Nightwing#Power Girl

File:Nightwing (Kal-El circa 1963).png.]]

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.

In pre-Crisis continuity, Van-Zee and Ak-Var assumed the Nightwing and Flamebird identities to fight crime in Kandor.

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.Secret Files and Origins #1 (October 1999)

{{Main|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.

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.{{Cite comic

| writer = Kelly, Joe

| penciller = Ferry, Pascual

| inker = Smith, Cam

| story = Return to Krypton II, Part Four: Dream's End

| title = Action Comics

| issue = #793

| date = September 2002

| publisher = DC Comics

| location = New York

| page = 20

}} 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.{{Cite comic

| writer = Schultz, Mark

| penciller = Mahnke, Doug

| inker = Nguyen, Tom

| story = Return to Krypton Part Three: The Most Dangerous Kryptonian Game

| title = Superman: The Man of Steel

| issue = #111

| date = April 2001

| publisher = DC Comics

| location = New York

}}

Tad Ryerstad appeared in a storyline where he took on a parody version of the name, "Nite-Wing."

{{Main|Jason Todd}}

Nightwing (vol. 2) #118-122{{cite web | url=http://www.dccomics.com/dcu/comics/?cm=6772 | title=Nightwing: Brothers in Blood | publisher=DC Comics | access-date=September 14, 2010 | archive-date=June 8, 2011 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110608160719/http://www.dccomics.com/dcu/comics/?cm=6772 | url-status=dead }} run features Jason Todd wearing Dick's costume and killing in New York City which led to a police manhunt against Nightwing.{{Cite web |last=Allan |first=Scoot |date=2024-09-05 |title=Every Character Who Wore Nightwing's Mantle, Ranked |url=https://www.cbr.com/every-character-became-nightwing/ |access-date=2024-09-08 |website=CBR |language=en}}

Cheyenne Freemont briefly wore a modified Nightwing costume in an alternate storyline.

Power Girl used the Nightwing identity in a Kandor-based storyline.

{{Main|Chris Kent (character)}}

Chris Kent used the Nightwing name during the “New Krypton” storyline.

{{Main|Batman}}

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."Nightwing (vol. 4) #114-116

• 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.

• 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.

{{Further|Nightwing (comic book)}}

File:Nightwing v1 1.jpg

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.

{{Main|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.

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.

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.

File:Nightwing-New52.jpg

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.

{{main|DC 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.

{{main|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.

{{See also|Robin in other media}}

• Nightwing appears in the DC Animated Universe, voiced by Loren Lester.{{cite web |title=Nightwing Voices (Batman) |url=https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/characters/Batman/Nightwing/ |access-date=July 12, 2024 |publisher=Behind The Voice Actors}} 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.
• Nightwing appears in The New Batman Adventures. Additionally, a spin-off focused on him and Catwoman was considered at one point before being shelved.{{Cite web|url=https://dcanimated.com//WF/sections/backstage/abandoned/|title = The World's Finest - the DC Animation Resource}}
• 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.
• Nightwing makes a non-speaking cameo appearance in the Justice League Unlimited episode "Grudge Match".{{Cite web |last=Vernon |first=Brooks |date=March 14, 2021 |title=Why Nightwing Was Only In Justice League Unlimited For Three Seconds |url=https://screenrant.com/justice-league-unlimited-nightwing-brief-appearance-background-why/ |access-date=July 12, 2024 |website=ScreenRant |language=en}}
• An alternate timeline version of Nightwing appears in the Teen Titans episode "How Long is Forever?", voiced by Scott Menville.
• Nightwing appears in The Batman episode "Artifacts", voiced by Jerry O'Connell.
• Nightwing appears in Batman: The Brave and the Bold, voiced by Crawford Wilson.
• A Nightwing animated series was in development before being shelved in favor of Young Justice.{{cite web |last=Sims |first=Chris |date=August 3, 2012 |title=Ki Hyun Ryu's Nightwing Designs For A Cartoon That Never Was |url=http://comicsalliance.com/ki-hyun-ryu-nightwing-raven-designs-animated-cartoon/ |access-date=September 27, 2018 |publisher=Comicsalliance.com}}
• Nightwing appears in Young Justice, voiced by Jesse McCartney. 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 Teen Titans Go!, voiced again by Scott Menville.
• Nightwing appears in Titans, portrayed by Brenton Thwaites.{{cite web|last1=Peters|first1=Megan|title='Titans' Casts Brenton Thwaites As Its Live-Action Dick Grayson|date=18 October 2017 |url=http://comicbook.com/dc/2017/08/31/titans-dick-grayson-nightwing-brenton-thwaites-//}}
• Nightwing appears in Harley Quinn, voiced by Harvey Guillén.{{Cite web |last=Adams |first=Timothy |date=March 17, 2022 |title=Harley Quinn Season 3 Casts What We Do in the Shadows Star Harvey Guillen as Nightwing |url=https://comicbook.com/dc/news/harley-quinn-season-3-what-we-do-in-the-shadows-harvey-guillen-nightwing/ |access-date=July 12, 2024 |website=DC |language=en}} 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.
• Nightwing appears in Batwheels, voiced by Zachary Gordon.

{{Main|Batman in film #Tim Burton/Joel Schumacher}}

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.

{{Main|DC Extended Universe}}

• Nightwing was considered to appear in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, portrayed by Adam Driver, but was ultimately scrapped.{{Cite web|url=https://www.cbr.com/justice-league-adam-driver-nightwing-rumors-addressed/|language=en|title=Justice League: Zack Snyder Adresses Adam Driver Nightwing Rumours|first=Tom|last=Chapman|website=CBR|date=22 March 2021}}{{Cite web|url=https://collider.com/batman-vs-superman-adam-driver-nightwing/|title=BATMAN VS. SUPERMAN Eyes Adam Driver as Nightwing|language=en|website=Collider|first=Dave|last=Trumbore|date=9 November 2013}}
• 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.{{Cite news|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/warner-bros-plotting-nightwing-movie-lego-batman-movie-director-978737|title=Warner Bros. Plotting Live-Action 'Nightwing' Movie With 'Lego Batman Movie' Director (Exclusive)|work=The Hollywood Reporter|access-date=2018-03-15|language=en}} 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.{{cite web |last=Dumarang |first=Ana |date=February 9, 2018 |title=Nightwing Movie Script Will Be Finished Soon |url=https://screenrant.com/nightwing-movie-script-casting-update/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180306210454/https://screenrant.com/nightwing-movie-script-casting-update/ |archive-date=March 6, 2018 |access-date=March 13, 2018 |website=Screen Rant}}{{cite web |last=O'Connell |first=Sean |date=June 9, 2021 |title=DC's Nightwing Director Has An Exciting Update Dick Grayson Fans Will Love |url=https://www.cinemablend.com/news/2568712/dc-films-nightwing-director-exciting-update-dick-grayson-batman |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210620141538/https://www.cinemablend.com/news/2568712/dc-films-nightwing-director-exciting-update-dick-grayson-batman |archive-date=June 20, 2021 |access-date=June 9, 2021 |website=CinemaBlend}} In August 2023, Umberto Gonzalez of TheWrap reported that it had been cancelled.{{cite web |last=Beach |first=Nicholas |date=August 22, 2023 |title=Another Highly-Anticipated DC Project Officially Dead At Warner Bros |url=https://gamerant.com/nightwing-movie-canceled-chris-mckay-warner-bros/ |access-date=August 22, 2023 |website=Game Rant}}

• 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.{{Cite web |last=Roman |first=Julian |date=August 30, 2017 |title=Batman and Harley Quinn Review: A Campy, Sex-Fueled 90s Nostalgia Trip |url=https://movieweb.com/batman-and-harley-quinn-movie-review-2017/ |access-date=July 12, 2024 |website=MovieWeb |language=en}}
• A Feudal Japan version of Nightwing appears in Batman Ninja, voiced by Adam Croasdell.{{Cite web |last=Ressler |first=Karen |date=February 13, 2018 |title=Batman Ninja Anime's English Trailer Reveals Dub Cast, Home Video Release |url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2018-02-13/batman-ninja-anime-english-trailer-reveals-dub-cast-home-video-release/.127749 |access-date=July 12, 2024 |website=Anime News Network |language=en}}
• Nightwing appears in Lego DC Batman: Family Matters, voiced again by Will Friedle.{{Cite web |last=Dur |first=Taimur |date=April 15, 2019 |title=Bruce Wayne sells out in exclusive first trailer for LEGO Batman: Family Matters |url=https://www.syfy.com/syfy-wire/lego-dc-batman-family-matters-exclusive-trailer-warner-bros-animation |access-date=July 12, 2024 |website=Syfy |language=en-US}}
• Nightwing appears in Teen Titans Go! vs. Teen Titans, voiced again by Sean Maher.{{Cite web |last=Zachary |first=Brandon |date=July 25, 2019 |title=REVIEW: Teen Titans Go Vs. Teen Titans Is A Goofy Love Letter To The Team |url=https://www.cbr.com/teen-titans-go-vs-teen-titans-review/ |access-date=July 12, 2024 |website=CBR |language=en}}
• Nightwing appears in Injustice, voiced by Derek Phillips.{{Cite web |last=Couch |first=Aaron |date=July 21, 2021 |title=DC's 'Injustice' Sets Cast for Animated Movie (Exclusive) |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/injustice-gods-among-us-movie-dc-1234985568/ |access-date=July 12, 2024 |website=The Hollywood Reporter |language=en-US}}

• 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.{{Cite magazine |date=October 2008 |title=LEGO Batman: Character Gallery |magazine=Game Informer |page=92 |issue=186}} 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.
• Nightwing appears as a playable character in Batman: Arkham City, voiced by Quinton Flynn.{{Cite news |last=Yin-Poole |first=Wesley |date=October 11, 2011 |title=Batman Nightwing release, price revealed |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/batman-nightwing-release-price-revealed |access-date=July 12, 2024 |work=Eurogamer.net |language=en}}
• 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.{{Cite web |last1=Shafi |first1=Aadil |last2=Legarie |first2=Destin |last3=Madrigal |first3=Hector |date=July 9, 2012 |title=Characters - Injustice Guide |url=https://www.ign.com/wikis/injustice-gods-among-us/characters |access-date=July 12, 2024 |website=IGN |language=en}}
• Nightwing appears as an NPC in Scribblenauts Unmasked: A DC Comics Adventure.{{Cite web |last=Eisen |first=Andrew |date=October 2, 2013 |title=DC Characters and Objects - Scribblenauts Unmasked Guide |url=https://www.ign.com/wikis/scribblenauts-unmasked/DC_Characters_and_Objects |access-date=July 12, 2024 |website=IGN |language=en}}
• Nightwing appears as a playable character in Lego Batman 3: Beyond Gotham, voiced by Josh Keaton.{{Cite web |last=Eisen |first=Andrew |date=June 9, 2014 |title=Characters - LEGO Batman 3: Beyond Gotham Guide |url=https://www.ign.com/wikis/lego-batman-3-beyond-gotham/Characters |access-date=July 12, 2024 |website=IGN |language=en}}
• Nightwing appears as a playable character in Batman: Arkham Knight, voiced by Scott Porter.{{Cite web |last=Saed |first=Sherif |date=May 7, 2015 |title=Batman: Arkham Knight voice cast includes Breaking Bad and Twilight Saga actors |url=https://www.vg247.com/batman-arkham-knight-voice-cast-includes-breaking-bad-and-twilight-saga-actors |access-date=July 12, 2024 |website=VG247 |language=en}}
• 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.{{Cite web |last1=Michael |first1=Jon |last2=Veness |first2=John |date=November 2, 2018 |title=Characters - LEGO DC Super-Villains Guide |url=https://www.ign.com/wikis/lego-dc-super-villains/Characters |access-date=July 12, 2024 |website=IGN |language=en}}
• Nightwing appears in DC Battle Arena, voiced by P. M. Seymour.
• Nightwing appears as a playable character in Gotham Knights, voiced by Christopher Sean.{{Cite web |last=Bishop |first=Rollin |date=September 2, 2020 |title=Gotham Knights Reveals Its Voice Cast |url=https://comicbook.com/gaming/news/gotham-knights-voice-cast-announcement/ |access-date=July 12, 2024 |website=Gaming |language=en}}

• Nightwing appears in Smallville: Season 11.{{cite news |author=Rich Sands |date=June 14, 2012 |title=Smallville Season 11 Comic Book Welcomes Batman -- and Nightwing! |url=http://www.tvguide.com/News/Smallville-Season-11-1048845.aspx/ |access-date=June 14, 2012 |publisher=TV Guide}}{{cite web |last=Johnston |first=Rich |date=20 July 2012 |title=Reading Between The Lines Over Stephanie Brown And DC Comics |url=http://www.bleedingcool.com/2012/07/20/reading-between-the-lines-over-stephanie-brown-and-dc-comics/ |publisher=Bleeding Cool}} This version is a police officer for the Gotham City Police Department.Smallville Season Eleven: Continuity vol. 1 #4 (March 2015)
• 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.{{Cite web |last=Moure |first=Dylan |date=October 19, 2021 |title=The Death of Nightwing is Still One of DC's Most Controversial |url=https://screenrant.com/nightwing-injustice-death-comics-robin-anticlimactic-controversy/ |access-date=July 12, 2024 |website=ScreenRant |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Stone |first=Sam |date=October 15, 2021 |title=Injustice: What Happened to Nightwing After His Death? |url=https://www.cbr.com/nightwing-injustice-death-deadman/ |access-date=July 12, 2024 |website=CBR |language=en}}

A Nightwing ride is currently in operation at Six Flags New England.

{{Reflist}}

{{commons category}}

• {{official website}}

{{Batman characters}}

{{Superman characters}}

{{Dick Grayson}}

{{Robin}}

{{Authority control}}

{{Justice League characters}}

Category:Comics characters introduced in 1963

Category:DC Comics aliens

Category:DC Comics martial artists

Category:Kryptonians

Category:2011 comics debuts

Category:Fictional acrobats

Category:Superheroes who are adopted

Category:Characters created by George Pérez

Category:Characters created by Marv Wolfman

Category:Batman characters code names

Category:Superman characters code names

Category:Vigilante characters in comics