Warning: SPOILERS for Nightwing #66
When Nightwing took a bullet to the head fans knew that things had changed for Dick Grayson's role in the DC Universe. It didn't take long for fans to discover the true cost: that Dick survived the brain injury, while his past as Robin and Nightwing did not. But nobody would have expected the new twist, seeing Dick Grayson embrace the role held by one of Batman's cruelest enemies.
The story of Dick--sorry, Ric Grayson starting fresh as a cab driver with no memories of his Batman Family past was, is, and forever will be controversial. Dick abandoning his family, trying to ignore his heroic heart, and donning a new costume are all open to criticism. But it seems that was all just an appetizer, now that Batman's former partner and ward is going to accept the family legacy he previously refused... as the new Talon, enforcer of The Court of Owls. Yes, really.
Fans may never know what story was originally planned for Nightwing post-brain injury, before writer Benjamin Percy's run was cut short. But what they got was Ric Grayson, a taxi driver who--despite pushing away the Batman Family's friendship and mission--decided to become a vigilante again anyway. After a new team of Nightwings began to patrol Bludhaven using his equipment, Ric joined up with them to fight the good fight. That time is over according to Jonboy Meyers's covers for Nightwing #66 (out November 20th), showing Grayson in uniform as DC's next Talon:
How easily fans will accept this twist may depend on which of the two (admittedly cool) costumes Grayson will actually wear, but the story of Nightwing has explained how it makes sense. It's all thanks to William Cobb, Dick's grandfather who originally joined up with The Court of Owls in the early 20th Century. After becoming their Talon (and earning the immortality that comes with it) William gave his son to the circus, intending for his line to one day fulfill his legacy as The Gray Son of Gotham. From the issue's plot synopsis, it seems the torture of those close to Dick has all been intended to force him into the deal:
William Cobb has taken the Nightwings down one by one, leaving Ric on his own in a Blüdhaven that is literally aflame. Cobb offers Ric a chance to save his city by at last fulfilling his legacy as the Gray Son and becoming the new Talon, and leading the Court of Owls into a new age.
The fans will get to decide whether the story stays true to Grayson, even if this version doesn't even remember William, the Talons, or the Court of Owls trying to kill Batman and his family. But the solicitation details for Nightwing #67 confirm Dick will take up the title. Will he serve the same masters as before? Or is this villainous turn not quite what it seems?
- NIGHTWING #67
- written by DAN JURGENS
- art by RONAN CLIQUET
- cover by BRUNO REDONDO
- variant cover by WARREN LOUW
- Accepting his destiny as the Gray Son, Ric Grayson joins his great-grandfather as the newest Talon! He’s cleaning up Blüdhaven and restoring order to a city that has been in complete and utter disarray for the past year. But at what cost? When he faces off against a new enemy whose metal tests his mettle, everyone’s values will be tested. ON SALE 12.18.19
Nightwing #66 will be available from your local comic book shop on November 20th, 2019. The full debut of Ric Grayson in his role as the new Talon will likely arrive in Nightwing #67 on December 18th, 2019.