Summary
WARNING: Contains Potential Spoilers for Batman: The Brave and the Bold #13!
From Boy Wonder to the Boy Blunder,Nightwinghas collected an array of nicknames over his 84 years of comic history. Now, an iconic Justice League Dark hero has bestowed upon the Bludhaven-based hero another name to add to his ever-growing list of aliases. Yet, this particular nickname is different from all those that have come before it, as it celebrates the very origins of Dick Grayson.
Deadman’s ‘Flyin’ nickname for Nightwing is a poignant tribute to Dick Grayson’s past as a‘Flying Grayson.’
Tim Seeley, Kelley Jones, and Michelle Madsen’sDeadman and Nightwing-centric story,Down the Road,Part 1, is one of the five can’t-miss narratives featured inBatman: The Brave and the Bold#13. In this issue, Dick receives unexpected company and help from Boston “Deadman” Brand amidst the ongoing mystery of the vanishing act of an enigmatic woman who Nightwing believes may have an unknown connection to his parents and past.
It is during Dick and Boston’s team-up thatthe Justice League Dark hero gives Nightwing a new nickname, “Flyin’,“a fitting homage to Dick’s aerial acrobatic roots.
Justice League Dark’s Deadman Gives Nightwing a New Nickname (And It’s the Perfect Tribute to The Flying Graysons)
Deadman’s ‘Flyin’ nickname for Nightwing is a poignant tribute to Dick Grayson’s past as a ‘Flying Grayson.’‘The Flying Graysons’were a renowned acrobatic troupe at Haley’s Circus, consisting of Dick and his parents, Mary and John Grayson, before the couples' untimely deaths at the hands of Tony Zucco. This tragic event served asDick Grayson’s origin storyin the DC Universe. Given that a major theme inDown the Roadis focusing on Dick’s past circus connections and his parents, it is evident that ‘Flyin’ is a direct nod to Nightwing’s time as a Flying Grayson.
It’s probable that this nickname, ‘Flyin’, is here to stay for the duration of Tim Seeley’s run.Boston has already referred to Dick as such twice within the first chapter of the narrative. Whether it permeates other storylines and series remains to be seen. However, one thing is clear: ‘Flyin’ transcends its connection to Dick’s origins and radiates inherent coolness. While it may not reach the iconic status of theOriginal Boy Wonderor be as amusing as “Big Bird” (courtesy of Jason Todd), it possesses a distinct and appealing charm of its own.
“Flyin’”Is A Nod to Dick Grayson’s Past, Present, and Future, Making It the PERFECT Nickname For Nightwing
What makes ‘Flyin’ even more perfect is that it isn’t just a nod to Dick’s past but also his present and future. ‘Flying’is at the core of Nightwing’s character, as he is perhaps the only DC character known for his ability to ‘fly’ without being a meta. Looking ahead, Tom Taylor’s currentNightwingrun is building up toward the ‘Fall of Dick Grayson.’ Despite this dark chapter, there is no way DC will permanently clip the Original Boy Wonder’s wings. In fact, this devastating storyline will likely setNightwingup for an epic comeback, where he will soar like never before.
Batman: The Brave and the Bold #13is available now from DC Comics!
BATMAN: THE BRAVE AND THE BOLD #13 (2024)
Nightwing
Nightwing is the superhero moniker taken up by Dick Grayson, upon his aging out of the Robin role and becoming a superhero of his own. Inspired by the original Kryptonian hero of the same name, Grayson has risen to comic book immortality with the identity, earning respect as one of the greatest leaders in the DC Universe.
