno Rendondo

Nightwing

Nightwing is the superhero moniker taken up by Dick Grayson, upon his aging out of the Robin role and becoming a superhero of his own. Inspired by the original Kryptonian hero of the same name, Grayson has risen to comic book immortality with the identity, earning respect as one of the greatest leaders in the DC Universe.

Created By

Edmond Hamilton , Curt Swan , Marv Wolfman , George Perez

Alias

Dick Grayson

Alliance

Teen Titans, Titans, Outsiders, Justice League, Batman Inc., Birds of Prey, Young Justice

Race

Human

Franchise

D.C.