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knightwinddragon · 6 months ago

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More Hollowfied ichigo family dynamics

Hollowfied Ichigo sometimes loiters around the clinic. Guarding it and checking up on his sisters. Karin sometimes likes to tease ichigo and lock him out. Yuzu goes along with it for a few minutes but will usually give in and let her overbearing protective big brother in once he starts whining. Also because she doesn’t want him to either scratch up the doors or bash them down entirely to get to them. His size causes him to nearly takes up half the living room. Because of his size he’s forbidden from entering the kitchen area. He’s knocked thing over and caused too much damage with his horns, claws, tail, and overall size. Ichigo has tried to rummage through the kitchen for a snack a few times but Yuzu smacked him with a broom each time he tried. Luckily Yuzu has stocked a cupboard with some snack he’s capable of eating curtesy of Urahara. Speaking of Kisuke, he on rare occasions joins ichigo when he comes over.

Ichigo and the girls will curl up and watch tv often. Kisuke will join them on the rare occasion he comes over. Kon sometimes joins them too when he’s not hiding from ichigo’s teeth and claws.

On occasion, Ichigo will try to tutor the girls in a few school subjects he excelled at like language and literature although it’s a bit hard at times when his vocal cords barely or rarely let him speak well and without pain. Kisuke will often help when ichigo struggles.

Isshin is a bit conflicted over his son’s hollowfication. He is concerned his daughters will get hurt hanging around ichigo but does believe his son doesn’t mean any harm. He can see his son tries hard not to accidentally hurt the girls and can see just how protective he is of them. Isshin does care and tries to be supportive but he does worry as well, both for ichigo’s well being and his daughters. He of course hides his worries behind his goofy annoying dad act. He still allows ichigo, and the girls, to use him as a punching bag. He can take it, and plus he owes it to them for lying to them about their heritage. He knows Misaki would be right there with them in any cuddle pile their kids have. He doesn’t quite know though what to make of his son and Urahara’s relationship. He’s very conflicted about them. He’s happy his son has found someone who accepts him but why Urahara of all people? …Well…he supposes his son could have chosen sooo much worse…like Aizen. As long as ichigo is happy, he’s happy.

When he’s been overly annoying, Isshin ends up cartoonishly looking like he got mauled by an animal. Often he can be seen sent flying out of the house and half way across town if ichigo gets a chance to send him flying. Ichigo enjoys doing that and finds it both therapeutic and great stress relief. Karin and rarely Yuzu will cheer him on, though yuzu worries ichigo and their dad’s ll roughhousing will get too rough and cause major house damage or serious injuries and often scolds them when something breaks or knocked over. Oh well. Such is the Kurosaki life style.

At least she doesn’t have to worry about her brother’s love life and ending up single and lonely now that he and Urahara-San are dating. Odd paring but he apparently can handle her brother’s rough edges well and has helped him numerous times to save friends and family so he’s already practically family anyway in her eyes. Karin though is dubious about Urahara-San and teases them mercilessly much to ichigo’s embarrassment. Urahara-San takes the teasing well and gives back as much teasing as he can. They work well together… but if Urahara-San ever breaks their ichi-nii’s heart though… there’ll be absolute hell to pay.

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knightwinddragon · 6 months ago

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This is an interesting transition.

Aizen has just mused that the Quincy and Shinigami aren't working together, but just happen to be moving in the same direction - an important note. There is no real team up. The moment he comes to that realization, his thoughts move to Ichigo.

"But the one who stopped me ended up entering the Soul Palace before me. He continues to be so insufferable. Kurosaki Ichigo."

Setting aside that cold, quiet look as he realized Ichigo got to the Royal Realm before him, that he'd beat him there without even intending to go in the first place - Aizen's thoughts went immediately to Ichigo when thinking of a team up.

He's been brought out for a fight and left behind to "guard" Seireitei while the others go to the Royal Realm to confront Yhwach and his sternritter, but he knows he'll be involved in a direct fight soon. He has to be turning over how and with whom and against what enemy he'll be fighting.

And the one he thinks to count on to fight it with him is Ichigo.

He immediately pivots to being salty and his inner monologue/logic is probably along the lines of: He beat me and that's insufferable, he beat me to the Royal Realm and continues to be insufferable, but I can and will fight successfully beside him and win.

But by the time Ichigo shows up, Aizen is fully prepared to work with him and does so beautifully and I think this panel is him resolving and resigning himself to fight alongside him.

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knightwinddragon · 6 months ago

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Ishida was the only one that really witnessed Ichigo's pain and loss here and felt it with him.

Ishida alone actually fought along with and tried to protect Ichigo and spare him this pain, and when it happened, after he got cut down and failed to stop it, his whole attention was on Ichigo.

He shut his eyes to spare Ichigo one more person staring at his suffering I think. He looked, saw and took it all in, his failure and Ichigo's anguish, then tried to give him what privacy he needed in that moment.

No one else was really thinking of Ichigo and being there in the same space and moment as him.

His other human friends/family were unconscious or had run away from the whole situation (literally) because it was too hard for them, the shinigami were still in-transit and missed witnessing this, and Urahara and Isshin, if they were near enough by, were holding themselves aloof from it because they knew it would be over soon.

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knightwinddragon · 6 months ago

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Ishida was the only one that really witnessed Ichigo's pain and loss here and felt it with him.

Ishida alone actually fought along with and tried to protect Ichigo and spare him this pain, and when it happened, after he got cut down and failed to stop it, his whole attention was on Ichigo.

No one else was really thinking of Ichigo and being there in the same space and moment as him.

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knightwinddragon · 11 months ago

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knightwinddragon · 11 months ago

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the one and only Acro-bat🦇

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knightwinddragon · 11 months ago

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First <- Part 18 <- Part 19 -> Part 20

Masterpost

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knightwinddragon · 11 months ago

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Jorge Jiménez keeps giving us cool af Nightwing moments and I love him for that

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knightwinddragon · 11 months ago

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Sorry, but the only thing I could think of when I saw that Bruce Wayne is currently taking over as Nightwing’s is just how mad Dick is gonna be when he gets that suit back

Like look at his dad. They are absolutely not the same build type, Dick’s gonna put the suit on and be crying cause the upper part of the suit was stretched out by Bruce’s barrel of a chest and canon sized arms lmfao.

Meanwhile, Bruce puts on the suit and is super confused why the lower back of the suit is hanging looser than expected (his ass is nowhere NEAR the level of Nightwing’s)

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knightwinddragon · 11 months ago

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I’ve been obsessed with the Olympics for the past week, and obsessed with Dick Grayson for longer, so here’s the crossover we all deserve.

Plus, gorgeous sweaty acrobat in gymnastics poses? Only positives.

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knightwinddragon · 11 months ago

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city boy Nightwing art by Jamal Campbell

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knightwinddragon · 11 months ago

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My recs for Robin!Dick comics

Recommending comics is fun so here's a list of Robin!Dick-comics I personally enjoyed. This will be quite subjective and leave out some obvious picks that fans may have but hey, it's my list:

Robin: Year One (2000-2001)

Recommendable? Yes! Absolutely perfect for newcomers to the character.

What is it?

The name is pretty self-explanatory. It's our boy's first year as Robin. He fights Mad Hatter and (unsurprisingly) has some trouble with Bruce. These two love each other but their relationship is always complex.

What do I like about it?

It highlights many core aspects of Dick's character. His need to be independent, his ingenuity, his complex relationship with Bruce. It gives you a great primer on his character. The definitive Robin-origin for many.

2. Batgirl: Year One (2002-2003)

Recommendable? Yes! Great intro for Barbara and her relationship with Dick. Dick's Robin also has many fun moments.

What is it?

Definitely a Barbara Gordon-story. It's her story to becoming Batgirl. I can recommend it for that alone because Barbara is awesome. It does feature her first meeting with Dick though and anyone who likes these two together will have a good time.

What do I like about it?

The origin for Barbara! I can only reiterate that it's awesome. She does have a lot of chemistry with Dick though as they learn to respect each other. Dick is a little shit in the beginning but he soon supports Barbara and it's adorable.

(Just let me cry in a corner really quickly for the Batgirl-movie that was supposed to be based on this and was axed shortly before release. I'll never forget nor forgive this travesty.)

3. Teen Titans: Year One

Recommendable? Yes. A great modernization for the original Teen Titans aka Dick, Donna, Garth, Wally & Roy.

What is it?

The forming of the Teen Titans and Dick first stepping into a leadership role.

What do I like about it?

The art is adorable. Dick is also written very well. He is still very young and insecure. Here he's at a stage where he tries to be somewhat independent but is still struggling with being under Bruce's wing. Such a theme for his character.

My only gripe is that Donna is written quite badly. My girl was done dirty in this because most she does is cry. Still, this is the first comic I got myself when I seriously got into comics. A big reason of why I'm here today.

4. Robin & Batman (2021-2022)

Recommendable? Yes, if you like stories where Bruce is a terrible dad. Stay away if you like wholesome Batdad. You won't get this here.

What is it?

Dick's beginnings as Robin but with a darker twist. Bruce is a terrible parent here who views Robin more as a soldier and the first two issues are super-angsty. I see it very much as an AU-take on Dick's time as Robin.

What do I like about it?

This pick is quite controversial because many people despise the take on Bruce - which is valid. I found this take very interesting. Probably because I've written multiple fics where Bruce is a terrible dad. If you like those kind of fics, you'll probably like this. If you don't, this won't be for you.

The art is top-tier though. I love the melancholic watercolor aesthetic.

5. New Teen Titans (1980-1984)

Recommendable? YEEEES. My continued mission is to shove this down everyone's throats. Beware of the density and the 80s style though. This may make it harder for newcomers but if you're hyper-fixated enough (like I was), you'll manage.

What is it?

Only the most iconic stories for the Teen Titans, a masterpiece of storytelling and one of the best comics I've ever read. I collected it in volumes. Just start with Vol. 1 and continue from there. I got addicted.

What do I like about it?

The character relationships are masterful. Also their development. It really shows Dick stepping into his own as a leader. He also develops quite the romance with Starfire. These two were serious for a long time (over a decade of love!).

This also introduces Deathstroke's rivalry with the Titans. Slade is a petty bastard who feuds with literal teenagers here.

Especially for the 80s, it also has great development for the female characters. Starfire, Raven & Donna are some of my favorite DC-characters and they are very well fleshed-out and get storylines of their own. Finally, if you like the Teen Titans cartoon, many storylines were adapted from here. Trigon, Deathstroke, the Brotherhood of Evil, Backfire... It introduces so much fundamental Titans-lore.

Important comics that don't quite make my list:

Batman: Dark Victory

Recommendable? Depends. You should read it if you are interested in classic Batman-stories.

What is it?

The sequel to the classic Batman-story "The Long Halloween". In Long Halloween, Batman solves a mystery about a killer who only kills on holidays.

Dark Victory takes place after and introduces Dick as Robin. This is the definitive Robin-origin for many fans. Dick is not the main focus in Dark Victory though, Bruce is. Dick took longer to show up than I expected.

What do I think?

I cannot quite recommend Dark Victory - which is probably blasphemous for many comic-fans. If you want to read this, you should read Long Halloween first.

I found Long Halloween okay. Dick doesn't appear in it and the mystery is stretched out far too long. Basically, I love it less than many comic-fans.

Dick appears in the sequel Dark Victory and has some great moments but he appears less than I would like. I liked Dark Victory more than Long Halloween though (probably because of Dick Lol).

Overall, both these books fell a bit flat for me which is an unpopular opinion. Still, if these sound interesting to you, pick them up and don't let me deter you!

This is it. All my Robin!Dick-recommendations. I wanted to upload all my Dick Grayson-recs at once but it got too long. So, I'll post separate lists for Nightwing and Dick!Batman. Keep an eye out if this interests you!

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knightwinddragon · 11 months ago

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My recs for Nightwing!Dick-comics

This is the real meat of it when it comes to Dick Grayson-recs. Most of his modern stories have been as Nightwing ever since he took on that mantle in 1984. You will hear different recs from different people but these are the stories I personally enjoyed the most. Strap in because this is a long list:

Nightwing's Solo Title

These are the stories I liked the most from his solo title. If you want to read Nightwing as a main character, these are the stories I can recommend:

1. Nightwing: Rebirth by Tim Seeley (2016-2017)

Recommendable? Yes, perfect for newcomers. This very much feels like it brings Nightwing back to his roots. You can't go wrong with this as your first Nightwing-comic.

What is it?

It's Dick going back to being Nightwing (he was a secret spy before but don't worry about it). He goes back to his city Blüdhaven and re-establishes himself there.

What do I like about it?

This just captures why Dick is such a beloved character for me. It includes the fun of reading him but also his grit and need to be independent. He very much makes Blüdhaven his own. Blüdhaven is a delightful setting here. Seeley reimagines it as a former whaling town that tries to reimagine itself as a neon-lit casino city. It's a flashy underdog city that fits Nightwing.

This run has one of my all time favorite romances for Dick with Shawn Tsang (a former low-tier villain) and it introduces one of my favorite DC villains Raptor. Giving Dick a villain who is connected to his mom and his circus days is brilliant in my eyes.

2. Nightwing The Untouchable by Sam Humphries (2017-2018)

Recommendable? Yes, one of the best Nightwing-arcs ever. A short read that is collected in one volume. This follows Seeley's arc directly so you could just read this once you've finished the Seeley-issues.

What is it?

It's a story arc where Nightwing fights a new villain The Judge. This villain is very much connected to Blüdhaven, the sea and Dick's past.

What do I like about it?

Sam Humphries filled in on Nightwing directly after Seeley left but he gave us one of the best Nightwing arcs ever. I love how this arc draws on Dick's past and the Blüdhaven-setting to create a new villain. The Judge feels very mythological and the story is well-told over a short time. Humphries did so much with so little. I'd love to see him come back to Nightwing for a longer run.

3. Nightwing by Tom Taylor & Bruno Redondo (2021-now)

Recommendable? Yes, also for newcomers. It's currently going on so you would be very up-to-date with where Dick is now.

What is it?

Dick's return to form after his amnesia (don't ask, you don't need to know). He is heroing in Blüdhaven again and trying to change his community through his newly-acquired wealth He inherits a lot of money from Alfred who's been dead for a few years (but will hopefully return soon).

What do I like about it?

This entire run is just pure positive vibes. I feel like it very much captures Nightwing's positivity and empathy. Fans of Dick/Barbara will also have a good time here because Babs is featured heavily. The plot moves very slowly - which makes this run a bit controversial among many fans - but if you're here for the vibes and the slice-of-life, you'll have a good time. There are also many team-ups, especially with Babs, Tim and Wally.

The art is also to die for. Bruno Redondo is just perfect for Nightwing. There is an entire issue that is one continuous chase-scene and it's one of the most impressive Nightwing-issues ever. Every Nightwing-fan should at least pick up Nightwing #87 for this reason. It's a masterpiece of comic artistry.

4. Nightwing by Peter J. Tomasi (2006-2009)

Recommendable? Yes, a very self-contained run that shows how connected Dick is to the DC universe. Dick is very competent but also fun here. It's all collected in one book.

What is it?

This run has Nightwing move to New York and have adventures there. He is very connected to the DC-universe and there are some cameos and team-ups. Superman shows up at one point, Wally, the Justice Society, Tim Drake... Our boy is beloved.

What do I like about it?

You very much feel how integrated Dick is in the superhero-community. At the same time, he is very independent and competent. There is an especially epic fight here that I won't spoil. You have to love a run that starts with Dick jumping out of a plane for fun and Bruce giving him the disappointed DadTM-vibes.

Nightwing with the Titans

These are the stories where Nightwing is part of the Titans. Either he is the lead for an arc or he gets some great character moments within the team. I also threw a team-up with Wally in here for fun:

5. The Judas Contract (1984)

Recommendable? Yes, if you're interested in Dick's first appearance as Nightwing and classic Titans-stories. This is *the* Teen Titans-story. It is an arc within the pages of New Teen Titans/Tales of the Teen Titans. Be aware of the dense 80s style. It's manageable though.

What is it?

Deathstroke makes his move against the Titans and captures all of them except Dick. Dick takes on the identity of Nightwing and has to save his team with the help of Slade's son Joey Wilson.

What do I like about it?

If you read all of New Teen Titans (which you should because it's a masterpiece), you'll feel the masterful build-up to this arc. It's a pretty well-known spoiler but I won't spoil it here in case you're not familiar.

This specific arc shows Dick fully stepping into his own and moving forward with his new identity. It's a central piece of characterization for him. He's also really badass here, the way he takes on Deathstroke. He's the only non-powered Titans but he deserves to be there 100%. This arc really shows what Dick contributes to the team.

I also love the introduction of Joey. He's a great character - a pure cinnamon role with a compelling backstory and a great addition to the Titans. One of the few mute characters in comics. He actually communicates in sign language.

6. Titans: Rebirth (2016)

Recommendable? Yes, for the pure fun factor.

What is it?

It's the Titans coming together again. Wally is the driving factor here. He was erased from existence for a while due to the 2011-reboot (don't ask, you'll learn everything you need in this comic) and makes his friends remember him again. This time, the team consists of Dick, Wally, Roy, Donna, Garth and Lilith. Bumblebee and other characters also join at some point.

What do I like about it?

I love all of the characters. You just feel the love these long-time friends feel for each other. There are also so many great Dick & Wally-moments. The overall vibe is just very wholesome and I love spending time with all these characters.

My only gripe with this run is that the Titans are quite obedient to the Justice League. In my mind, the Titans should be their own independent network. The point of them is that they don't want to be controlled by their mentors. Still, this is a great run for anyone who likes these characters and wants to spend some time with them.

7. JLA/Titans The Technis Imperative (1998-1999)

Recommendable? Yes! A great story-arc that highlights what makes the Titans so special and different from the Justice League. There are information boxes for all key characters so newcomers should be able to catch up.

What is it?

An event-comic in which all the (former) Titans get abducted for a specific reason. The JLA and the Titans have to deal with what develops into a global crisis.

What do I like about it?

This story arc highlights why I love the Titans so much. They are friends who are close enough to be family while the JLA are more like co-workers. Many of the Titans get some great character moments, including Dick. There is a particularly heart-wrenching page here that says a lot about Dick's relationship with Bruce. Always a gut punch for me when I see it. Again - it's complex.

8. The Flash plus Nightwing (1996)

Recommendable? Yes, for everyone who loves a good Dick & Wally team-up. This is very much a beginning point for their very close friendship in modern comics.

What is it?

It's Dick & Wally going on their yearly vacation where shenanigans happen. Did I sell you on it yet? It's just one issue so it's a very quick read.

What do I like about it?

These two are just too much fun together. There are so many great character moments and you can just read it with some bare knowledge about Dick & Wally as characters (any fanfic-reader should be fine). The plot is also really wacky. Not spoiling it - but it gets wild.

I also love the premise that Dick & Wally go on yearly vacations together. It's a retcon (in the sense that it was never mentioned before & Dick&Wally weren't that close before) but it works so well - one of these great retcons. Since then, these two have been one of the best comic friendships. (And I like to ship them of course. So, any shipper's heart will also find some great moments here.)

Nightwing with the Batfam

These are the stories where Nightwing's relationships with the Batfam are in the foreground. I have two great arcs that deal with the relationship between Dick, Bruce, Alfred & Tim. They follow up on each other so you could just read them one after another:

9. Batman: Year Three (1989)

Recommendable? Yes, if you have bare knowledge about Batman-lore and Dick & Bruce as characters. Again, fanfic readers should be fine. This is very much related to Dick's backstory with Zucco - the killer of his parents. The arc is contained in Batman #436-439.

What is it?

Such an underrated story arc. Basically, it takes place after Jason's death and deals with the possibility of Tony Zucco coming out of prison. We see Dick, Bruce and Alfred reacting to the Zucco-situation.

What do I like about it?

This takes place after Jason's death but before Tim's introduction. So, it's a very dark time for the Bats - Bruce in particular as Batman gets more brutal. I love how this little arc illuminates Dick, Bruce & Alfred as characters. The characterization is very nuanced.

There are a lot of flashbacks back to Dick's time as Robin and the way he deals with grief. In the modern time, Nightwing tries very hard to get Batman back from his more violent tendencies. Great character moments for Dick, Bruce & Alfred!

10. A Lonely Place of Dying (1989)

Recommendable? Yes, again with knowledge of basic Batlore. A requirement for Tim Drake-fans because it's his proper introduction as a character! You can easily get this collected. It takes place directly after Batman: Year Three.

What is it?

The introduction of Tim Drake that takes place after Jason's death. He has figured out Batman's identity and sees the brutal rampages Batman goes on. So, that little fanboy goes up to our boy Nightwing and tries to convince him to become Robin again.

What do I like about it?

This story sold me on Tim Drake as a character. It is very much a case for why Batman needs a Robin. Tim, Dick & Bruce get great character moments. Dick's & Bruce's relationship is very complex here again. You also see Dick meeting one of his little brothers for the first time which is a lot of fun.

Nightwing with the Outsiders

This is a very special time in Nightwing's history. This recommendation shows him with the Outsiders - a more edgy team:

11. Outsiders by Judd Winick (2003-2007)

Recommendable? Yes, if you want to see a moodier Nightwing with a more edgy team. Also, for any Dick/Roy-shippers. I see you and I hear you. This is like the Dick/Roy-bible.

What is it?

The Outsiders form as a black ops team. Their mission statement is to do what other teams aren't willing/ready to do. Roy gets Nightwing on as the leader. Other team members are Jade, Anissa Pierce, Grace Choi, a version of Metamorpho (it's complicated) and Indigo.

What do I like about it?

On paper, I should dislike this concept. Nightwing is very moody here and a giant asshole (I love my boy but he screws up hard here). There is very much a reason though for Dick's mood shift:

Donna - his bestie - died before the Outsiders formed and the Titans disbanded for that reason. Dick is very much grieving and doesn't want to join any teams. He doesn't want to get close to anyone again for the fear of losing them. Still, Roy gets him to join the Outsiders under the condition that they won't be friendly with each other - purely professional.

So, the premise of the comic and the context explains Dick's cold and harsh behavior. I like this comic because it's interesting to see Dick in this dark place. Despite his attempts though, he can't help but get attached over time. He also has so many fights with Roy. The tension between these two is running high - no wonder you see so many Dick/Roy fics related to this time (it's headcanon though, I don't want to mislead anyone here).

Also, the characterization for each team member is supreme. I hadn't read much with characters like Jade, Anissa or Grace before but they quickly became some of my favorite DC-characters.

Dick/Roy may not be canon here but Grace/Anissa is a *canon sapphic romance* within the pages of this comic. It's a wonderful relationship and very unexpected for the early/mid 2000s. So, this may also interest you if you are looking for some cool LGBT+ superhero-couples.

This comic shouldn't work on paper but it did. It has so much heart that I can recommend it also to those who may not find the idea of Nightwing in his edgy-phase appealing. An interesting time for his character that I'll probably dig into at some point with a future post.

Events

Events often concern the entire DC-universe. They bring characters together. Here, I recommend an event where Nightwing is part of the larger cast and gets some character moments that made me very happy as a Nightwing-fan:

12. Infinite Crisis (2005-2006)

Recommendable? Yes, also if you are interested in reading an iconic DC-event where most of the DC-universe comes out to play. This also has some great moments for Dick & Bruce's complex relationship.

What is it?

A giant DC-event. Basically, characters from the old DC-universe try to erase the new DC-universe because they believe that the new universe is too dark and corrupted. What is Dick's role here? He's involved in the action and there are some great character moments that will make most Nightwing-fans squeal with joy (okay, maybe it was just me).

What do I like about it?

It's an epic event. The action is big, so many great characters are here, incredible art... But apart from that, this event shows how much Bruce loves, respects and appreciates Nightwing. I won't spoil this moment but it shows how important Nightwing is to the DC-universe. The original plan for this event was to kill Nightwing off so they were really trying to make you sentimental about him. Thankfully, he didn't die so we only get the wonderful character moments highlighting our boy's impact.

It also has another big character moment in Nightwing's history that is related to his city. Slade is a real bastard here and this is a key event in their rivalry.

Comics that didn't quite make my list:

Nightwing by Chuck Dixon (1996-2002)

Recommendable? Depends, if you want to see where much of Nightwing's lore comes from and don't mind older tropes and writing.

What is it?

The first long-running Nightwing-solo. Dixon established Nightwing as a solo hero in Blüdhaven after his time on the Titans. He takes on a lot of organized crime and one of his most iconic villains Blockbuster.

Why do I not quite recommend it?

This is probably the most iconic Nightwing-run. It firmly cemented Nightwing as a solo hero and established Blüdhaven as his city. If you want to understand where much of Nightwing's lore comes from, you should read it. I'm personally glad I read it and got a lot of enjoyment out of it.

I wouldn't quite recommend it though especially to newcomers because it feels quite dated in some of the writing and art. A lot of the tropes are well-worn and I needed some time to get into it. The plot can feel a bit unremarkable with Dick working his way from one forgettable gangster to another.

Dick is also characterized in a more angsty way. It fits with this point in time because he still has a lot of tensions with Bruce and is struggling with his independence. Still, not my favorite characterization of his. I'm definitely grateful this run exists though because modern Nightwing builds on this a lot. Anyone interested in Nightwing's history should read it.

New 52: Nightwing by Kyle Higgins (2011-2014)

Recommendable? Depends. It's very understandable for newcomers but it is held back by more company-wide decisions. What do I mean by this? Let me explain.

Why do I not quite recommend it?

In 2011, DC rebooted its entire universe. Newcomers could just jump on. This also goes for this run. In principle, it's cool that newcomers can just pick this up but the New 52 (as it's called) had a lot of issues though which you can feel here.

A lot of the beloved Batfamily-characters are missing (Cassandra Cain, Stephanie Brown) and the lore is very stripped down (this Nightwing was never really part of the Titans). So, the entire universe feels more empty and bleak.

More importantly though for this run, there were a lot of Batfamily-events (Death in the Family, Night of the Owls). These events call all of the Batfamily together and they interrupted the storylines that were currently happening in Nightwing. So, you can feel that Higgins isn't really allowed to let loose because he has to write around these events.

So, I can't really recommend this run as one of your first Nightwing runs. I would still encourage anyone to check it out eventually because I got a lot of enjoyment from it. You can feel that Higgins has a lot of love for Nightwing and when he is allowed to let loose (especially towards the end), he has some brilliant character moments.

I would be happy if he came back to Nightwing at some point with more creative freedom. He still delivered a solid run despite all the hurdles he was forced to overcome. There are just other runs which are more in line with the more classic Nightwing-lore that I would recommend first.

This is it! Take some deep breath because this was a long list. Again, these are all my opinions and there may be stuff I missed or haven't read yet. Nightwing-fans are quite divided on many of these stories.

So, pick what seems interesting to you. I've got enjoyment out of pretty much every Nightwing-solo run (except the run with the tentacles, don't ask).

I have a list of Robin!Dick-recommendations up and I'm going to make one for Batman!Dick-recommendations.

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