Summary
WARNING: Potential Spoilers forThe Boy Wonder#1
Damian Wayne arguably looks up toNightwingmore than evenBatman, as the original Boy Wonder is often seen as the standard for all otherRobinsto aspire to. Therefore, hearing Damian admit that he’ll never be his older brother’s equal and the reason behind this belief will no doubt tug at the heartstrings and tear ducts of fans of the fifth Robin.
Juni Ba’s Black Label series,The Boy Wonder, offers a fantastical retelling of Damian Wayne’s Robin origin story, presented in a fairytale-esque format from Damian’s perspective. Issue #1 has already impressed with multiple character-defining revelations about Damian Wayne, including insights into his desires, motivations, and insecurities, unveiling a previously unseen side of the character.
Perhaps the most poignant and heartbreaking of these revelations isDamian’s belief that he lacks noble qualities, leading him to feel unworthy of the admiration and love that he desperately craves from his father,which is easily given to Nightwing.
Robin Will NEVER Be Nightwing’s Equal In the Eyes of Batman Because He Lacks Trustworthiness and Heart
WatchingNightwing and Batgirlseamlessly coordinate their efforts against Clayface, Damian witnesses the unwavering trust and synergy between them. This observation prompts him to contemplate his family’s philosophy, particularly his grandfather’s teachings, which dismiss emotional connections as weaknesses. However,Damian begins to recognize that Nightwing’s capacity for love and trust aligns with the qualities his father, Batman, values in his eldest son.Nonetheless, Damian is disheartened by this realization, acknowledging that Batman does not perceive these qualities in himself. Consequently, Damian believes he will never attain Nightwing’s level of esteem in his father’s eyes.
However, what Damian fails to grasp is that he is witnessing Dick Grayson at the zenith of his personal development and emotional maturity. After the tragic loss of his parents, Dick was an angry and hurt child who lashed out much like Damian does now. It took time for Nightwing to cultivate the virtues of trust and love. Thus, Damian and Dick share more similarities during their Robin years than Damian realizes.If Nightwing could transcend his years of anger and anguish and become the personification of the ideal hero, so can Damian.
Batman’s Son Proves He’s More Inspired by Nightwing Than Bruce
In the latest issue of DC’s Robin, Damian Wayne reveals that he’s taking more cues from Dick Grayson’s Nightwing than he is from his father Batman.
Damian Wayne Has the Potential to Surpass Nightwing (Even If He Doesn’t Believe It)
Ironically, despite Robin’s disbelief in his capacity for the qualities displayed by Nightwing, just a few panels later Damian demonstrates that he possesses them. Recalling the kindness and care Nightwing showed him, Damian extends the same to an elderly lady. Moreover, Robin not only has the potential to match Nightwing but also to exceed him as a hero. This is exemplified in Tom Taylor’s Elseworlds series,DCeased, whereDamian undergoes remarkable character growth, ultimately sacrificing himself for the universe. Thus, tales like this, offering a glimpse ofRobin’spotential, affirm that he has the capability to rivalNightwingand even surpass him.
Robin
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.
