Warning! Spoilers ahead for Nightwing #82
In the latest issue of DC's Nightwing, the hero learns the startling secret of his sister Melinda Zucco's history. Acclaimed writer Tom Taylor’s ongoing take on Batman’s former partner has won Dick Grayson’s latest comic series a whole new audience. They've welcomed his renewed relationship with Barbara Gordon and his successor as Robin, Tim Drake, as well as the adorable latest addition to their family, the three-legged puppy Bitewing.
However, in the aftermath of his recovery following a gunshot to the brain, Dick’s mind is blown again in Nightwing #81, part 4 of Taylor’s “Leaping into the Light” storyline. Captured by the newly appointed mayor of Blüdhaven, Melinda Zucco, Dick’s shocked to learn from the politician – who’s in cahoots with the power-mad Blockbuster – that she’s his late father’s first-born child.
More information about Melinda's history is revealed in Nightwing #82, which released on July 20. It turns out that years before marrying Dick’s mother Mary, John Grayson rescued Meili Lin, an escaped slave bride of Tony Zucco, when she ran away from Zucco and sought refuge at Haly’s Circus. Lin then joined the circus and began a relationship with John, eventually giving birth to their child. Zucco would later kill Dick’s parents and inadvertently launch Dick’s crime-fighting career.
This new take on their murder – with John’s heroism sparking Zucco to kill the Graysons out of revenge – gives even greater meaning and poignancy to their tragic deaths. However, it also complicates things for Dick and any potential relationship with Melinda. Unfortunately, readers will have to wait to see what the future holds for the new siblings; while Dick is still processing this issue’s revelations, Blockbuster and his men come calling for Melinda, whose true allegiances are now in doubt.
Is the newly revealed Grayson playing both sides of the law? More will surely be revealed in Nightwing #83, described as “Nightwing Vs. Blockbuster!” Fortunately, things may soon be looking up for Dick, since the issue’s solicitation mentions he has a new plan to help his beloved city, and the confidence “to announce it to the world!” However, with an “unexpected figure” looking to buy the city from Blockbuster, it's likely Dick’s plan will have some unexpected hurdles to clear. It's also worth considering what role his new sister will play in all of this. Hopefully, readers will find out sooner rather than later, preferably when the new issue of Nightwing makes its debut next month.