Summary
If you asked whoBatman’sfavoriteRobinis, most would probably say Dick Grayson, the first Robin and currentNightwing. And even those who don’t think the Original Boy Wonder is Batman’s favorite partner, most Bat-Family fans agree that Bruce genuinely adores his eldest son. So, it might be surprising to learn that Batman doesn’t actually like working with Nightwing.
Batman: Under the Red Hoodis one of the best portrayals of Bruce Wayne’s love for Dick Grayson.
Judd Winick and Doug Mahnke’sBatman: Under the Red Hoodis renowned for its deep exploration of the complex and heart-rending relationship between the Dark Knight and his second Robin, Jason Todd. However, the trade paperback also provides profound insights into Bruce and Dick’s relationship that often go unappreciated.
In particular,Batman#636 sheds light on the dynamic between Batman and Nightwing, revealing thatBruce finds it difficult to work with Dick, admitting in his internal dialogue, “It’s hard to be around him.“This statement highlights an emotional challenge Bruce faces each time he works with his eldest.
Batman and Nightwing’s occasional team-ups are painful for him because it reminds Bruce that Dick is no longer his other half in the Dynamic Duo.
Batman Doesn’t Like Working With Nightwing Because It Makes Him Miss Their Days as Dynamic Duo
Panel is fromBatman#636 (Under the Red Hood, Part 2: First Strike)
Batman#636 featuresBatman and Nightwingfighting side-by-side against goons protecting an arms shipment. The rarity of this team-up is emphasized by Dick now spending most of his time in Bludhaven while Bruce remains Gotham’s steadfast protector. In his internal dialogue, Batman reflects on how it feels “different” fighting alongside Nightwing, reminding him of their younger, simpler days. He admits that he misses those times, making it hard to be around Dick. Thus,Batman finds it difficult to work with Nightwing because it evokes memories of a time he deeply misses.
However, it’s clear that Bruce doesn’t just miss the “simpler times”; he also misses having Dick as his partner. Their occasional team-ups are painful for him because it’s like the reopening of a wound, reminding him that Dick is no longer hisother half in the Dynamic Duo.These team-ups give Bruce a taste of what they once had, only to take it away again when Dick returns to Bludhaven. What’s even more heart-rending about this revelation is that Nightwing doesn’t seem to realize the impact his coming and going has on Bruce.
Batman: Under the Red HoodIs One of the Best Portrayals of Bruce Wayne’s Love for Dick Grayson
Panel is fromBatman#649 (All They Do Is Watch Us Kill, Part 2)
Batman: Under the Red Hoodis one of the best portrayals of Bruce’s love for Dick Grayson, as it’s a revealing and emotional deep dive that still manages to keep Bruce in character. Known for his stoicism and emotional restraint, Batman’s feelings for Dick are depicted through his internal monologue—such as him missing their days as the Dynamic Duo—and his actions, like his devastation when he thought Nightwing had been caught in theChemo blast in Bludhaven(as seen inBatman#649,All They Do Is Watch Us Kill, Part 2).
Hence, Winick’s choice to convey Bruce’s emotions through introspection and action rather than through outright declarations of love is brilliant and, simply put, gosh darn good storytelling. WhileUnder the Red Hoodprimarily focuses on Bruce’s relationship with Jason, it is also a masterpiece in exploringBatmanandNightwing’srelationship, serving as a testament to their shared history and the evolving dynamics of their partnership.
Batman: Under the Red Hood TPis available now from DC Comics.
Batman
One of DC’s most iconic heroes, Batman is the vigilante superhero persona of billionaire Bruce Wayne. Forged by tragedy with the death of his parents, Bruce dedicated his life to becoming the world’s leading martial artist, detective, and tactician. Recruiting an entire family of allies and sidekicks, Bruce wages war on evil as the dark knight of his hometown, Gotham City.
Nightwing
Nightwing is the superhero moniker taken up by Dick Grayson, upon his aging out of the Robin role and becoming a superhero of his own. Inspired by the original Kryptonian hero of the same name, Grayson has risen to comic book immortality with the identity, earning respect as one of the greatest leaders in the DC Universe.
