"Nightwing Takes Charge of All the Superheroes": It's Official - Nightwing Just Replaced Batman as the Leader of DC's Heroes

Summary Nightwing steps up to lead heroes in Absolute Power #2 amid a crisis caused by Amanda Waller's anti-metahuman campaign.

With most heroes de-powered and captured and tensions are rising, Nightwing takes charge, inspiring hope in a bleak situation.

Fans will see Nightwing shine as a beacon of hope and leadership in the darkest hour of the DC Universe in this upcoming issue.

Warning! Preview pages ahead for Absolute Power #2!The heroes of the DC Universe are at their lowest and it's not Batman that's rallying them, but Nightwing. Things have gone off the rails as Amanda Waller's crusade against metahumans kicks into high gear. With hundreds of heroes de-powered and arrested, someone needs to take charge and surprisingly, it's not the Dark Knight.

In a preview for Absolute Power #2 by Mark Waid and Dan Mora, Waller observes how she's already de-powered and detained over 80% of the world's metahuman population and makes plans to capture the rest. At the Fortress of Solitude, the remaining heroes have gathered to reassess the situation.

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Tensions are high. The heroes recognize that their numbers are few and that they need someone to coordinate a response. An argument breaks out between Batman and Mister Terrific while Wonder Woman laments disbanding the Justice League. But before the confrontation gets too out-of-hand, Nightwing brings everyone to attention.

Nightwing is Becoming the Leader the DC Universe Needs Right Now

Since Dark Crisis on Infinite Earths, Waller has been working to bring the world's metahuman population under control. She's gained unquestionable power as the head of the Bureau of Sovereignty and has numerous, powerful assets by her side, such as Failsafe, the Brainiac Queen, Task Force VII, and even the young hero Dreamer. With all her pieces in place, Waller enacted her plans and lured the heroes out into the open, only to use Task Force VII to de-power every metahuman they could find. With no powers and nowhere to run, the remaining heroes retreated to the Fortress of Solitude.

Mark Waid: "There's a line in Absolute Power #2 where Nightwing steps up and takes charge of all the superheroes. Because they're all arguing over who should lead the team and Nightwing just says "Hey everybody." and Batman says "That's my boy."."

While the preview is a little light on actually seeing Nightwing's 'take charge' moment, Mark Waid actually spoke about this particular scene at this year's San Diego Comic-Con during DC Comics' "85 Years of Batman" panel. Waid's quote combined with this small glimpse shows that Dick Grayson really is stepping up to become the DC Universe's leader. Dick was a guiding figure during Dark Crisis on Infinite Earths and he's led the Titans in the Justice League's absence. Now Nightwing is getting ready to lead the DC Universe through its darkest moment and possibly into its greatest era yet.

Nightwing is Becoming the Leader Fans Want to See

Nightwing is more than just Batman's greatest success story. He's an icon that bridges several generations of heroes and he's one of the most experienced heroes in the DC Universe. Nightwing has been preparing for a moment like this his entire life. The heroes' world is broken and everyone is scared. But Dick Grayson has proven himself to be a light in the darkness and someone who inspires everyone he comes into contact with. Batman might be the best, but Nightwing's time has come to shepherd the DC Universe through its darkest hour.

Absolute Power #2 is available on August 7th from DC Comics.

Absolute Power #2 (2024) Writer: Mark Waid

Artist: Dan Mora

Colorist: Alejandro Sánchez

Letterer: Ariana Maher

Cover Artist: Dan Mora