Fictional character biography
Pre-Crisis Era
Superman
The Nightwing identity first appeared inVan-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.Dick Grayson
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. 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.Tad Ryerstad
Tad Ryerstad appeared in a storyline where he took on a parody version of the name, "Nite-Wing."Jason Todd
''Nightwing'' (vol. 2) #118-122 run featuresCheyenne 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.Chris Kent
Chris Kent used the Nightwing name during the “New Krypton” storyline.Bruce Wayne
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."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.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 theOngoing series
Story arcs
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."One Year Later"
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
In 2011, DC Comics relaunched its superhero line withDC Rebirth
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.Infinite Frontier
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.In other media
Television
* Nightwing appears in theFilm
Live action
= ''Batman'' film series
= In the character's second appearance within the film series, '' Batman & Robin'', Dick Grayson pursues being a vigilante on his own and wears the Nightwing costume design. With Chris O'Donnell reprising the role from the previous film, the character continues to go by his Robin alias.= DC Extended Universe
= * Nightwing was considered to appear in '' Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice'', portrayed by Adam Driver, but was ultimately scrapped. * 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. 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. In August 2023, Umberto Gonzalez of TheWrap reported that it had been cancelled.Animation
* Nightwing appears in '' Batman: Under the Red Hood'', voiced by Neil Patrick Harris. * Nightwing appears in the DC Animated Movie Universe, voiced by Sean Maher. This version is the leader of the Teen Titans. In '' Justice League Dark: Apokolips War'', he is killed by Parademons before Robin revives him using a Lazarus Pit. * Nightwing appears in the '' Batman Unlimited'' film series, voiced by Will Friedle. * Nightwing appears in '' Lego DC Comics Super Heroes: Justice League – Gotham City Breakout'', voiced again by Will Friedle. * Nightwing appears in '' Batman and Harley Quinn'', voiced again by Loren Lester. * A Feudal Japan version of Nightwing appears in '' Batman Ninja'', voiced by Adam Croasdell. * Nightwing appears in '' Lego DC Batman: Family Matters'', voiced again by Will Friedle. * Nightwing appears in '' Teen Titans Go! vs. Teen Titans'', voiced again by Sean Maher. * Nightwing appears in '' Injustice'', voiced by Derek Phillips.Video games
* Nightwing appears as a playable character in '' Batman: Rise of Sin Tzu'', voiced again by Loren Lester. * Nightwing appears in '' DC Universe Online'', voiced by Joey Hood. * Nightwing appears as a playable character in '' Lego Batman: The Videogame'', voiced by James Arnold Taylor. * Nightwing appears as a playable character in '' Batman: Arkham City'', voiced by Quinton Flynn. * Nightwing appears as a playable character in '' Lego Batman 2: DC Super Heroes'', voiced by Cam Clarke. * Nightwing appears in '' Young Justice: Legacy'', voiced again by Jesse McCartney. * Nightwing appears as a playable character in '' Infinite Crisis''. * Damian Wayne as Nightwing appears as a playable character in '' Injustice: Gods Among Us'', voiced by Troy Baker. * Nightwing appears as an NPC in '' Scribblenauts Unmasked: A DC Comics Adventure''. * Nightwing appears as a playable character in '' Lego Batman 3: Beyond Gotham'', voiced by Josh Keaton. * Nightwing appears as a playable character in '' Batman: Arkham Knight'', voiced by Scott Porter. * The ''Lego Batman Movie'' version of Nightwing appears as a playable character in '' Lego Dimensions''. * Nightwing appears in '' Injustice 2'', voiced again by Scott Porter. * Nightwing appears as a playable character in ''DC Legends''. * Nightwing appears as a playable character in '' Lego DC Super-Villains'', voiced by Matthew Mercer. * Nightwing appears in ''DC Battle Arena'', voiced by P. M. Seymour. * Nightwing appears as a playable character in '' Gotham Knights'', voiced by Christopher Sean.Miscellaneous
* Nightwing appears in '' Smallville: Season 11''. This version is a police officer for the Gotham City Police Department. * Nightwing appears in the '' Injustice: Gods Among Us'' prequel comic. After being accidentally killed by Damian Wayne, he is givenRides
A Nightwing ride is currently in operation at Six Flags New England.References
External links
* {{Justice League characters Comics characters introduced in 1963 DC Comics aliens DC Comics martial artists Kryptonians 2011 comics debuts Fictional acrobats Superheroes who are adopted Characters created by George Pérez Characters created by Marv Wolfman Batman characters code names Superman characters code names Vigilante characters in comics