Summary
WARNING: Contains Potential spoilers for NIGHTWING #117!Dick Grayson’s replacement has finally made his debut asNightwingTwo, stepping in for Bludhaven’s protector while Dick embarks on a soul-searching journey after being framed as the villain Heartless. Although Dick will always be the best and true Nightwing, his successor is making a commendable effort to honor the original’s legacy by pushing well beyond his comfort zone.
Bruce values Nightwing as highly as Batman, as evidenced by his readiness to temporarily set aside his Dark Knight duties to take on Dick’s role.
Nightwing#117 by Tom Taylor and Bruno Redondo continues theFallen Graysonstoryline, where Dick’s life is unraveling due to his renewed fear of heights andbeing framed as Heartless, Bludhaven’s latest villain.
These challenges drive Dick to leave his beloved city in search of Boston“Deadman”Brand, hoping that his former acquaintance, now a ghost, can help him conquer his fear. While Dick’s departure from Bludhaven is crucial for him to reclaim his honor and overcome his resurfaced fear, it leaves the city vulnerable. Fortunately,Batman steps in to take on the role of Nightwing Two.
“Nightwing Two”:Bruce Wayne Officially Debuts as the New Nightwing in Bludhaven
Batman Protects His Son’s City While Dick Is on His Soul-Searching Journey
Fans sawBruce don Nightwing’s black and blue costumeand fingerstripes inNightwing#116. However, it’sin #117 that Bruce officially steps in as Dick’s replacement while the original Boy Wonder is away.This issue not only showcases Bruce fighting crime across Bludhaven’s rooftops in Dick’s snug suit but also introduces his new codename,“Nightwing Two,“given to him by Barbara Gordon. The simplicity and lack of originality of this codename, along with Dick’s surprised reaction to hearing Bruce called by it, add a humorous touch to the scene.
In addition to the humor from the codename and the ill-fitting suit, Bruce taking up the Nightwing mantle, even temporarily, marks a heartwarming chapter in his relationship with Dick. Dick has frequentlystepped up to fill in for Batman, even raising Bruce’s biological son, Damian Wayne, and training him as Robin when most of the DCU believed Batman was dead. Thus, Bruce stepping in as Nightwing represents a beautiful full-circle moment. It not only demonstrateshis willingness to support Dick in his time of need but also shows that he values Nightwing as highly as Batman,as evidenced by his readiness to temporarily set aside his Dark Knight duties to take on Dick’s role.
Bruce Wayne Fully Embraces Becoming Nightwing By Making TWO Quips
Nightwing#117 Marks Hilarious Father and Son Moment Between Bruce & Dick
Bruce filling in as Nightwing also provides fans with a much-appreciated and hilarious father-and-son moment. Towards the end of the issue, Dick finally returns to Bludhaven, ready to reclaim his mantle. After expressing his gratitude to Bruce for covering for him, Dick asks,“How did you do at being me?“Bruce responds with a brief and honest rundown:“I patrolled each night. The suit is… snug. I quipped. Twice.“This scene is quickly making the rounds on Tumblr and other social media platforms, showing that fans are absolutely loving this humorousBatmanandNightwinginteraction.
Batman Only Needed 2 Words to Fix His Relationship with Nightwing
The remedy for Batman and Nightwing’s strained relationship has always been simple, requiring only two small yet powerful words from Bruce Wayne.
NIGHTWING #117 (2024)
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.
