Nightwingis a core member of DC’sBat-family, but he also has his own elaborate family tree that deviates from Batman’s. His family includes biological and adoptive relatives alike, all of whom are integral in shaping who he grows up to be, and there are some surprising additions that further complicate the story of Dick Grayson.
Over the years, Nightwing has been faced with the realization that his family is more complex than he might have presumed. His parents - John and Mary Grayson of Haly’s Circus - are known to most, yet they’re only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Dick’s ancestry. From the ancestors who came before him to his future descendants, Nightwing is tied to a complex web of relatives across the DC Universe.To help make sense of his lineage, here is a rundown of the most notable figures in Nightwing’s family tree.
Creators:
Michael W. Conrad and Francesco Francavilla
Nightwing’s lineage begins long before his birth, with a Romani hero known as the Son of Gray who fights to avenge his father in 14th century Normandy. His family’s loss mirrors the death of Dick Grayson’s parents, although the pain never pushes him to kill. Like Nightwing, he follows ano-kill rule, which will go on to span generations of this familial line.
Despite preceding Nightwing by centuries, the Son of Gray bears a remarkable resemblance to the DC hero, from his makeshift mask to his winged symbol. Furthermore, when his polearm snaps, he wields it as two weapons that mirrorNightwing’s escrima sticks.The Son of Gray sets the foundation for Nightwing prior to his birth, embodying the same fighting spirit that Dick Grayson has in spades.
Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo
William Cobb’s involvement with Nightwing establishes one of the more controversial sides of his family tree, connecting him to the criminal underbelly of Gotham City. Talon is an assassin who serves theCourt of Owls, a secret society that controls Gotham from the shadows. He claims to be Dick’s great-grandfather and makes attempts to recruit him to the Court of Owls' sinister cause.
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Nightwing was originally meant to succeed his great-grandfather by becoming a Talon, but he has defied that intended purpose to forge his own separate path as Nightwing.His blood relation to William Cobb’s Talon does not inherently tie him to that legacy, and he has instead chosen his own family that aligns more with his personal ideals.
Bill Finger and Bob Kane
Bruce Wayne’s adoption of Dick Grayson changes the course of his life in a critical way. When Batman sees that Dick has lost his parents just as he lost his, he takes the boy in as his ward and trains him. Whilerecruiting a child soldierseems extreme, he wants Dick to channel his pain into productivity the way he has, and in doing so he sets the foundation for the hero he eventually becomes.
Nightwing and Batman’s relationship is far from perfect, as Bruce struggles to be emotionally available to his loved ones, yet the two do care for each other.Dick has gone as far as telling Bruce he loves him and calling him “dad”, demonstrating the extent of their bond as DC’sbest father-son duo.
Don C. Cameron and Bob Kane
Batman may receive more recognition as the adoptive father of Nightwing, but Alfred Pennyworth is an equally profound influence on Dick’s life.Alfred played a vital role in raising Dick Grayson, to the point where Nightwing has referred to him as his “other father”.Bruce may be Dick’s adoptive father on paper, but Alfred is just as - if not more - deserving of that title.
The paternal affection Alfred harbors for Nightwing extends back to his time caring for the boy in Wayne Manor, and the bond they share extends into Dick’s adulthood. Alfred even bestowed his fortune upon Dick in his will, solidifying his faith in the man he helped raise.Nightwing honors Alfred’s legacyvia the Pennyworth Foundation and proves that their father-son bond transcends death.
Tom Taylor and Bruno Redondo
Nightwing was believed to be an only child for much of his life until a shocking revelation upended his lineage. In Tom Taylor and Bruno Redondo’s award-winning run,Dick Grayson discovers that Melinda Zucco, the mayor of Blüdhaven, is the result of an affair between John Grayson and the first wife of Tony Zucco- the man who murderedNightwing’s parents. Their shared father makes her the half-sister of Nightwing, tying Zucco into his family tree.
While Zucco was somewhat present for Melinda’s childhood, he eventually walked out on her. Melinda therefore shares his name but has no further connection to him, and she ultimately severs that tie by changing her name to Melinda Grayson-Lin. She now works with Nightwing tomake Blüdhaven a better place.
Gerry Conway and Don Newton
Dick Grayson made history as thefirst Robin in DC lore, and Jason Todd was given the monumental task of living up to him when he was taken in as Batman’s second ward. Unfortunately, Jason’s tenure as Robin ended abruptly when the Joker killed him, and his relationship with Dick was never the same again upon his eventual resurrection.Despite being brothers, Dick’s bond with Jason is fraught with complications as a result of their differing experiences as Batman’s sidekicks.
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Since his revival, Jason has become the vigilanteRed Hoodand cast aside the merciful practices that Batman and Nightwing adhere to. Nightwing has even admitted that hewishes Jason had stayed dead, cementing this rivalry between former Robins as one that may never be fully mended.
Marv Wolfman and Pat Broderick
As a fellow Robin,Tim Drake’s brotherly relationship with Dick Grayson - formed by Bruce Wayne adopting them both - is much less marred by tragedy than Jason Todd’s. Tim joined the fray whileBatman was mourning Jason’s deathand stepped up to take his place so that the Dark Knight wouldn’t fight alone. Nightwing becomes more closely involved with Tim’s Robin to ensure his safety, and the two come to rely on each other through thick and thin.
Tim Drake is often referred to as theBatman’s best sidekick, and Nightwing himself has echoed this sentiment. Despite originating the Robin mantle,Dick has acknowledged the intellect and dedication that Tim brings to the role and takes pride in his adoptive brother’s achievements as the Boy Wonder.
Carmine Infantino and Gardner Fox
Nightwing’s reputation as a ladies' man precedes him, hence the numerouslove interestshe’s been involved with throughout his history. However, there’s one relationship that has persevered where the others have failed to: his relationship with Batgirl. Barbara Gordon is Nightwing’s current love interest, and in various continuities, the two have evengotten marriedto officially become family to one another.
The heroicromance between Batgirl and Nightwinghas undergone its fair share of ups and downs, but they’re presently in the best place they’ve ever been now that they’re fully committed to each other.With Dick recently vowing to marry Barbara inNightwing#118, it’s only a matter of time before Batgirl finally joins his family tree in DC’s prime continuity.
Daniel H. Wilson
Nightwing hasn’t had any children yet, though the same can’t be said for his many variants across the extensiveDC Comics multiverse. In Earth-2,Nightwing and Batgirlhave a son together named John Grayson II, whose name is derived from Dick’s biological father. John inherits the Robin mantle in this revamped timeline, following in his father and adoptive uncles' footsteps as the latest in a long line of Boy Wonders.
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After rapidly aging under the control of Ultra-Humanite,Nightwing’s soninherits the Robin mantle to fight alongside his father, who becomes the next Batman. Unlike other Robins, John possesses powers as a result of the Ultra-Humanite’s re-engineering, including fire-based abilities.With superpowers in tow, the child of Dick Grayson and Barbara Gordon is a promising contender for DC’s most powerful Robin.
Mark Waid and Alex Ross
While Nightwing does get romantically involved with Batgirl in multiple continuities, he has another prominent love interest who’s influenced his family tree.Nightwing’s romance with Starfireis one of the most beloved among DC fans, so it should come as no surprise that they’ve gotten married and had a child together in an alternate universe.
In Earth-22, Dick Grayson and Koriand’r raise a daughter named Mar’i Grayson, who later becomes the vigilante Nightstar.She opposes her father in the generational conflict of Waid and Ross’Kingdom Come, siding with Batman’s Outsiders over Superman’s Justice League. Due to her Tamaranian heritage, she sharesStarfire’s powerand has therefore earned her status as the strongest character inNightwing’s multiversal family tree.
Nightwing
Nightwing is the superhero moniker taken up by Dick Grayson, upon his aging out of the Robin role and becoming a superhero of his own. Inspired by the original Kryptonian hero of the same name, Grayson has risen to comic book immortality with the identity, earning respect as one of the greatest leaders in the DC Universe.
