The New 'Nightwing' Is Revealed by DC, And It's Literally the Last Person I Ever Dreamed It Could Be

Summary Batman dons Nightwing's mantle, becoming Blüdhaven's new protector in the Fallen Grayson story arc.

This twist in Nightwing #117 is revealed though the synopsis and main cover, which features Batman wearing Dick Grayson's iconic suit.

If Batman does assume the role of Nightwing in the narrative this will mark a Dynamic Duo first among Batman and all his Robins.

DC Comics has teased a mind-bending twist to the legacy of Nightwing, as Batman dons Dick Grayson’s iconic blue, black, and finger-striped costume, becoming Blüdhaven’s new protector. However, the question remains whether the Dark Knight can truly uphold and preserve his eldest son's legacy or if he will further disgrace the Nightwing name.

Batman has taken it upon himself to defend the honor of his second son and his son’s city by stepping in as Nightwing.

Releasing on August 21, 2024, Tom Taylor and Bruno Redondo’s Nightwing #117 will be the fourth installment in the five-part Fallen Grayson story arc, which promises to break fans' hearts with the fall of Dick Grayson.

NIGHTWING #117 (2024) Release Date: August 21, 2024 Writers: TOM TAYLOR Artists: BRUNO REDONDO Cover Artist: BRUNO REDONDO Variant Covers: BRUNO REDONDO, STEVAN SUBIC, SERG ACUNA, BELÉN ORTEGA, JASON GEYER, and ALEX SAVIUK While Dick connects with the ghost of his past, “Nightwing” takes to the streets to defend his honor. But how can he be in two places at once? And what shocking revelation does Dick learn when confronted with the truth behind his parents’ deaths? The “Heartless” saga continues in the penultimate chapter of this celebrated run!

The recent solicitations for this issue hint at canon-defining changes to the Nightwing legacy, with the synopsis teasing a new Nightwing watching over Blüdhaven while Dick is busy connecting with "the ghost of his past." The most exciting part of this reveal is that Batman appears to be depicted on Redondo’s cover wearing Dick’s iconic costume, all but confirming him as the new 'Nightwing.'

Batman becoming Nightwing also holds tremendous entertainment potential, making this storyline more than worth a read just to see Bruce donning finger stripes.

Batman Becomes the New ‘Nightwing’ in Tom Taylor and Bruno Redondo's Fallen Grayson Story Arc

The synopsis for issue #117 reveals that there will be two Nightwings, as the hero will be in "two places at once." While the synopsis doesn’t specify who the mysterious second Nightwing might be, the main cover provides a significant clue by showing a back view of the iconic blue and black costume associated with the character. Two key details suggest that someone other than Dick is wearing the black and blue. Firstly, the character on the cover appears considerably bulkier than Dick. Secondly, the addition of Batman's cowl ears reveals the identity of this second Nightwing—the Dark Knight himself.

Based on the synopsis, the primary reason Bruce is taking up the Nightwing mantle is that Dick is currently indisposed and unable to defend his honor, which has recently been called into question. In response, Batman has taken it upon himself to protect the honor of his second son and his son’s city by stepping in as Nightwing. However, the people of Bludhaven likely won’t be convinced that Bruce is the real Nightwing, given their very different body builds and fighting styles. Thus, restoring Dick’s honor may be Batman’s greatest challenge yet.

1:52 Related 10 Years Later, Nightwing's Gold Batsuit Is Still the Dark Knight's Coolest Alt-Costume Nightwing has donned Batman's cape and cowl several times. However, his Earth-2 Batsuit is by far the coolest iteration of the Dark Knight's costume.

Bruce Wayne Becoming Nightwing Would Mark a Dynamic Duo First Between Batman and His Robins

If Batman does assume the role of Nightwing in the narrative, it will create a beautiful full-circle moment between him and Dick, considering all the times Dick has filled in for his father as Batman, including notably in Grant Morrison and Frank Quitely’s Batman and Robin run. Bruce taking on the Nightwing role would also mark a first among the Dynamic Duo, as Bruce has never taken up the mantle of any of his sons until now. Batman becoming Nightwing also holds tremendous entertainment potential, making this storyline more than worth a read just to see Bruce donning finger stripes.

Nightwing #117 will be released on August 21, 2024, from DC Comics!

Nightwing Nightwing is the superhero moniker given to various vigilante heroes in the D.C. universe. Nightwing is depicted as a warrior who fights from the shadows, utilizes near-superhuman agility and expert combat skills, and tends to have several tools at their disposal. Though Nightwing began with Kal El/Clark Kent, Nightwing has since been primarily associated with Dick Grayson, a former Robin who grew into the new role.