Nightwing is a central member of DC's Bat-family, however he additionally has his personal elaborate household tree that differs from Batman's. His household contains organic and adopted family, all of whom are important in shaping who he shall be when he grows up, and there are some stunning additions that additional complicate Dick Grayson's story.
Through the years, Nightwing has come to comprehend that his household is extra complicated than he might have imagined. His dad and mom - John and Mary Grayson of Haly's Circus - are recognized to most, however they're simply the tip of the iceberg in relation to Dick's ancestry. From the ancestors who got here earlier than him to his future descendants, Nightwing is linked to a posh community of family throughout the DC Universe. To assist perceive his lineage, right here's a abstract of probably the most notable figures in Nightwing's household tree.
10
Son of Grey
Nightwing's ancestor
First look: |
Nightwing #111 |
Creators: |
Michael W. Conrad and Francesco Francavilla |
Nightwing's lineage begins lengthy earlier than his start, with a gypsy hero often called the Son of Ash, who fights to avenge his father in 14th century Normandy. The lack of his household mirrors the loss of life of Dick Grayson's dad and mom, though the grief by no means drives him to kill. As Nightwing, he follows a no-killing rule that can lengthen by way of generations of this household line.
Regardless of predating Nightwing by centuries, the Son of Grey bears a putting resemblance to the DC hero, from his makeshift masks to his winged image. Moreover, when his weapon breaks, he wields it as two weapons that mirror Nightwing's escrima sticks. The Son of Grey lays the muse for Nightwing earlier than his start, embodying the identical preventing spirit that Dick Grayson has in spades.
9
Talon (William Cobb)
Nightwing's great-grandfather
First look: |
Batman #2 |
Creators: |
Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo |
William Cobb's involvement with Nightwing establishes one of the vital controversial sides of his household tree, connecting him to Gotham Metropolis's felony underbelly. Talon is an murderer who serves the Courtroom of Owls, a secret society that controls Gotham from the shadows. He claims to be Dick's great-grandfather and tries to recruit him into the Courtroom of Owls' sinister trigger.
Nightwing was initially created to succeed his great-grandfather by changing into a Talon, however he defied his supposed goal to forge his personal separate path as Nightwing. His blood relationship to William Cobb's Talon doesn't inherently bind him to that legacy, and he has as an alternative chosen his family that aligns extra along with his private beliefs.
8
Batman (Bruce Wayne)
Nightwing's adoptive father
First look: |
Detective comics #27 |
Creators: |
Invoice Finger and Bob Kane |
Bruce Wayne's adoption of Dick Grayson adjustments the course of his life in vital methods. When Batman sees that Dick has misplaced his dad and mom in addition to his personal, he takes the boy in as his pupil and trains him. Though recruiting a baby soldier appears excessive, he needs Dick to channel his ache into productiveness the best way he did, and in doing so, he lays the groundwork for the hero he'll ultimately develop into.
Nightwing and Batman's relationship is much from good, as Bruce struggles to be emotionally obtainable to his family members, however the two care about one another. Dick went as far as to inform Bruce he loves him and name him "Dad," demonstrating the extent of their bond as DC's finest father-son duo.
7
Alfred Pennyworth
Nightwing's adoptive father
First look: |
Batman #16 |
Creators: |
Don C. Cameron and Bob Kane |
Batman might obtain extra recognition as Nightwing's adoptive father, however Alfred Pennyworth is an equally profound affect on Dick's life. Alfred performed an important position in elevating Dick Grayson, to the purpose the place Nightwing referred to him as his "different father." Bruce could also be Dick's adoptive father on paper, however Alfred is simply as - if no more - deserving of that title.
The paternal affection that Alfred has for Nightwing dates again to his time caring for the boy at Wayne Manor, and the bond they share extends into Dick's maturity. Alfred even bestowed his fortune on Dick in his will, solidifying his religion within the man he helped elevate. Nightwing honors Alfred's legacy by way of the Pennyworth Basis and proves that the bond between father and son transcends loss of life.
6
Melinda Grayson-Lin
Nightwing's half-sister
First look: |
Nightwing #78 |
Creators: |
Tom Taylor and Bruno Redondo |
Nightwing was believed to be an solely youngster for a lot of his life, till a surprising revelation upended his parentage. Within the award-winning sequence by Tom Taylor and Bruno Redondo, Dick Grayson discovers that Melinda Zucco, the mayor of Blüdhaven, is the results of an affair between John Grayson and Tony Zucco's first spouse - the person who murdered Nightwing's dad and mom. The daddy they share makes her Nightwing's half-sister, linking Zucco to their household tree.
Though Zucco was considerably current in Melinda's childhood, he in the end deserted her. Melinda due to this fact shares his title however now not has any connection to him, and he or she ultimately breaks this bond by altering her title to Melinda Grayson-Lin. She now works with Nightwing to make Blüdhaven a greater place.
5
Purple Hood (Jason Todd)
Nightwing's adopted brother
First look: |
Batman #357 |
Creators: |
Gerry Conway and Don Newton |
Dick Grayson made historical past as the primary Robin in DC lore, and Jason Todd was given the monumental activity of dwelling as much as him when he was taken on as Batman's second ward. Sadly, Jason's tenure as Robin ended abruptly when the Joker killed him, and his relationship with Dick was by no means the identical after his eventual resurrection. Regardless of being brothers, Dick's bond with Jason is fraught with issues on account of their totally different experiences as Batman's sidekicks.
Since his rebirth, Jason has develop into the vigilante Purple Hood and has put aside the merciful practices that Batman and Nightwing adhere to. Nightwing even admitted that he wished Jason had stayed lifeless, cementing this rivalry between the previous Robins as one thing that will by no means be totally repaired.
4
Robin (Tim Drake)
Nightwing's adopted brother
First look: |
Batman #436 |
Creators: |
Marv Wolfman and Pat Broderick |
As fellow Robin, Tim Drake's brotherly relationship with Dick Grayson - fashioned by Bruce Wayne adopting them each - is much much less marked by tragedy than Jason Todd's. Tim entered the fray as Batman mourned Jason's loss of life and took his place so the Darkish Knight wouldn't battle alone. Nightwing turns into extra intently concerned with Tim's Robin to make sure his security, and the 2 come to belief one another by way of thick and skinny.
Tim Drake is also known as Batman's finest sidekick, and Nightwing himself echoed that sentiment. Regardless of originating the Robin mantle, Dick acknowledged the mind and dedication that Tim brings to the position and is pleased with his adoptive brother's achievements because the Boy Marvel..
3
Batgirl (Barbara Gordon)
Nightwing's love curiosity and spouse
First look: |
Detective comics #359 |
Creators: |
Carmine Infantino and Gardner Fox |
Nightwing's fame as a womanizer precedes him, therefore the quite a few love pursuits he has been concerned with all through his historical past. Nevertheless, there may be one relationship that has persevered the place others have failed: his relationship with Batgirl. Barbara Gordon is Nightwing's present love curiosity, and in a number of continuities, the 2 have even gotten married to formally develop into one another's household.
The heroic romance between Batgirl and Nightwing has gone by way of many ups and downs, however they're presently in one of the best place they've ever been now that they're totally dedicated to one another. With Dick lately promising to marry Barbara in Nightwing #118, it's solely a matter of time earlier than Batgirl lastly joins her household tree in DC's principal continuity.
2
Robin (John Grayson II)
Son of Nightwing on Earth-2
First look: |
Earth 2: Finish of the World #1 |
Creators: |
Daniel H. Wilson |
Nightwing has but to have kids, though the identical can't be stated for his many variants throughout DC Comics' sprawling multiverse. On Earth-2, Nightwing and Batgirl have a son named John Grayson II, whose title is derived from Dick's organic father. John inherits the mantle of Robin on this revamped timeline, following within the footsteps of his father and step-uncles as the most recent in an extended line of Boy Wonders.
After ageing quickly below the Extremely-Humanoid's management, Nightwing's son inherits the mantle of Robin to battle alongside his father, who turns into the subsequent Batman. In contrast to different Robins, John possesses powers on account of the Extremely-Humanoid's re-engineering, together with fire-based talents. With superpowers, the son of Dick Grayson and Barbara Gordon is a promising candidate for DC's strongest Robin.
1
Nightstar (Mar'i Grayson)
Nightwing's Daughter on Earth-22
First look: |
Kingdom Come #1 |
Creators: |
Mark Waid and Alex Ross |
Though Nightwing is romantically concerned with Batgirl throughout a number of continuities, he has one other distinguished love curiosity who has influenced his household tree. Nightwing's romance with Starfire is among the most beloved amongst DC followers, so it ought to come as no shock that they married and had a baby collectively in an alternate universe.
On Earth-22, Dick Grayson and Koriand'r elevate a daughter named Mar'i Grayson, who later turns into the vigilante Nightstar. She opposes her father within the Waid and Ross generational battle. Kingdom Comeallying with Batman's Outsiders as an alternative of Superman's Justice League. On account of her Tamaranian heritage, she shares Starfire's energy and has thus earned her standing because the strongest character in Nightwingmultiversal household tree of.