Warning: Spoilers for Titans #18
THE Titans are operating under new leadership now that Nightwing stepped aside and promoted Wonder Girl to the role of leader as his replacement. Nightwing has spent years running the Titans, so following Donna's orders isn't easy for him, creating friction between them as they butt heads. Donna Troy is officially the leader of the Titans and makes sure everyone knows it – especially Nightwing.
In preview for Titans #18 by John Layman and Pete Woods, the Titans have moved into a new underground base called “Titans Tunnels,” which the team isn't too thrilled about. Nightwing criticizes Donna's decision to move away – citing the dismay of the Justice League and the Titans – and suggests that she should lift the spirits of her teammates, as he would.
Wonder Girl is quick to shoot down Nightwing's ideas and remind him that she has replaced him as leader of the Titans. Like it or not, Nightwing has been dethroned from his previous position, which means he needs to respect the new direction Donna Troy is taking the Titans.
Wonder Girl makes it clear that she is the leader of the Titans – not Nightwing
Donna Troy puts Nightwing in his place when he tries to give orders
Nightwing is dealing with an explosive situation in Blüdhaven while facing a weapons manufacturer who seeks to kill superheroes, so he has been forced to relinquish leadership of the Titans for the first time in years. To replace it, in Titans #16 by Layman and Woods, he selects Donna Troy as the new leader of the Titans. However, just two issues later, Dick is already stepping on Donna's toes when she tries to take the team in a different direction than him. Donna comes to terms with her ideas and remembers who is in charge, asserting herself as the true leader of the Titans.
Wonder Girl and Nightwing already have different approaches to leadership. While Nightwing is focused on giving motivational speeches to boost the team's morale – as he did when he united the Justice League and Titans in Absolute power #2 by Mark Waid and Dan Mora – Donna prioritizes the Titans' safety over keeping them happy. The Titans are upset about living underground instead of in the new Justice League Watchtower, but she knows that living with the League would make them targets. Therefore, Donna is making decisions with the team's best interests in mind, which is what any leader should do – even if Nightwing disagrees.
Nightwing is used to commanding the Titans after years in the role
Dick Grayson is a natural leader who must adjust to be led
Before becoming the leader of the Titans during his Robin era, Dick Grayson was destined to fulfill a leadership role in DC lore. In Justice League #51 by Dan Abnett and Paul Pelletier, Dick meets the Justice League for the first time and asks Batman if he thinks he will ever join the team. Batman's response is as follows: “No. You will lead.” Although Dick has not yet formally taken command of the team in a permanent position, he temporarily led the Justice League during the events of Absolute power. Nightwing is more used to leading than being led, hence his current struggle.
To see Nightwing lead the Justice League after each hero loses their powers, check out the Absolute power miniseries by Mark Waid and Dan Mora, now available on DC Comics!
Nightwing may have been the one who chose Donna Troy to replace him, but he seems to be having more trouble leaving the role than he expected. After all, he has led the Titans since he helped found the team in 1965. Teen Titans #1 by Bob Haney and Nick Cardy. When his teammates have concerns, Dick usually intervenes and now he must trust that Donna can handle the situation. For a natural leader like Nightwing, this adjustment can't be easy. Still, with that said, Donna can only thrive as leader of the Titans if Nightwing gives her the space to do so.
Nightwing needs to respect Wonder Girl's leadership for the sake of the Titans
As much as Nightwing misses being leader, it's Donna Troy's turn
Nightwing's time as leader of the Titans has passed, and it's time for Donna Troy to take center stage and lead in her own way. It can't be denied that Nightwing was an effective leader, but he needs to respect the fact that Donna isn't the same leader he was – and that's a good thing. If Nightwing continues to disapprove of every decision Donna makes, the Titans as a whole will fragment as she will not be able to properly unite them. Nightwing is not in charge of Titans more, while Wonder GirlZack's era as team leader has just begun.
Titans #18 is available December 18, 2024 from DC Comics.