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Nightwing (1996) (New Edition Trades)

Nightwing: Year One 20th Anniversary Deluxe Edition (Nightwing

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The acclaimed Year One and Year One writing team reunites with Nightwing penciller Scott McDaniel to tell the story of Year One. This 20th Anniversary Deluxe Edition collects the entire saga, featuring a brand-new introduction by writer Scott Beatty, the never-before-printed outline and notes from the making of the Year One storyline, the Nightwing #104 script, an extensive behind-the-scenes sketchbook from penciller Scott McDaniel, a brand-new cover by McDaniel, and more! Collects Nightwing #101-106.

206 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 1, 2005

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1476 people want to read

About the author

Scott Beatty

438 books42 followers
Scott Matthew Beatty is a comic books writer.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 294 reviews
Profile Image for Chad.
10.3k reviews1,060 followers
July 17, 2020
The story of how Robin became Nightwing from Dick's perspective. After Batman fires Robin for splitting his time between Gotham and the Teen Titans, Dick goes on a walkabout eventually returning to the circus. There he's inspired to return to crimefighting under the new guise of Nightwing. Of course, he needs to meet that little punk, Jason Todd, who took his job. I do like how Dixon and Beatty dovetail this in with Robin: Year One.

Scott McDaniel makes his return to Nightwing with this story. I know some aren't a fan of McDaniel's style but I think it works well with acrobatic characters like Nightwing. This story isn't bad but isn't as focused as Dixon's normal run on Nightwing.
Profile Image for Scott.
2,252 reviews272 followers
January 31, 2021
"I don't know you from spit, punk . . . Say something only 'the kid' would know." -- the skeptical Commissioner Jim Gordon, holding the unfamiliar Nightwing at gunpoint

"My former associate has a thing for bats? You took up a pipe to quit smoking cigarettes? Wait, howzabout . . ." [pause] "HOLY MISTAKEN IDENTITY?" -- Nightwing, saying it with a grin

Another winner from Dixon & Beatty - they've also penned both the similar-sounding (and in nature) Batgirl: Year One and Robin: Year One - focusing on the crimefighter's early days. Even though Dick Grayson - the young man formerly known as Batman's first Robin, that 'Boy Wonder' half of the dynamic duo - has a tragic backstory comparable to his mentor / partner this was a nicely uptempo and high energy graphic novel. It gives explanation as to why Grayson walked away from his famous sidekick role (other than obviously aging out of it, since he was no longer a cherubic teenager), and how he took a brief sabbatical of sorts before segueing into a new identity as vigilante Nightwing. Also, this tale is a true 'Bat' family affair, with Batman, Batgirl, Jason Todd as the cocky new Robin, Alfred the butler and Commissioner Gordon all playing important supporting roles in the latter half of the book, when the situation is careening out of control but Nightwing admirably rises to the occasion. Lastly, a moment that deserves a brief special mention is when Grayson seeks advice from Superman - the Man of Steel, true to his honorable character, provides guidance and inspiration to the upset and directionless young man, and it was probably the best-written scene in the story.
Profile Image for Donovan.
734 reviews106 followers
September 30, 2018
Exciting and historical, it’s largely Jason versus Dick and Batman’s inexcusable folly, with Dick being a beacon of hope through darkness. Artwork is sometimes weird, Babs is sometimes unnecessarily oversexualized.
Profile Image for Chelsea &#x1f3f3;️‍&#x1f308;.
2,031 reviews6 followers
July 4, 2018
This isn't perfect but it serves it's purpose. This tells the story of Dick transitioning from being Robin: the Boy Wonder to Nightwing.

I'll admit, it was kind of hard watching Bruce yell at Dick. Even worse when he fires him and that somehow means he's also been evicted? Like, I'm not entirely sure how old Dick is here but the next thing we see, he's bunking in a motel because he's broke. I don't understand? Was this a self-inflicted punishment, because he didn't have a lot of time for a back up plan or did Bruce really kick his son out of the house?

Anyway, Alfred is judging Bruce for the entire thing. Good, because I wanted to punch him, too.

Jason Todd's first days as Robin are re-told. He's kind of a dick about telling Dick that he stole his job. I love Jason, though but I really felt for Dick wondering how Bruce could replace him so easily.

I loved that Dick's response to his dad being an ass is to talk to his step-dad Supes. That issue was adorable and I love that Dick got Nightwing from a Kryptonian legend.

Dick and Babs working together is always great, as well.

Rereading and Alfred always gets to me. He does his best for the Batfamily and he's a treasure <3

Anyway, it's a recommend because Nightwing's one of my faves.
Profile Image for Caitlin.
1,082 reviews80 followers
January 31, 2015
I've always loved Batman because he is never, ever perfect. And nowhere is this more clear than with Dick Grayson. It's pretty damn clear that as Robin, Grayson has given his heart and soul to fighting crime. The fact that Grayson is torn between two crime fighting groups shouldn't mean he's a failure. But Batman isn't the shades of gray type and that can make him a bit of a jerk. Like telling Robin that he's fired because he shows up late to help Batman due to taking down a villain with the Teen Titans. But honestly, it was so refreshing to see Grayson come into his own as Nightwing and about damn time. He was always my favorite Robin and getting to see him come into his own as Nightwing just made me feel all warm and fuzzy. His exploration of his roots in the circus and the pull that he can't deny to continue in the path in which Bruce has trained him make him an incredibly compelling hero. And Alfred is the awesome surrogate dad that I always loved him for being. Nightwing Year One is just the perfect mix of humor, soul-searching and badassery that I've come to expect from Dick Grayson and it's definitely not the last Nightwing graphic novel that I'll be picking up!
Profile Image for Anne.
4,739 reviews71.2k followers
July 15, 2012
I wish I was impressed with this as everyone else seemed to be, but I just didn't think it was all that good. Maybe I was hoping for something a bit more gritty?
*sigh*
It was ok. Kinda.
I just wasn't feeling it.
Profile Image for Sophia.
2,740 reviews384 followers
August 20, 2021
This collection shows us the beginning of Dick Grayson's transition from Boy Wonder to Nightwing!
I liked reading about this transformation plus seeing how the former and newest Robin interacted for the first time.

I liked the constant monologue, especially when everything changed.
Overall, I enjoyed reading about Nightwing's first flight, it made me love the character even more!
Profile Image for Subham.
3,070 reviews103 followers
January 18, 2022
This was such a fun read!

We see the origins of his solo career when there is a break up of the partnership between Bruce and Dick and how it happens after a mission with the Titans and them rescuing a kid, him venturing out on his own and meeting Superman and learning about the kryptonian superhero Nightwing and then following Dick to the Circus again and having strange encounters there and team up with Batgirl after donning his new avatar and finally teaming with the new Robin Jason and saving Alfred in a hilarious story and maybe getting his groove back again!

Its such a good story and I love the way the writers explore it and make it seamless these different aspects of his life and the evolution of Dick from Robin to Nightwing and I love the way they included Superman here and its different sure but fun and retaining his usual charms and having Killer Croc as the villain was a fun addition and makes for some interesting storylines. Plus the art is SO GOOD, some of the best DC art ever and also Dick and Babs early hints here. Its one of those stories that makes you the love the character more. MUST RECOMMEND!
Profile Image for Rylan.
402 reviews15 followers
April 20, 2021
I enjoyed this, I was a little underwhelmed compared to the other year one comics I have read. It was nice seeing Dick break away and become his own person, I think his story is relatable to almost everyone who comes to the point in their lives where they break away from their parents and come into their own. A lot of great Bat Family moments especially with Dick and Barbara, I love their dynamic in the early years of Gotham before the Bat Family got overwhelmingly larger. Jason was also in here, he’s a little shit. I never read much of Jason as Robin so it was nice seeing him. I’m surprised how close the Titans show got to this characterization of him. Overall a decent introduction to the character that was hindered by some pretty meh artwork
Profile Image for erika.
407 reviews
May 10, 2017
all my life i've been trying my best to impress you. i'm supposed to be your partner--not your boy wonder. actual words dick grayson has said to bruce wayne

*my obsession with robin continues* or nightwing. or dick grayson. or teen titan. or whatever.



highlights:
*i can't believe actually i can that this is in its entirety an angsty love letter to batman.
*this is a circus, remember? bright lights? flashy clothes? him in a nutshell
*omg because he's an acrobat they'd call him ANGEL WITHOUT WINGS that is so true 4 me
*still have sawdust in your blood, boy wonder?
*I AM LITERALLY DYING THIS HAS BATGIRL AND ROBIN MY TWO FAVES OF ALL TIME!!! I AM SO GRATEFUL
*he calls her babs and she calls him man wonder oh my...
*he bought her takeout dinner on their first date and she let him ride on her bike i honestly do not deserve this
*you'll understand if i leave the rest of what happened that night between batgirl and me. don't you dare
*A CLARICE STARLING REFERENCE FUCK ME

basically dick's emancipation from batman was all about making nightwing a household name in the messiest and wildest way with my love barbara gordon by his side. he leaves robin behind but he will never leave batman. he's as loyal to him as he was the day he was first recruited. i need to die bye
Profile Image for Lashaan Balasingam.
1,475 reviews4,623 followers
July 11, 2020


You can find my review on my blog by clicking here.

Being a vigilante doesn't mean that you have to go at it alone. When your vision of crime-fighting coincides with others, the unexpected can happen and allies are formed when you least expect it. This is all good as long as everyone is fighting for the same cause, right? For Batman, his help came in the form a child who had nowhere else to go. Acting both as a father figure, Batman mentors Dick Grayson into becoming the first Robin to swing through the night sky alongside the Dark Knight as they fought off the countless villains who roam the streets of Gotham. While their time together was filled with memorable adventures, their commitment didn't match over time as Batman continuously bled for Gotham and Robin found himself splitting his time between the Caped Crusader and the Teen Titans. This is was the moment for him to spread his wings and fly away from his nest to become his own thing.

What is Nightwing: Year One about? Fighting crime in Gotham isn't an easy task. Following a tragedy at a circus that cut the wings off the Flying Graysons, a child was orphaned until Bruce Wayne swept in to offer him a new purpose to his life. After years serving Batman as Robin, he is now fired from his duties and left to work out life away from his mentor. Seeking advice from other costumed heroes, he goes adrift and returns to the circus where his life took a tragic turn only to realize that fighting crime will always be in his heart. While he still believes in the Dark Knight's crusade, it's time for him to don a new uniform, a new name, and a new lifestyle. Collecting Nightwing issues #101-106, this story-arc presents the origin story of the first Boy Wonder turned into Nightwing.

See how Batman and Robin formed the greatest dynamic duo of all time? Well, writer Chuck Dixon and Scott Beatty make sure to accentuate Dick Grayson's ability to singlehandedly bring in the full force of dynamism on us. His odyssey also enlightens him as to how he wants to move forward now that Batman cut all strings attached to him. He thus seeks advice from heroes like Superman who coincidentally ends up being the one who will present the origin story of his new name. The story in itself doesn't have a linear narrative with a main villain as it essentially focuses on Dick Grayson's quest for self-discovery. Every issue explores Dick Grayson's character and the allies he still has to help him out. Inevitably, Batman also ends up finding the next Boy Wonder who will end up facing Dick Grayson in a battle of ego. The story is also narrated by Dick Grayson, as if he's talking to Batman, giving us key insight on his understanding of the Dark Knight's way of life, himself, and how the world around him works.

Ironically, the artwork captures the explosive and vivid colours that would normally be associated with Robin's character. This helps in reminding the reader that Dick Grayson doesn't necessarily change as to who he is. He simply adapts to his newly-found independence and goes out into the world with all the lessons he's learned from Batman. The penciling is a bit rough and remains the weakest element of this origin story. While the visual style can be easy to get used to, the character designs aren't that impressive at all. The cartoonish artwork does, however, allow for some entertaining action sequences that are further complemented by the silly banter. Without any grit, gore, or vulgarity, this origin story is simply uplifting and inspiring at the end of the day.

Nightwing: Year One is a solid and entertaining origin story revealing Robin's tale of independence and self-discovery.

Yours truly,

Lashaan | Blogger and Book Reviewer
Official blog: https://bookidote.com/
Profile Image for Michael.
263 reviews5 followers
November 2, 2021
This is the story of how Dick transitioned from Robin to Nightwing and it was really good!

This is the first story for me where Dick has been the main focus of the story and I really enjoyed it, I definitely like him as a character and it was good to get a crash course of his world which is what this good kind of does. It’s interesting to see him with Jason and Dick trying to find himself in a sense. The art here was also good, same cartoon feel as Robin year one that I liked.

Overall a very good introduction to Nightwing and has left me wanting to see more of him, might have to get some Nightwing books after I’m done with Batman!
Profile Image for Anna.
241 reviews478 followers
August 22, 2019
This was...very, very, good. I really enjoyed seeing how Dick went from "Robin" to "Nightwing". I also liked the introduction to Jason.
Profile Image for Himanshu Karmacharya.
1,146 reviews113 followers
April 4, 2020
Nightwing: Year One is a story about self-exploration and finding one's true identity, that is full of optimism and positive vibes.
Profile Image for Dr Rashmit Mishra.
907 reviews93 followers
February 9, 2025
So a lot of negativity for this online . Sure , this isn't a masterpiece but man i liked this a lot . It had its flaw , like the art style , i admit it's not consistent enough on every panel to make everyone a fan and then there's the plot which felt rushed at every stage but i felt that the book wanted to tell a story and it did it magnificently although a little rushed . In the end it's a good origin book to read for new readers to introduce themselves with Nightwing and Jason Todd and also get old readers a new story to latch on to .
Profile Image for Alexander Draganov.
Author 30 books154 followers
April 10, 2020
Найтуинг е един от любимите ми супергерои, който обаче за жалост рядко се появява във филми и сериали, а когато това става, най-често си изяжда боя, което от един момент става леко досадно. Бях си свалил комиксите за него преди доста време и все не стигах до тях, докато коронавирусът не се стовари отгоре ни и сега най-после реших да наваксам.
https://citadelata.com/nightwing-year...
Profile Image for ashleigh.
305 reviews297 followers
Read
April 30, 2022
gonna hold off on an official rating bc this is my first superhero comic so i think i need to read more to get used to the style and learn more of the lore :)
Profile Image for Ryan Stewart.
501 reviews41 followers
October 11, 2014
Very enjoyable read. Chuck Dixon just gets Dick Grayson and he spins a pretty good thread with this story from beginning to end. It's a coming-of-age tale that is equal parts Nightwing's emergence and the passing of the torch to Jason Todd. Also, the dialogue between Babs and Dick is spot-on. This is a lot of fun. There need to be more tales like this these days.
Profile Image for Daniel Sepúlveda.
845 reviews84 followers
April 20, 2022
Puntaje: 4.7 Estrella

Chuck Dixon se está convirtiendo poco a poco en uno de mis autores favoritos de Comics. Sus Year One son fascinantes.
En este caso, conoceremos el contexto detrás de la transición de Dick Grayson entre Robin y Nightwing, con detalles acerca de su discusión con Batman, el ingreso de un nuevo Robin y el cambio en la burocracia de la familia del murcielago.

Muy recomendado y entra perfectamente en el orden de lectura de Batman para mi sitio web.
Profile Image for James DeSantis.
Author 17 books1,205 followers
July 9, 2022
Meh. Besides issue 2 which was pretty good convos between Superman and Nightwing. It was cute, and really fun, but the rest? Meh boringggggggggggggggg.
Profile Image for Veronika.
Author 1 book154 followers
September 23, 2025
Bruce kommt hier extrem kalt rüber (aber auch irgendwie tragically obsessed?), Dick ist wie üblich unfassbar charming und charismatisch. Und das zufällige Team-up zwischen Jason und Dick am Ende is super cute.
Profile Image for Juan.
150 reviews2 followers
March 13, 2025
Awesome origins story of DC Comics: Nightwing. It is cool collection and the 20th anniversary for Nightwing in DC Comics Universe.

There's a lot of cool different art designs and fun stories of how the 1st Robin becoming Nightwing for Teen Titans and The Bat-Family. Hopefully my home local public library they add more graphic novels and comics about 1st Robin and Nightwing.

I had fun reading this graphic novel from Augusta County Public Library/Stuarts Draft Public Library.

😯✌🏽👍🏽📚
Profile Image for Althea J..
363 reviews30 followers
August 1, 2013
The reason I got into reading comics was because I wanted to know more about what happened between Bruce and Dick. How they went from the Dynamic Duo to having such distance and drama between them. Nightwing: Year One is an excellently executed and substantial piece of that story.

I love Dick Grayson. I love his approach to life, I love his lighthearted and kind way of dealing with the world. He's such a great contrast for Bruce Wayne. I love Dick Grayson so it is absolutely no surprise that I would love a book that delves into his personal journey as he figures things out post-Robin. And given my fascination with the friction and distance caused by Dick outgrowing his role as Robin, I loved being able to learn about the pivotal confrontation that pushes him out into the world on his own. I also loved seeing Dick's dynamics with characters like Superman and Batgirl.

If you are interested in how Nightwing came to be, this is your book.
Profile Image for Matt Thomas.
136 reviews15 followers
March 25, 2012
Origin story of Nightwing, born from the ashes of his career as the first Robin. Late (or rather barely on time) too often, Batman fires Dick who then goes to Superman for advice. This leads to the realization he needs to find a place to "come home to" and, although he tries the circus, he turns instead to becoming a hero in his own right, comes back to Gotham and finds himself. After working alongside Batgirl, then teaming up with the new Robin, Jason Todd, to save Alfred, Batman welcomes him back. But he does not come.

This is one of those stories that make you sad that you're finished and, since it's just a graphic novel, you're finished pretty quick. Great on story, character connections, dialog, and information to fill in understanding about later "Batman universe" story lines.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for sevendioxa.
27 reviews2 followers
December 1, 2024
Mi primer cómic del culón. Era exactamente lo que esperaba, me gustó leerlo y me gustaron los dibujos, me costó un montón decidirme por cuál leer primero pero me alegro de que fuera este. Muy chulo 👌
305 reviews
February 4, 2023
Nightwing: Year One was okay. It was a decent origin story for Dick/Nightwing. I like his personality. He's fun and witty. He's also clever. It was cool learning about how he became Nightwing and the reasoning for his superhero name. So was his interactions with other superheroes. I particularly seeing his interactions with Barbara/Batgirl and Jason Todd/Robin. They were fun and Dixon did a nice job in showing their dynamics as well as the conflicts between them. The various mini-stories kept me interested too.

However, Dick's character arc, as fun as it was, is too rushed. From the start, we are thrown into the midst of the action and Dick's journey to becoming Nightwing was a bit rapid. I think it would have been better if more time was taken to show the tensions between Bruce/Batman and Dick and flesh out his journey a bit more rather than breezing through and telling us a few details.

I also had issues with Bruce Wayne's/Batman's characterization and pacing of his storyline. His firing of Dick was a bit sudden. I can understand the reasons behind it, but, as mentioned earlier, his partnership (and tensions within the partnership) should have been fleshed out. His selection of Jason Todd and Todd's Robin training was also rushed. The last training idea was out of character, especially given how impulsive and poorly planned out it was.

As for the antagonists, they weren't the best either. We got to see several of Batman's most well-known antagonists, like Joker, Killer Croc, and Clayface. I enjoyed seeing the action as Nightwing took them on. However, they didn't particularly stand out and their plans were not complex.

Overall, Nightwing: Year One is fun, but had characterization and pacing issues.
Profile Image for Hugo Seriese.
157 reviews
June 4, 2023
Ja ik had bij deze TPB toch het gevoel dat het winning team niet meer de magie van vroeger bezat. En het probleem met ALLES invullen van storylines waar eerst alleen maar naar gehint werd, is toch dat het juist iets van de magie weghaalt.
Net als Bruce de wereld ging rondreizen voor ie batman werd, ik wil niet TOT OP DE MINUUT weten wat ie daar toen allemaal heeft gedaan. Het moet een beetje mysterieuze blurry periode blijven.
Verder wel leuk allemaal natuurlijk, ik bedoel het blijven McD en Dixon!
Profile Image for Thomas Woodruff.
22 reviews
August 22, 2025
this one was so good. i like how the story is able to tie in Jason Todd and Dick's origin stories as Robin and how those both propel him into becoming Nightwing. i love the dynamic between him and batgirl which remains my favorite comic book romance 🤤 i also appreciate how killer croc is used as this disfigured mob boss who is competing for ground against two face - instead of his typical big dumb crocodile persona.

overall the art style and story were incredibly engaging and seeing more and more of Nightwing has him inching towards Batman for my favorite superhero 👀
Displaying 1 - 30 of 294 reviews

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