The Bat-Family Volunteer to Surrender Their Secret Identities in Perhaps the Greatest Nightwing Moment of All Time

Summary The Bat-Family's willingness to reveal their secret identities in order to help Nightwing, after decades of dedication to preserving them at great cost, proves how much they value him.

Nightwing faces a major challenge as Heartless frames him for various crimes, forcing his allies to consider drastic measures to clear his reputation.

Understanding the risks that would come along with the entire Bat-Family revealing their identities, Dick Grayson is touched by the show of support, and reassured that he will never face any fight alone.

Warning: Contains spoilers for Nightwing #116!!

Batman frequently claims to work alone, but the Bat-Family is one of the most expansive vigilante groups in the DC Universe – and they just proved willing to show up for Nightwing like never before. Dick Grayson is often the heart of the family, and they'll do whatever is necessary to protect him: including revealing their own secret identities when his is threatened.

Nightwing #116 follows Heartless' successful framing of Dick Grayson. The villain co-opted his name and left Nightwing backed into a major corner. His superhero identity is intact, but Heartless has poisoned his civilian life, just as surely as he poisoned Dick's mind with a renewed fear of heights.

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In a surprising reveal, Barbara Gordon tells Dick that revealing his vigilante identity is the only way to clear his name. The proposal comes from Batman himself, and everyone from Spoiler to Red Hood is willing to follow suit, proving that they're willing to put everything on the line for Nightwing.

Related Nightwing's Tragic Origin Story Repeats Itself with a Shocking Character Nightwing has one of the most tragic origins in the DC Universe, & it turns out that one of his former love interests shares a similar traumatic past.

The Bat-Family’s Offer to Reveal Their Identities Proves How Much They Value Nightwing

Nightwing #116 – Written By Tom Taylor, Bruno Redondo, Adriano Lucas, & Wes Abbott

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The risks that come with exposing themselves are incalculably high, and once the deed is done it would be impossible to take it back. Nevertheless, Barbara assures Dick that they've all volunteered to take the plunge for him.

Dick Grayson is always poised to help anyone who needs it, and he's proven time and again that he's willing to make incredible sacrifices for others. He has stepped in to wear the cowl and ensure that Gotham still has its Batman in Bruce's absence, helped train and mentor more than one Robin to take on the identity he created and treasured, and lead teams of superheroes on countless dangerous missions. Nightwing's upbeat presence and relentless drive mean he's touched more lives than he realizes, and rarely does anyone get such an opportunity to show him how much he matters.

Bruce's plan to go public is no hollow offer, either; Batman has guarded his own identity incredibly closely for decades. If one person's true name is revealed, it sets off a domino effect that could extend well beyond the Bat-Family. The risks that come with exposing themselves are incalculably high, and once the deed is done it would be impossible to take it back. Nevertheless, Barbara assures Dick that they've all volunteered to take the plunge for him. He has plenty of people willing to help him as he has always helped them.

Batman's plan isn't necessary yet, but the Bat-Family's willingness to sacrifice their identities for Nightwing is undeniable evidence that he'll never face any fight alone.

The Bat-Family’s Identities Remain Safe – For Now

The Offer Was Enough For Nightwing

Heartless may have the upper hand currently, but unmasking the real villain remains the best way to clear Dick Grayson's name and get justice for his crimes. For now, Dick isn't convinced that the situation is dire enough to blow up the everyone's biggest safety net, though he's deeply grateful for the offer, and thanks Barbara. If he ever harbored any doubt about the impact he's had, their offer should put it to rest. Batman's plan isn't necessary yet, but the Bat-Family's willingness to sacrifice their identities for Nightwing is undeniable evidence that he'll never face any fight alone.

Nightwing #116 is available now from DC Comics.

NIGHTWING #116 (2016) Writer: Tom Taylor

Artist: Bruno Redondo

Colorist: Adriano Lucas

Letterer: Wes Abbott

Cover Artist: Bruno Redondo