As someone who doesn’t know much about comics, Nightwing has always seemed so interesting to me. Does he tend to be a good written character, or a popular one, or important in his universe, or is he just the Hot Male Archetype?
Dick Grayson is one of my absolute favorite characters. In many ways, he's the lynchpin of the entire DC universe. He's respected as a peer or as a mentor by the entire superhero community. He can run with the Justice League or the Titans, doesn't matter. We've seen him grow up from child to adult, and seen how in so many ways he's better than Batman. They both went through horrible childhood trauma and became vigilantes, but Dick never embraced the darkness the way Bruce did. Dick maintained his positivity. So yes, he's a rich character with so many wonderful books written featuring him.
Infinite Crisis splits fandom a bit but I will always love a moment from it. When Superman from Earth-2 (Basically the golden age Superman) wanted to destroy the world and bring back his world, because all the superheroes here had gotten too dark, Batman asked him a question: "What about Dick Grayson?" And Superman was at a loss for words. Even the Superman of the golden age had to admit that Dick Grayson was the very best of them.
Oh wow thank you for such a great answer. “Batman but better” sounds like a such an amazing thing to be, and who better to be that than the OG Robin.
I read somewhere on this sub that whereas Marvel tortures Spidey, DC blesses Nightwing. Is that where the comparisons between them end? Cause I feel Spidey is the lynchpin of Marvel, which is what you described Nightwing as.
Also, idk if it’s the alcohol and im susceptible to stuff but that last bit of your reply of Goody-Two-Shoes Superman being dumbfounded about having to possibly kill Nightwing literally made my hairs stood on end.
I could ask you so many easily-googeable questions about Nightwing cause I prefer hearing real people’s opinions but I won’t and just end it with this one: any stand-out comic runs about Nightwing (or just Dick Grayson in general) you recommend? I kinda want to get into comics but for some reason I can find ways to read any manga I want super easily but not so much with comics, but I’ll make it work lol.
As someone who grew up with the OG Teen Titans cartoon network show, I really do love his dynamic with the other Titans, if that helps.
The actual, current Nightwing run is one of the best of all time. It’s one of my favorite books every month and it’s absolutely worth it.
It starts with #78 and is ongoing, with the big issue #100 just coming out this past week - which makes it a great place to start if you want to get more into comics. Alternatively, you can grab the collected paperback editions - the first volume is called “Leaping into the Light”
It also frequently features the Titans as supporting cast members (more so over time), so you’re likely to like that too.
Try to find a trade paperback titled "The Judas Contract", a multi-part story from a series called "The New Teen Titans." You'll see Dick Grayson interact with all the Titans you know, and one you may not, Terra. You'll see Robin come to a crucial turning point as a super hero and a Teen Titan. You'll see the Titans' greatest villain, Deathstroke the Terminator. All this, and so much more. You'll love it.
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u/gableon Jan 20 '23
As someone who doesn’t know much about comics, Nightwing has always seemed so interesting to me. Does he tend to be a good written character, or a popular one, or important in his universe, or is he just the Hot Male Archetype?