Summary

Warning: contains spoilers forThe Flash#10!

Nightwingis quickly becoming one of DC’s most influential heroes–and theFlash’sson has just proved it. Nightwing, over time, has emerged as a leader in the DC Universe, and he commands the respect of not only his former mentor Batman, but many others as well.Nightwing’s example is having life-saving ripples across the DC Universe, even if he does not know itas seen inThe Flash#10.

The Flash#10 is written by Simon Spurrier and drawn by Ramon Perez and Vasco Georgiev. At the headquarters of the Linear Men, the Pied Piper and Wally’s son Jai are struggling to discern the Arc Angels' plans. As they bang their heads up against the metaphorical wall, Jai has a spark of inspiration, based on a conversation his dad had with Nightwing. The Titans’ leader tells Wally to “change the way you look at things–and the things you look at will change.”

Five panels of Jai recalling a conversation between his dad and Nightwing

Using this maxim, Jai is able to help the Linear Men in their mission.

Nightwing is a Natural Leader in the DC Universe

Dick Grayson Becoming Nightwing Was a Historic Moment in the DC Universe

Nightwing is the perfect exampleof a former teen sidekick made good. The first Robin, Dick Grayson, felt he had outgrown the identity. He turned the mantle of Robin over to Jason Todd, and adopted the alias Nightwing. Dick Grayson shedding the alias he had used for over 40 years was a historic moment in the DC Universe. It demonstrated that even the “stalest” of characters can grow and progress, and helped ensure Dick Grayson remained relevant. A generation of comic readers knows Dick Grayson only as Nightwing, and not Robin.

With the Titans currently DC’s premiere superhero team, it is not a stretch to see Nightwing as the de facto leader of the entire universe.

Comic book art: Nightwing in profile with his hand in front of his face.

Dick Grayson’s transformation from Robin to Nightwing was more than about simply wanting a new costume: it helped him grow as a leader as well. Dick had already established his leadership credentials by heading up the Teen Titans, but embracing the Nightwing persona helped him develop these skills even further. In the years since becoming Nightwing, Dick has secured the respect of his teammates on the Titans as well as the rest of the DC Universe. With the Titans currently DC’s premiere superhero team, it is not a stretch to see Nightwing as the de facto leader of the entire universe.

Nightwing Admits He Disapproves of 1 Justice League Hero’s Powers (& It Shows Why He’s DC’s Best Hero)

The reason Nightwing disapproves of one Justice League hero’s powers may be a subtle callback to two of Dick Grayson’s most controversial storylines.

Nightwing May Have Saved the DC Universe–And He Does Not Know It

It Proves How Influential Nightwing Has Become

Now, theFlash’sson is proving just how influential Nightwing has become to the rest of the DC Universe, even if he is not aware of this fact. An off the cuff comment from Nightwing led Jai to see the Arc Angels problem from a different perspective. Thanks to Nightwing’s “advice,” the speedsters of the DC Universe might live to fight another day. Furthermore,Nightwingmay have inadvertently given Jai and the Linear Men the tools they need to save reality from the Arc Angels as well.

nightwing dc heroes justice league

Comic book art: Nightwing and Batman leap through a city.

The Flash 10 Cover Barry vs Bat Robot DC