Nightwing represents the pinnacle of heroism in the DC Universe – but even his mentor Batman recognizes his potential to be a villain on the level of the joker, A vicious and unstable killer, one of the worst monsters that DC has to offer. As surprising as this may sound, Some moments show that Dick Grayson could be an even worse villain than the Joker.
Batman #1 – written by Scott Snyder, with art by Greg Capullo – is one such example of Nightwing’s history that hints at his villainous potential, especially his ability to be a bigger version of ​​The Joker. In this story, Nightwing impersonates the Joker while undercover in Arkham Asylum. The disguise is so effective that not only none of the criminals recognize it, but also James Gordon.
Later, back in the Batcave, Dick curiously asks Batman how he was impersonating the Joker, and Bruce admits that Dick was very convincing.
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The haunting Nightwing moments show that Dick Grayson is capable of becoming the Joker
Batman #1 – Written by Scott Snyder; Art by Greg Capullo, Jonathan Glapion, FCO Plascencia, Richard Starkings, & Jimmy Betancourt
Every version of the Joker needs a good laugh, and it turns out that Dick’s laugh is even better than the Clown Prince of Crime. This was revealed in a throwaway line way back in Batman #682 – By Grant Morrison and Lee Garbelt. In this story, Batman recounts an interaction between a young Dick Grayson and the Joker. After the Joker manages to escape, Dick hunts him down, but instead of using force to subdue him, Dick Grayson challenges the Joker to a laughing contest and handily beats him, leaving the Joker wheezing and breathless.
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These aren’t the only two examples of areas where Dick beats the Joker either. In the infamous The dark knight strikes again – by Frank Miller, Lynn Varley, and Todd Klein – Dick Grayson was fired from the role of Robin for gross incompetence. Enraged at being abandoned, Dick undergoes experimental gene therapy treatment and transforms into the second version of The Joker. But unlike the first, this version of The Joker has incredible regenerative abilities. The only way to stop him was to completely wipe out every cell in his body.
Nightwing has taken on the Joker mantle a surprising number of times
Batman #682 by Grant Morrison, Lee Garbett, Trevor Scott, Guy Major and Jared K. Fletcher
This is not the only time that Nightwing has also become the Joker; DC Comics has often toyed with the uncomfortable parallels between the two. During the time that Dick Grayson was going by Rick, for example, the Joker was able to use a powerful artifact to rewrite Dick’s mind, turning him into Joker’s very own son. While Dick Grayson is undoubtedly one of DC’s greatest heroes, there have been a disturbingly large number of moments that show that if Nightwing Ever wanted to, he could be an even better version of The Joker.
Batman #682 And Batman #1 Both are available now from DC Comics!