James Tynion IV, Matthew Rosenberg, and Otto Schmidt haven’t shied away from mixing up the dynamics of the dynamic duo in DC vs Vampires, and this official artwork from John Giang presents the darkest look for Nightwing, yet. Originally in bright red and green tights, to the black and blues, Nightwing serves Bludhaven and Gotham as a brighter counterpart to Batman’s black and grey brooding. That’s all changes with a new official cover art for DC vs Vampires #10. Nightwing, the new King of the Vampires, is displayed as the brutal monster he has become.
In DC vs. Vampires #6, readers are presented with the shocking revelation that Nightwing is the leader of the vampires. Throughout the storyline, Dick ruthlessly leads his assault against the surviving heroes, claiming other casualties such as Tim Drake, Jason Todd, and even Batman, himself. Just as Batman is about to discover the truth about a traitor in the Bat-Family, Nightwing punches through Batman's chest, ripping his heart out.
This artwork from John Giang, continues the tradition of variant covers in the series, depicting characters who usually are heroes, and transforming them into bloodthirsty vampires. DC vs. Vampires #6 features a similar variant cover, depicting Nightwing as a horrifying vampire flying amongst the bats. This new artwork takes the concept a step further, building upon the violence that Nightwing brings to the story. In this cover, he stands powerfully amongst the bats, baring blood-dripping teeth, and clutching a human heart, calling back to the brutal murder of Batman.
It seems that DC is doubling down on the heinous nature of this version of Dick Grayson. So far through the series, fan-favorite heroes like Green Lantern have shifted to a more insidious persona as a member of the vampire army. When Nightwing was revealed to be the leader of the vampire army, it marked a change in the status quo of Dick Grayson’s portrayal. Typically a beacon of goodness, and even referred to as the “chosen one,” the decision to make Nightwing the vampire king is a refreshing change of pace, as well as a venture into unknown territory.
Traditionally, Nightwing’s covers are full of hope and inspiration. Recently in the Nightwing series from Tom Taylor and Bruno Redondo, all the covers are full of a smiling Nightwing with bright colors. Tynion and Rosenberg's series with Giang's artwork switches up this image of Nightwing to double down on the shocking, horrific events of DC vs. Vampires. This new official artwork from Giang perfectly captures the horror of vampire king Nightwing.
DC vs Vampires #10 will be released by DC Comics on October 25th, 2022.
Source: League of Comic Geeks