Spoilers ahead for Nightwing #83!
In Nightwing #83, Superman asks Nightwing to provide guidance and mentorship for Jon Kent, proving that the Man of Steel knows Dick Grayson is one of DC’s greatest heroes. In the issue, on sale now in print and digital, Nightwing and Superman have a heart-to-heart talk, and Superman lets slip his admiration for Nightwing, calling him a great role model.
Over the past few months, Nightwing has been through much in his life. Still reeling from the death of Alfred, Nightwing has returned to Bludhaven, refocused and ready to make a difference. He has not only adopted a dog named “Bitewing,” but he is slowly reconnecting to Barbara Gordon, an old flame. Outside of his own title, he has helped found, with his former Teen Titans teammates, the Titans Academy to train the next generation of heroes. Nightwing has a lot on his plate, but in Nightwing #83, he takes a break to talk to Superman—and the Man of Steel cannot stop gushing. The issue is written by Tom Taylor, with art by Bruno Redondo, colors by Adriano Lucas, and letters by Wes Abbott.
After a failed attempt to stop Blockbuster and his goons, Nightwing takes a day to recuperate. He decides to spend it by talking to people who have “devoted their lives to helping outside the system.” He talks to Leslie Thompkins, his fellow Titans, as well as Lucius Fox. Nightwing then heads to Metropolis to have a conversation with Superman. Nightwing talks to the Man of Steel about his doubts and fears, and after assuaging them, Superman asks Nightwing a favor. He tells Nightwing he may be going away for a while and asks him to provide guidance to Jon, as well as mentorship. Nightwing says yes, but is not sure he can help; Superman tells him he cannot think of a better role model for Jon.
Nightwing’s conversation with Superman not only gave him the idea for the Alfred Pennyworth Foundation, but it also showed just how highly the heroes of the DC Universe, particularly Superman, feel about Nightwing. Some heroes remember Nightwing from his time as Robin, and they have watched him grow and mature into the hero he is today. They have witnessed his development and know he can be trusted. In Superman’s case, he knew Nightwing had a deep reservoir of experience being a teenage superhero—experience that will come in handy while mentoring Jon. It also continues a trend: Nightwing has recently become something of a surrogate father to Shazam as well. The heroes of the DC Universe clearly know and trust Nightwing.
Superman will be going through some major changes of his own in the coming months, and someone will need to look after his son Jon, and that person is Nightwing—proving that Superman knows he is one of DC’s greatest heroes.