With the upcoming Batgirl and Blue Beetle films and Sasha Calle's Supergirl debut in The Flash, the DCEU seems on track to introduce a new generation of younger heroes. What better moment to feature DC's greatest force for good, Nightwing, on the big screen?
The former Boy Wonder is a hero in his own right and has plenty of unforgettable comic book storylines to prove it. Indeed, sites like Ranker are an excellent way of seeing how many fan-favorite storylines a character has. Nightwing has several memorable and action-packed that would provide excellent material for a potential big-screen adaptation.
Note: Due to the nature of Ranker's voting, these results may change. At the time of publication, this list is correct.
Nightwing: Year One (2005)
The Batman-Robin dynamic, fractured after years of working together as partners, takes center stage in Chuck Dixon and Scott Beatty's Nightwing: Year One. The plot follows Dick Grayson's falling out with Batman and his journey to becoming his hero. Along the way, he gets some advice from Superman and assists Deadman, discovering himself and his heroic purpose.
Year One stories serve to fill the gaps in a hero's journey. Nightwing's Year One provides some insights into Dick's complicated relationship with Batman, highlighting the differences between the two and showcasing Grayson's strengths as a crime-fighter outside of Batman's grasp. It's a great introductory read for any new fan and one of Dick's most crucial storylines.
Back To Blüdhaven (2017)
The first proper storyline from Nightwing's Rebirth series sees Dick traveling to the crime-infested city of Blüdhaven, hoping to find a fresh start. However, he finds multiple villains from his Robin days who are waiting for the chance to get back at him. Meanwhile, a serial killer haunts the streets while Dick finds himself accused of a crime he didn't commit.
Back to Blüdhaven happens after Nightwing fights one of his best mentors, Raptor, meaning he's not exactly in the best headspace. However, the story throws him right into the action, forcing him to become the leader he was always meant to be. Back to Blüdhaven portrays Nightwing as a bonafide hero worthy of respect, testing his crime-fighting and detective abilities in a story eerily similar to the Dark Knight's best mysteries.
A Fine Performance (2015)
The Grayson comic book is divisive among fans; some consider it cheap and accuse it of overly sexualizing Dick, while others consider it a refreshing change of pace for the former Boy Wonder. However, by taking Dick away from the Nightwing and Robin personas, Grayson provides genuinely compelling insights into the man, not the hero.
A Fine Performance features Dick's reunion with those closest to him, mainly Alfred, Barbara, Tim, Jason, and Damian. Nightwing is one of the best DC heroes without powers, and his strength comes from his bonds with the people he loves the most. While it does many questionable things, Grayson at least understands that Dick's true power is his empathy, which comes from his bonds with the Bat-Family, portraying it beautifully in this particular storyline.
Better Than Batman (2017)
Nightwing's Rebirth series launched with the Better than Batman storyline. It finds Dick, following his stint as a Spyral superspy, back in Gotham City and fighting to regain the life he lost after faking his death.
Batman and Nightwing's relationship is complex and somewhat convoluted. It is front and center in Better than Batman, a storyline that has the difficult task of setting Dick's story back into familiar grounds after the departure of the Grayson title. Better than Batman is mainly a bridge meant to tie loose ends and set the stage for Nightwing's return to Blüdhaven. However, it excels at that purpose, providing enough action and character development for Grayson fans who missed seeing him as Nightwing.
The Great Leap (2008)
The Great Leap finds Nightwing fighting one of Batman's greatest adversaries, Two-Face. Dick finds himself caught between Two-Face's latest scheme and the life of a former lover of Dent's, finding more about the lines he's willing to cross and the difference between justice and vengeance.
Nightwing has his fair share of villains, but none is as compelling as Two-Face, arguably the most complex of the Dark Knight's rogues. Pitting him against Dick allows the former Boy Wonder to step up; he pulls a trick worthy of Batman and performs the titular "great leap," breaking several world records. More importantly, the storyline finally proves, unequivocally, that Dick is not only Batman's equal but might be his better.
Batman Chronicles: The Gauntlet (1997)
Everyone knows Dick Grayson was Batman's first and best sidekick. The Gauntlet tells the story of the night Dick became Robin, featuring the last mission Batman put for him before considering him worthy of becoming his sidekick.
The Gauntlet features Batman at his most menacing, quite literally hunting Dick throughout Gotham and leaving him to fight a crime syndicate alone. It isn't a Nightwing storyline per se, so its presence on Ranker's ranking seems odd. However, it features Dick Grayson as the protagonist and showcases all the strengths that would eventually lead him to become his hero, away from Batman's shadow.
The Boys (1998)
When it comes to figuring out who is the best Robin, fans debate between Dick Grayson and Tim Drake. Every other character who's donned the costume pales in comparison to them, except perhaps Damian. Seeing Dick and Tim together is always a delight, and The Boys storyline puts them front and center. +
The plot follows Dick and Tim on patrol in Blüdhaven, exploring their brotherly relationship and revealing more about their insecurities. Tim looks up to Dick, considering him a role model; for his part, Dick feels the pressure of living up to that image while still out to prove himself as a solo hero. They talk, share, bond, and train together, confiding in each other things they would tell no one else. Their dynamic is one of the best within the Bat Family, and this storyline proves it.
Batman: The Black Mirror (2011)
The last post-Crisis storyline before DC retooled its entire universe under the New 52, Batman: The Black Mirror finds Dick Grayson operating as Batman. While donning the Bat costume, Dick must fight several of the Dark Knight's villains in pursuit of one who is selling weapons on the black market.
Dick as Batman is a bizarre experience. It feels logical and earned; indeed, Dick is a wonderful Batman and the only logical heir to the Caped Crusader's legacy. However, Dick's personality is a massive part of the character's success, and it can't help but become buried under the weight of the costume. James Gordon Jr.'s return also creates a nice conflict, as Nightwing sees parts of himself reflected on the deranged killer.
Batman & Robin: Batman Reborn (2009)
Dick and Damian have arguably the best relationship in the Bat Family. Their sibling-like relationship is front and center in Batman & Robin: Batman Reborn, in which Dick takes up the Batman mantle following Bruce's supposed death.
Pairing Dick and Damian is an inspired choice, and the result is a deeply entertaining and engaging dynamic that rivals the best relationships in DC Comics. Dick and Damian care for each other, but they constantly clash, particularly because of Damian's bratty attitude. The pressure of mentoring Damian and being a worthy successor to Bruce weighs heavily on Dick, giving him a newfound respect for his late mentor. Batman & Robin lays the foundation for Dick and Damian's bond while confirming that Dick is the only worthy choice to replace Bruce.
Robin: Year One (2000)
Alfred Pennyworth, one of the most important figures in Dick Grayson's life, tells the story of the Boy Wonder's origins, from his training under Batman to his early missions in Gotham. Robin: Year One is the origin of the Grayson mythos and the perfect beginning to his time as Robin.
Once again, this isn't a Nightwing storyline at all. However, Dick's journey as Robin is as integral to the character as his time as Nightwing. Year One is a classic story about growing up, portraying Dick as a child dealing with the life of an adult as he fights crime around Gotham. Year One also portrays the first meeting between Dick and Barbara Gordon, hinting at the future romance between Nightwing and Batgirl.