"Boatwing": Nightwing's Newest Vehicle Suggests His Pirate Era Is Here to Stay

Warning: Spoilers for Nightwing #113 / #300!

Summary Nightwing reveals that he owns a boat in order to traverse the port city of Blüdhaven — and to meet the city's pirate characters.

Nightwing confirms that he named the boat "Boatwing," which is in line with his character.

The existence of the "Boatwing" confirms that Nightwing's nautical adventures aren't yet over.

Make way for the Boatwing as Nightwing gets his own version of the Batboat for the waters of Blüdhaven. Comic book culture's obsession with superhero vehicles dates back to the introduction of the Batmobile. Since 1939's Detective Comics #27, Batman's go-to car has been the standard in which all superheroes, even his Justice League teammates, strive for.

Batman's first sidekick, Nightwing, puts a twist on the classic automobile by taking it to the sea when he debuts the name "Boatwing" for his new boat in Nightwing #113 by Tom Taylor, Marv Wolfman, Daniele Di Nicuolo, and Bruno Redondo. When paying a visit to Captain Blud's Secret Society, he takes his new boat out for a spin to sneak upon theirs.

In this issue, Nightwing reveals the existence of the Boatwing, confirming that he got a new boat specifically to interact with Captain Blüd and her secret society.

Beyond adding a new vehicle to his garage, this also marks a big confirmation for Nightwing's future storylines: Dick Grayson's pirate escapades will almost certainly continue moving forward, especially with the confirmation that he's still working with Bea Bennett.

The Nightwing Pirate Era Continues Thanks to the "Boatwing"

Readers Will Be Seeing More of Captain Blüd and the Secret Society

Late last year, Nightwing embarked on the deep sea (giving his fans another high-fashion costume to thirst for). Beginning in Nightwing #106 by Taylor, Stephen Byrne, Adriano Lucas, and Wes Abbott, the hero of Blüdhaven starts investigating the Hold's secret society, which has existed in Blüdhaven dating back to the historical origins of the city. To Dick's surprise, Beatrice "Bea" Bennett — an ex from his amnesia-ridden "Ric Grayson" era - emerged as the true leader of the secret society. Despite an awkward reunion, the duo become quick allies — a relationship that continues in Nightwing #113.

In this issue, Nightwing reveals the existence of the Boatwing, confirming that he got a new boat specifically to interact with Captain Blüd and her secret society. If Nightwing expects he'll be in need of the secret society often enough that he picked up a whole boat to meet with them, then readers can expect many nautical adventures featuring Nightwing to come. Considering that later in the issue, Nightwing warns his villain Heartless about his "army," it's safe to assume that Captain Blüd and the secret society will help hold the line of that army by Dick Grayson's side.

The Boatwing Is Already Nightwing's Best Vehicle

Will Nightwing Take Bitewing for a Ride on Boatwing?

Nightwing has his fair share of vehicles at his disposal, most notably a motorcycle that itself puts the Batmobile to shame. However, as much as a motorcycle is cool and makes Nightwing look cooler than he already is, owning a boat is more in line with his personality. A boat is swift enough to coast along the shores with gusto, before emerging as a truly bombastic machine capable of immense things. That isn't too far off from describing Nightwing, someone who has soared through DC skies as much as he has risen like a wave along the ocean.

Nightwing #113 is available now from DC Comics.

NIGHTWING #113 (2024) Writer: Tom Taylor, Marv Wolfman

Artist: Daniele Di Nicuolo, Bruno Redondo

Colorist: Adriano Lucas

Letterer: Wes Abbott

Cover Artist: Bruno Redondo