Warning: this article contains spoilers for Nightwing #98!The love triangle between Nightwing, Batgirl and Starfire is an age-old debate. While some prefer Grayson with his childhood love, Batgirl, others prefer his romance with fellow Titan, Starfire. If there's one thing comics fans love to do, it's debate about their favorite heroes. Both Batgirl and Starfire are on pretty equal footing in terms of Nightwing's love life, and DC Comics is all too aware of fan reactions.
Currently, Nightwing and Batgirl are together and happy. Despite the many obstacles they've faced both in-canon and from fans, a breakup doesn't seem to be even a blip on the horizon for Dick and Babs. When Nightwing's secret identity is discovered by Blockbuster in Battle for Blüdhaven's Heart, Dick almost breaks things off with Babs, for her own safety. Fortunately, Batgirl refuses to let that happen. After all, as superheroes, their lives will constantly be on the line.
Nightwing's Fifth-Dimensional Imp Weighs In On The Love Triangle Debate
In Nightwing #98, by Tom Taylor and Daniele Di Nicuolo, Nightwing meets his very own imp from the Fifth Dimension, Nite-Mite! Unlike Bat-Mite, Nite-Mite seems to genuinely want to help Nightwing, rather than cause trouble. He's also the president of Nigthwing's fan club (they have t-shirts). Despite Nightwing's imp being supportive of all the former Boy Wonder's decisions, there is one caveat: Nite-Mite thinks Nightwing belongs with Starfire. "But whatever makes him happy... I guess."
Rather than try to break Nightwing and Batgirl up, like some fans would prefer, Nite-Mite does what he thinks will make Dick happy instead, by constructing an impromptu wedding for the couple, inviting all the Titans and Robins, and even Batman himself! This tongue-in-cheek response to online debates makes for a lighthearted comic moment while also pointing out the ridiculousness of fan-wars. Many superheroes are involved in multiple relationships at different points of their careers, whether it's Superman and Lana Lang or Spider-Man and Gwen Stacy. These relationships aren't any less significant because a character is now dating someone else. If a fan wants to read Nightwing and Starfire, they can look no further than the several Teen Titans series featuring the pair.
Unsurprisingly, Nightwing #98 has already been criticized on Twitter, with creator, Tom Taylor, responding to the hate:
At the end of the day, comic book characters are just that—characters. Sure, superheroes can fulfill readers' fantasies of love and heroism, but not everyone is going to be satisfied. It's about time the love triangle debate be put to rest. Starfire will always be one of Nightwing's most iconic love interests, but at this moment in time, Batgirl offers the stability he needs. As Nite-Mite points out, readers should be caring more about "whatever makes him happy", right?
Nightwing #98 is now available from DC Comics.
Source: Tom Taylor