While many DC Comics fans enjoy cosplaying as superheroes, it's hard to find anyone who's actually capable of doing what these characters can, even in the case of non-superpowered characters like Nightwing. Dick Grayson has come a long way from his status as Batman's original Boy Wonder, recently using his inherited millions to act as the guardian angel of his adopted city, Blüdhaven. However, Tom Taylor (Nightwing, Injustice, Superman: Son of Kal-El) just shared a post that might bring the incredible feats of superheroes closer to life.
Dick Grayson first appeared shortly after Batman in 1940's Detective Comics #38 by Bill Finger and Bob Kane. He eventually became Nightwing in 1984's Tales of the Teen Titans #44 by Marv Wolfman and George Pérez. Being the first Robin isn't the only thing that distinguishes Nightwing, though. Dick, along with his parents, was originally part of the Flying Graysons - an acrobatic trio of trapeze artists working out of Haly's Circus.
In the tweet from Tom Taylor, fans get to see that trapeze act in real life, as the Nightwing writer shares a message from cosplayer Ardella (@missbelletrist) of her boyfriend's trapeze skills, complete with a Nightwing shirt. Even though the "costume" doesn't perfectly resemble Nightwing's protective suit, Dick Grayson's acrobatic abilities are on full display. Ardella even referenced the comics by saying: "Now we just need a puppy," alluding to Haley - Dick Grayson's new puppy.
Ardella also tagged Tom Taylor and Nicola Scott - who have both worked on the character - in the description of her original post. Both reposted, with Taylor adding a one-word response: "Awesome," while Ardella shared further images with fans suggesting they were fit for a DC comic cover. Nightwing's public profile has expanded in recent months as Taylor and artist Bruno Redondo have made the character their own, placing an emphasis on Dick Grayson as a second-generation hero who may have been raised by Batman, but has forged bonds with Flash, Superman, and the Teen Titans that have helped shape him into a symbol of hope. Nightwing's trapeze artist past has been key to his new mission to save all those who fall in Blüdhaven, stating his desire to act as the city's safety net.
These simple and positive interactions prove that while elaborate costumes are always fun to see, actually recreating a hero's physical feats is particularly remarkable. Writer Tom Taylor shared early in his Nightwing run that he considers Dick an A-list hero, and while the character still isn't known to many casual fans, it's word of mouth such as this that could help establish him in his own right.
Source: Tom Taylor, Ardella