Warning: Contains potential spoilers for Absolute Power #3!In a fresh Absolute power Notice, one Justice League Hero made it clear that Nightwing has fallen short of the mission that has driven him for the past 40 years of comic history. But die-hard Dick Grayson fans are sure to jump to the defense of the original Boy Wonder — and the best part? They have the statistics to back it up.
Mark Waid and Dan Mora Absolute power #3 continues Amanda Waller’s relentless assault on Earth’s heroes, using the brainwashed Jon Kent as her personal weapon. With DC’s heroes forced to confront Superman’s son, tensions escalate, especially when Big Barda insists they must kill Jon before he kills them. Nightwing quickly shuts her down, reminding the team that Jon is a victim of war, not their enemy. As Barda relents, her disregard for Dick’s leadership becomes apparent She later ignores his orders and dismissively refers to him as “Batman’s Child,” Highlight Nightwing’s ongoing struggle to step out of Batman’s shadow.
Dick Grayson originally became Nightwing to leave the shadow of Batman
Dick Grayson debuted as Nightwing in Tales of the Teen Titans #44 (1984)
Forty years ago, in Tales of the Teen Titans #44 (1984), Dick Grayson sheds his Robin persona and becomes Nightwing, swapping his iconic traffic light outfit for the bold blue and gold of his disco suit. But This wasn’t just a costume change – it was Dick’s deliberate attempt to establish himself as a hero in his own right.Apart from Batman. So when Big Barda dismissively calls him “Batman’s Child” After decades of him leading teams like the Titans, this isn’t just an insult — it reveals that despite his efforts, some heroes still see him as an extension of Batman, undermining the goal of redefining his identity.
Some fans may argue that Dick’s original motivation to become Nightwing is outdated, as it was rooted in his pre-Crisis story. However, even in his post-Crisis origin, where Bruce fires him after the Joker shoots him, the core motivation remains: Dick became Nightwing to forge his own path. Robin was a mantle he shared with Batman, but Nightwing was something Dick created for himself, symbolizing his independence from Bruce. Regardless of which Nightwing you start following, Barda’s comment ultimately shows that, in the eyes of some heroes, Dick is still defined by his relationship with Batman.
Great Barta referring to Nightwing as “Batman’s Child” Just undermined Dick Grayson’s character growth
Whether Barda likes it or not, Nightwing is in charge
Big Barda’s dismissal of Nightwing’s command and her decision to refer to Dick Grayson as “Batman’s Child” is a significant blow to the character growth fans have witnessed for decades. DC has spent years elevating Dick to one of its top-tier heroes, most notably with him taking charge of the Titans, DC’s leading superhero team, after the Justice League’s departure during DC’s Dawn. Characters like Batman and Superman have come to see Dick as an equal, even deferring to his leadership over Absolute power. Barda’s comment cuts deep, undermining the years of development that positioned Dick as a hero in his own right.
Despite Barda’s stab at Absolute power #3, Nightwing quickly reasserts his authority. After stopping Barda from taking a kill shot at Jon, she asks why he intervened, to which Nightwing Coolly replies, “Because (a) I’m in charge, and (b) I know something you don’t.” The moment is equal parts badass and mean, reinforcing that Dick no longer seeks validation. Confident in his leadership and achievements – achievements earned on his own, not in Batman’s shadow –Nightwing proves that he has nothing to prove to anyone, even if they don’t recognize his merits.
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Dick Grayson has more than succeeded in becoming his own hero in the eyes of fans
Nightwing is currently the fifth most popular DC hero (according to RANKER)
Even though some heroes and readers may still see Nightwing as just an extension of Batman, many are more than sure that Dick Grayson has succeeded in the goal he set for himself forty years ago – leaving Batman’s shadow behind. While the characters sometimes take a push in his independence, Dick Grayson’s fans know that he has achieved something remarkable: rising to unprecedented popularity for a character that began as a sidekick. This sentiment is supported by Ranker, III Nightwing Ranks as the fifth most popular DC hero, outranking iconic figures like Green Lantern, Green ArrowAnd Martian Manhunter.
Absolute Power #3 is available now from DC Comics.