Nightwing's Dark Twist on Superman's Most Iconic Moment Complicates Their Friendship

This article discusses multiple stories that depict suicidal ideation and attempted suicide.

Summary Nightwing struggles to live up to Superman's example in handling suicidal citizens.

Nightwing's city, Blüdhaven, presents darker challenges compared to Superman's Metropolis.

The preview of Batman: The Brave and the Bold #13 presents a dark twist on an iconic Superman moment.

Warning! Contains spoilers for Batman: The Brave and the Bold #13!Nightwing and Superman don't seem to have much in common at first glance, but Nightwing is actually a major part of Superman's legacy. Nightwing got his name from Superman, after all. Despite this relationship, it seems that Nightwing might not be able to live up to Superman's example.

In a preview of the first story from Batman: The Brave and the Bold #13 by Tim Seeley and Kelley Jones, readers see an iconic superhero moment: Nightwing comes across a civilian seemingly preparing to jump off a bridge. Naturally, Nightwing does everything he can to talk the woman down, and that's when things take a turn.

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Instead of listening to Nightwing, the woman simply jumps off the bridge, and Nightwing quickly jumps after her. It's unclear if Nightwing will manage to catch her or not, but it might be better if he doesn't. Considering how eerie the woman is, she might just pose a legitimate danger to Nightwing. This is a dark twist on an iconic Superman moment, and shows just how differently the two heroes interact with the world.

1:56 Related Nightwing Confirms DC's Greatest Hero of All Time with 3 Simple Words Nightwing not only declares the GREATEST DC hero of all time but he also confirms the most trusted hero in the DCU with only three simple words.

Nightwing's Take on the Iconic All-Star Superman Moment Is Shockingly Dark

All-Star Superman #10 by Grant Morrison, Frank Quitely, Jamie Grant, and Travis Lanham

One of the most iconic Superman moments of all time is in All-Star Superman #10, wherein Superman talks to a suicidal girl, Regan, stopping her from jumping from a building. With just a few kind words, Superman gets her to step off the ledge on her own. It's a powerful moment and one that has become an essential part of the Superman canon. Unfortunately, things aren't so easy for Nightwing. In Nightwing's city of Blüdhaven, not everything is always as it seems, and the problems the people face there are usually a lot darker than what goes on in Metropolis.

All-Star Superman will soon be available in a commuter-friendly size in the new line of collections, DC Compact Comics, launching this summer from DC Comics. Available anywhere books are sold, the Compact Comics edition of All-Star Superman hits shelves on July 2nd.

Nightwing is a major part of Superman's legacy, but the two heroes operate in fundamentally different parts of the world. Superman is used to dealing with larger than life threats, and the people of Metropolis live relatively good lives. This narrative fact is in no way to diminish the suffering Regan went through that led her to that ledge, but Superman's words of affirmation were enough to talk her down. For Nightwing, not only was he unable to talk the woman down from the bridge, but it's very possible that this strange woman is a danger to him due to the bizarre and often times supernatural elements of Blüdhaven.

Nightwing and Superman Operate in Very Different Worlds

Nightwing Often Deals with Darker Situations than Superman

While Nightwing is one of the brightest and friendliest heroes in the DC Universe, his city certainly isn't. Blüdhaven is a miserable place filled with gambling and corruption. While Metropolis isn't perfect by any means, it's much better than Blüdhaven in terms of quality of life. While Nightwing will always try and reach out to anyone he sees in danger, conflicts are rarely clear-cut for him. While Superman has an iconic moment that will forever be part of his, Nightwing, in the exact same situation, might just be walking into a dangerous trap.

Batman: The Brave and the Bold #13 is available May 28th from DC Comics!

BATMAN: THE BRAVE AND THE BOLD #13 (2024) Writer: Tim Seeley, Mark Russell, Delilah S. Dawson, Joshua Hale Fialkov, Jason Shawn Alexander, Rodney Barnes

Artist: Kelley Jones, Jon Mikel, Serg Acuña, Lisandro Estherren, Jason Shawn Alexander

Colorist: Michelle Madsen, Mike Spicer, Matt Herms, Patricio Delpeche

Letterer: Rob Leigh, Ferran Delgado, Dave Sharpe, Becca Carey, Tom Napolitano

Cover Artist: Simone Di Meo

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. Created By Edmond Hamilton , Curt Swan , Marv Wolfman , George Perez Alias Dick Grayson, Clark Kent, Power Girl, Chris Kent Alliance Teen Titans, Titans, Outsiders, Justice League, Batman Inc., Birds of Prey, Young Justice Race Human, Kryptonian Franchise D.C.