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First Appearance: (as Robin) DETECTIVE COMICS #38 (April, 1940); (as Nightwing) NEW TEEN TITANS (first series) #39 (February, 1984)
Currently Appearing in: NIGHTWING, new ongoing monthly series
A Brief History of the Character:
Dick Grayson was part of his family's acrobatic troupe, the Flying Graysons. Dick joined the act at a very young age, having been trained in acrobatics from birth. While on tour in Gotham City, nine-year-old Dick overheard "Boss" Anthony Zucco, a well-known and feared crimelord, threaten the performers unless the circus's owner paid extortion money. The owner refused, and that night Dick watched in horror as his parents's high wire snapped, sending his parents hurtling to their deaths.
The deaths were quickly investigated by Batman, who had been in the audience in his civilian guise as Bruce Wayne. Dick became Bruce's ward, and then insisted on becoming Batman's partner in crimefighting as after discovering his guardian's dual identity.
Robin and the Teen Titans
A few years later, Robin, Kid Flash and Aqualad joined together to stop the menace of Mr. Twister. It was the first time the sidekicks joined forces. Their second meeting was more eventful: Robin, Kid Flash, Aqualad, now joined by Wonder Girl and Speedy, fought against their mentors, who had been possessed by the evil Antithesis. At this second meeting, the five youngsters decided to become a team... and the Teen Titans were born! Robin naturally became the leader of the original Teen Titans. Alas, some years later, the team disbanded, after numerous changes.
Becoming Nightwing
A few years later, the mysterious Raven formed a new group of Titans. Robin again resumed leadership, and moved out of the shadow of the Batman. Robin realized at that point that he had grown up: He no longer relied on Batman and, in fact, he and the Dark Knight disagreed on crimefighting methodology. It was then that Robin became Nightwing.
Since that time, Nightwing has also left the New Titans behind, and when Bruce Wayne was recovering from his broken back, Nightwing helped the new Robin, Tim Drake, stop Azrael's rampage in the guise of Batman; Nightwing also substituted briefly for Batman himself.
After some soul searching, Dick Grayson felt the need to strike out on his own. He has since left Gotham and currently resides in the corrupt city, Bludhaven. Nightwing is making his presense felt. Murder? Crime? Corruption? Not in his town!
Powers & Weapons: Although Nightwing has no super-human abilities, he is a highly skilled natural athlete, trained from birth as an acrobat. He was further trained in all forms of unarmed combat by one of the greatest combatants in the world, Batman. His skills as a detective are also superlative. Also, Nightwing's new costume has a number of weapons hidden in it. Among them are escrima sticks, clawed fingers on each hand and a grappling hook.
Dick Grayson Personality Profile
When Dick Grayson assumed the Robin mantle, he was a bright, intuitive and enthusiastic youth. He enjoyed the daredevil acrobats associated with crime fighting alongside the Dark Knight. At this stage, Robin became famous for spouting his colorful puns. Dick Grayson saw Bruce Wayne as a father figure. He sought his approval and acceptance. As a result, he was a dutiful and obedient sidekick.
As Dick Grayson became a teenager, he went through what all teenagers go through: a search for identity. During this stage, Dick distinguished himself from Batman in a number of ways. First, he was much more socialable than Bruce. Dick made lasting friendships with his allies, the Teen Titans (notably, Donna Troy and Wally West). Secondly, he began to realize that he would never become as dark and obsessed at Batman.
Dick's soul searching continued through the years. As a member of the New Teen Titans, he proved himself a capable and efficient leader. He also entered into a serious relationship with Koriand'r (Starfire) of the Teen Titans. Again, Dick was able to form lasting social relationships (whereas Bruce Wayne does not allow himself to). If Dick Grayson has a fault, it is that he is too introspective; he hold himself to impossible standards. Dick went through a period of time where he became moody and distant -- trying to get out from under the shadow of his mentor. With support from his friends in the Titans (especially Donna Troy and Koriand'r) he was able to find his way out of his funk. When he became Nightwing, his evolution as an adult was complete. He emerged as a confident hero in his own right.
In the past few years, Dick Grayson's characterization has suffered a bit. The Dick Grayson that rushed into a marriage with Starfire, left the Titans in a time of need, and made sloppy mistakes while helping Batman and Robin is NOT the Dick Grayson we are familiar with.
In recent times, Dick Grayson seems to be back as his more confident, self-assured self. In anything, he is more at ease with himself. He jokes more than he has in recent years (taking jabs at Batman, much to Tim Drake's amazement).
Dick is a methodical thinker and expert detective. He is also a very protective sort -- loyal to a fault. He is tough, honest and capable.
The Women in Dick Grayson's Life:
* Bette Kane (Flamebird): Titans West member Flamebird harbored a serious crush on Dick Grayson, before she even met him. She adopted her Flamebird identity and joined the Titans for a chance to meet and impress the boy wonder. However, Dick Grayson never returned Bette's affections.
* Koriand'r (Starfire): Dick Grayson's history would not be complete without mentioning the lost love of his life: Koriand'r, better known as the Titan, Starfire. Dick originally denied his feelings, but eventually admitted he was in love with the beautiful alien. Their relationship continued many years, and Dick opened himself up emotionally (as Bruce Wayne never could). The couple almost wed, but their bliss was shattered by a twisted version of their former team-mate, Raven. Raven brutally attacked Starfire at their wedding. To deal with this trauma, Koriand'r underwent a Tamaran warrior ritual, which left her a changed woman. Kory and Dick felt themselves growing further apart. Dick Grayson decided to leave the Titans, and Kory eventually decided to go back to her home planet of Tamaran. They never reconsiled.
Other Important People in Dick Grayson's Life:
* Bruce Wayne (Batman): Bruce was a strong mentor figure in Dick's life; Although the two disagree on many issues, they have learned to respect one another. And, although they never say it, Bruce loves Dick like a son and Dick respects and cares for Bruce like a father.
* Alfred Pennyworth: Alfred provided emotional support to Dick while he grew up. Afred reamins a close friend and confidant to Dick.
* Tim Drake: Tim admires Dick like a big brother. He aspires to be as good as Nightwing one day. He often looks to Dick to learn how to deal with Bruce's distant manner.
* Donna Troy (Wonder Girl/Troia/Darkstar): Donna has been a friend of Dick's for half his life. Although Dick has admitted he had a crush on Donna when they were kids... but the two never entered into a relationship. They remain close friends to this day.
* Wally West (Kid Flash/Flash): Wally and Dick have been friends since their early teens. Wally has always admired Dick's confidence and keen detective skills. The two friends have been through rough times, but have always remained friends.
Dick Grayson notes:
*Note # 1: After DC retooled things post-Crisis, Dick's history remained pretty much intact. The major revision: After a near-death encounter with the Joker, Batman forbade Dick Grayson to continue as Robin; This further prompted Dick to strike out on his own with the Titans and develop his own identity as Nightwing.
*Note # 2:* Changes made after Zero Hour were fairly small: Dick Grayson adopts his Robin identity a few years older than he originally did; Another revision: Dick Grayson had a traumatic encounter with the villian, Two-Face; He felt responsible for a man's death at the hands of this twisted villian; He remains scarred by this event, and Two-Face hates anyone in the Robin costume.
*Note # 3:* What does the future hold for Dick Grayson? Expect more acknowledgement of his Titans-ties, according to NIGHTWING editor Scott Peterson. Donna, Wally, Roy and Garth will pop up from time to time to say hello to their buddy Dick. Expect the recent tensions between Roy and Dick to be dealt with. Dick was also meet new people (read: supporting cast) in his new home, the corrupt city of Bludhaven.
Don't expect him to stray too far from the Batman Family, however; Bludhaven is a stone's throw from Gotham. Expect to see some of the Batman Rogues Gallery to give Dick some trouble. Also, new Robin Tim Drake will make frequent visits, as long-time Robin Dick Grayson shows him the ropes.
Still, Nightwing will interact with his former Titans team-mates. Look for an upcoming story in Batman Chronicles featuring Dick Grayson and Donna Troy. Also, Nightwing and Flash will team-up in a DC Special this spring, written by Mark Waid and Brian Augustyn.
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