Warning! This post contains SPOILERS for Nightwing #98Thanks to the latest issue of Nightwing, a significant accomplishment has been revealed that proves the A-list status of heroes in the DC Universe. While dealing with the aftermath of the "Battle for Blüdhaven's Heart", Dick Grayson encounters the most bizarre ally he could have ever asked for: his own Fifth Dimensional imp. However, it seems this is an odd yet very telling milestone for Nightwing who's recently become a major hero on par with the likes of Superman and Batman himself.
Previously in Nightwing, Blockbuster was defeated by Nightwing who called in several allies to help him dismantle the kingpin's criminal empire all at once. However, there's still work to be done such as keeping Salvatore Maroni alive to testify in court, a job that has seen Dick and Barbara Gordon's Batgirl keeping the crime boss protected in one of Batman's secret bunkers in Gotham Forest. While it was a nice chance for the two to spend some time together now that Nightwing and Batgirl are an official item, the arrival of Nightwing's very own imp has brought forth a brand-new crisis in the wake of Blockbuster's defeat.
Calling himself Nite-Mite in the new Nightwing #98 from Tom Taylor and guest artist Daniele di Nicuolo, the Fifth Dimensional imp presents himself as Dick's biggest fan. He also tries to spring an instant wedding on Nightwing and Batgirl, teleporting all of their friends and family to bear witness to the surprise nuptials. While Dick and Barbara aren't ready for that kind of commitment just yet, Batman's commentary on DC's newest imp carries quite the implication. Having an imp of his own (Bat-Mite), the Dark Knight is quite familiar with beings from the Fifth Dimension, seeing them as a hindrance and sometimes even a threat in the case of Superman's Mister Mxyzptlk. However, it seems as though "developing an imp" is a major achievement for heroes, a clear indication that their reputations are impressive enough to have gained the notice of other planes of existence. That being said, Nite-Mite proves himself to be quite different from other imps.
Nightwing's NIte-Mite Isn't Like Batman or Superman's Imps
Over the course of this new issue, Nite-Mite proves himself to be a major ally who upgrades Nightwing's weapons (and dog) while alerting him to the fact that Blockbuster's innocent daughter is in danger from a horde of demons. Seeing his desire to be helpful rather than just being an annoying fan, Nightwing calls Dyxl a true hero after Blockbuster's daughter is successfully saved. However, Nite-Mite's heroism is very much a reflection of Nightwing himself.
While there have been plenty of other indicators, Nite-Mite's existence is a major sign that Nightwing has become an A-list hero in the DC Universe. Likewise, this issue also helps confirm that developing an imp seems to be one of the biggest yet most bizarre milestones any hero can hope to achieve.
Nightwing #98 is on sale now from DC Comics.