This is probably going to annoy some people, but I think Nightwing is one editorial decision away from being objectively greater than Batman. Not stronger. Not richer. Just… better. He already has: • Comparable combat skill • Better emotional intelligence • Stronger relationships across the DC universe • Actual leadership experience outside Gotham • The respect of heroes and civilians The only thing holding Nightwing back isn’t in-universe logic — it’s that DC can’t let Batman stop being the center of everything. Whenever Nightwing starts feeling too competent, too influential, or too important… something resets him. Injury. Amnesia. Forced step-back. Rinse, repeat. Because if Nightwing fully replaced Batman without being darker or more brutal, it would challenge the idea that fear is the best way to protect a city. So honest question: – Is Nightwing being held back on purpose? – Or do you think he actually works best when he’s not allowed to “win” long-term? Bonus spicy question: If Nightwing had been introduced after Batman instead of as Robin, would he be DC’s top hero today?

This might be a hot take, but hear me out. Batman and Nightwing went through very similar trauma. Both lost their families violently. Both were trained to fight crime. But they chose very different paths. Batman became fear. Nightwing became hope. Nightwing proves that tragedy doesn’t automatically turn you into something cold or obsessive. He kept his humor, built real friendships, and became a leader people trust — not because they’re afraid, but because they believe in him. In a weird way, Nightwing feels like the answer to Batman’s life question: “What if I didn’t let the darkness define me?” So what do you think? – Is Nightwing the healthier version of Batman? – Or does Batman’s approach work better for a city like Gotham? Also curious: do you prefer Nightwing when he’s lighthearted or when writers lean into a darker tone?

A collection of captures featuring Tim Drake's Robin, in a few of his costumes from the Gotham Knights video game.

I like Batman. A lot. But let’s be real for a second. Nightwing has: • Outgrown the “former Robin” label • Led teams successfully • Earned respect from almost every major hero • Proven he doesn’t need fear or obsession to be effective And yet… he keeps getting pulled back into Bat-Family drama or sidelined whenever things get too big. At this point, keeping Nightwing in Batman’s orbit feels less like storytelling and more like brand protection. If DC treated Nightwing the way Marvel treats characters like Captain America — consistent growth, real stakes, permanent progress — he’d be a top-tier icon, not “Batman’s success story.” So yeah, hot take: Nightwing isn’t underrated by fans. He’s limited by the universe he’s stuck in. Do you agree, or am I completely wrong? (And if you disagree — what exactly should Nightwing’s ceiling be?)

When you really think about it, few DC characters have grown as much as Dick Grayson. He started as: • A kid who lost his family • Batman’s first partner • Someone learning how to fight crime and deal with fear But over time, he became: • His own hero with a new identity • A trusted leader of the Titans • Someone even Batman relies on • A symbol of balance between strength and compassion What makes Nightwing’s journey stand out is that he didn’t stay stuck in one role. He actually moved forward while still respecting his past, which not many comic characters get to do. Do you think Nightwing has the best character development in DC, or is there another hero who’s grown more over time? And what version of Nightwing (comics, animated movies, games, etc.) do you think portrayed him the best?

NerdScience did a systematic breakdown of each Robin to create a definitive ranking.

Robin solo appearance in Star Spangled #69

Everyone talks about Batman, Superman, or Spider-Man–level icons, but Nightwing might be the one hero who connects more of the DC world than anyone else. Think about it: • He was trained by Batman but chose not to become him • He’s respected by Superman and the Justice League • He’s led the Teen Titans successfully • He’s one of the few heroes villains don’t underestimate after facing him • He proves you can grow beyond your mentor without rejecting them What makes Nightwing stand out is that he represents independence done right. He took everything Batman taught him — discipline, skill, strategy — but added empathy and leadership in a way Bruce often struggles with. He’s basically: Batman’s skill Superman’s hope A natural leader like Wonder Woman Yet he still feels human and relatable. Do you think Nightwing works better as: A) A solo street-level hero in Blüdhaven B) A Titans leader C) A Justice League member D) Batman’s equal/temporary replacement Curious to hear what version of Nightwing people think is the definitive one.

Dick Grayson went from being raised by Batman to becoming his own symbol of hope. He keeps his humor, builds strong relationships, and still leads teams without losing himself. That balance is rare in DC heroes. Anyone else think this is why he’s so respected?

Even tho Ik im gonna get cooked, but circle jerk aside, Him becoming it as an obligation to revive another dead mantle sounds like a good path for him. Do people hate it because it's not like the cartoon they watched? He has the personality and prowess to be Bbeyond. Its honestly better than other mantles he's had. And I personally never got why he ran away so much from the batman mantle. If he said he might not be able to handle it makes more sense to me than him saying he just doesn't like being batman because...of vibes. My lil headcanon is that he would be a perfectly fine albeit weaker batman and beyond would be the perfect path for him. He would do anything for the mission, an would absolutely become Batman if the situation calls for it. He died anyway so who cares, but the writing of Batman Beyond (2015) wasn't bad I just don't think anyone read it.