Nightwing: Leaping into the Light

DC Compact Comics

by Tom Taylor, Bruno Redondo (Illustrator), Neil Edwards (Illustrator)

Dick Grayson is back in Blüdhaven—and this time, he’s not just fighting crime, he’s changing the city. With a new mission, a loyal dog, and a mysterious villain stealing hearts—literally—Nightwing leaps into the light to become the hero his city needs. But when the world learns “Get Grayson,” the stakes rise higher than ever.

Nightwing: Leaping into the Light – DC Compact Comics Edition collects Nightwing Vol. 1: Leaping into the Light (issues #78–83) and Nightwing Vol. 2: Get Grayson (issues #84–88). Written by Tom Taylor and illustrated by Bruno Redondo, this critically acclaimed run redefines Dick Grayson’s role in the DC Universe. As he inherits a fortune and a new purpose, Nightwing must face a terrifying new villain named Heartless and navigate a conspiracy that puts a target on his back. With vibrant storytelling, heartfelt moments, and stunning visuals, this edition is perfect for new readers and longtime fans alike.

Genres: Comics, Dc Comics, Graphic Novels, Graphic Novels Comics, Comics Manga, Comix, Adventure

296 pages, Paperback

Published March 3, 2026

About the author

Once a professional juggler and fire eater, Tom Taylor is a #1 New York Times Bestselling, multi-award-winning comic book writer, playwright and screenwriter.

Well known for his work with DC Comics and Marvel, Taylor is the co-creator of NEVERLANDERS from Penguin Random House, SEVEN SECRETS from Boom Studios and the Aurealis-Award-winning graphic novel series THE DEEP. Taylor is also the Head Writer and Executive Producer of The Deep animated series, four seasons of which is broadcast in over 140 countries.

He is perhaps best known for the DC Comics series, DCEASED (Shadow Awards Winner), NIGHTWING (nominated for 5 Eisner Awards), SUPERMAN: SON OF KAL-EL (GLAAD Award Nominee), INJUSTICE: GODS AMONG US, SUICIDE SQUAD, EARTH 2 and BATMAN/SUPERMAN as well as Marvel's FRIENDLY NEIGHBORHOOD SPIDER-MAN, ALL NEW WOLVERINE, X-MEN: RED, DARK AGES and SUPERIOR IRON MAN. Taylor is also the writer of many Star Wars series, which include STAR WARS: INVASION and STAR WARS: BLOOD TIES (Stan Lee Excelsior Award winner). Taylor has written for Marvel, DC Comics, Dark Horse Comics, IDW Publishing, Boom Studios, Wildstorm, 2000 AD and Gestalt Comics.

He can be followed on twitter @TomTaylorMade.

Reviews

[Iain · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good, but Nightwing still feels a little lightweight, and giving Dick Grayson an almost identical story to Bruce Wayne only casts him in the shadow of Batman further. The art is excellent, the story has potential but unfortunately stops in this volume just as it's heating up - so hopefully a follow up collection will come.

[dani · Rating 5 out of 5]

no cause he’s fine asf!! now i understand why everyone is stressing about his casting in the movie😭😭😭😭 but aside from that this was crazy interesting and hes such a funny and great character

[Van · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nightwing you have to stop. You smoke too tough. Your swag too different. Your girl is too bad. They’ll kill you

[Amber Reed · Rating 5 out of 5]

First time reading Nightwing comics - I’m obsessed!!

[gabby · Rating 5 out of 5]

i think this was really good! the art was amazing albeit the feeling that they were definitely being drawn for some panels to go viral…. but it’s a good and fun introduction into hunting for those who are just getting into comics or don’t know a lot about him. it definitely leaned into fanon sometimes, but not enough to take you out the story. i love dick taking in the job of being jon’s mentor and i love him forging his own path but still being connected with the titans and trying to carry on alfred’s legacy. a great collection of stories and it’s hard to put down once you start reading!!

[☆ Savannah Moreau ☆ · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 🌟

This was delightful in all the right ways, EXACTLY what I was looking for in a Nightwing comic

First of all, give a round of applause to the illustrators for the SCRUMPTIOUS art style. Every single character was done right in this one, especially Dick Grayson 😉

I was literally screaming every time a special appearance from another character popped up. First it was Barbara, then it was MY BOY TIM, then the titans!!! then superman, then Jon Kent's superboy (AHHH), then Wally West????? SO MANY SPECIAL APPEARANCES AND I LOVE EVERY SINGLE ONE OF THEM

Also?? The batfam has a group chat?? LOVEEEE 🫶🫶🫶

I cried a little when Bruce called Dick about Alfred and the PICTURE OF ALFRED WITH ITTY BITTY BRUCIE?? 😭 OBVIOUSLY IM NOT GOING TO BE STONE-FACED FOR THAT ONE IM NOT HEARTLESS

Haley AKA Bitewing was the best puppy I love her, just thought she deserved a mention 🫰

The random twist that Dick had a half sister was crazy though, and I almost shouted WHAT in the middle of a baseball game..

(I am not screaming because the team made a home run I am screaming because Tim Drake just showed up in my comic!)

Jon mentioning Damian in this.. I will take all the supersons crumbs I can get thank you (I am still bitter about DC aging him up randomly)

I could go on forever about my love for these characters but I will refrain for the sake of those determined to read the entire length of my reviews 💙

(a special dedication to Tim Drake because we love him)

[ten thousand bees · Rating 4 out of 5]

dick grayson is proof god loves us
also im a comic guy now

[Emmy Matson · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the better compact comics I've read. Lots of great cameos and beautiful art that is consistent and vibrant.

[charlotte · Rating 4 out of 5]

oh richard grayson you’re so loved :(

[Nicholas Dehler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great to finally get a chance to read this- it is awesome. Artistically it really differentiates itself with a recognizable style and color palette in addition to some of the coolest visual storytelling I’ve seen. I love how Bruno Redondo draws sequence of events within the same panel- like showing the different moves that Nightwing does between seeing a thug and knocking him out, for instance. Rather than showing him noticing them boom he knocks the guy out, Redondo frequently adds after-images to show how he runs up the stairs, dodges a bullet, leaps into the air, then lands a blow, all within the same panel. It allows him to really illustrate great action without dragging the book out by making every sequence like this 5+ panels. This style has created some really iconic panels as well. I also like how Redondo illustrates Nightwing’s eskrima sticks every time he uses them in a new way, going close up to show what Nightwing does and illustrate how the weapon works. It’s really cool and I appreciate it. Another visual element I love is how the characters are wearing DC heroes merch when in casual clothes, eg Barbara wearing a teen titans go shirt, Dick wearing a black canary shirt, etc. It’s a lot of fun. So artistically, this series is excellent. Narratively? It is also excellent, lol. I really admire what Tom Taylor has done with this run, which is essentially to create a really positive comic book even when it deals with a lot of really dark stuff. Like, Heartless is a villain who literally rips people’s hearts out. All is not well in this world by any means. But Dick Grayson is someone who has been through it in crazy ways and is still able to smile, crack a joke, and always do the right thing. The writing in this book really leans into the human side of superhero’s. Some highlights include Alfred’s letter to Dick, Dick being there for Jon Kent and giving him a hug when he’s hurting, how much Wally West cares about his best friend and watches over Dick- this story has none of the dark, gritty, going-it-aloneness of say a Batman story. Instead, it shows that what makes Dick a great superhero more than anything is that he is such a great person and a great friend. The bright colors complement this very well. Also, I love Bitewing (nightwings adopted 3 legged dog). Definitely will have to continue this run!

[Dominick Civitano · Rating 4 out of 5]

For a person who only has passing knowledge of Batman’s first Robin, this book was a great lead in to Dick Graysons escapades. It was a fun action packed run that makes me want to pick up the next series of Nightwing comics and was a great stepping on point for new readers looking to get into Nightwings story without being super confused about where he’s been.

[John D’Amato · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed the writing and the widespread characters. Story was a little all over the place and doesn’t get resolved in this compact. Feels a little bit cheap to not include all the issues but whatever.

[Emerson Ponce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Action, stakes, romance, and a shit load of cameos. Genuinely, the best Nightwing Comic run I've read. 10/10. No notes.

[Sam Perez · Rating 4 out of 5]

First time reading any Nightwing and honestly I liked it a lot. Really like how it feels like comical Batman

[Nora · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aside from the goofy ahh self insert girl this was pretty neat. I relate to Dick Grayson because I'm also in love with Barbara Gordon💚

[Elviera · Rating 5 out of 5]

The art: beautiful
The story: beautiful
Dick Grayson('s heart): beautiful

This was such a nice surprise! Loved how all the characters were written, especially Dick, Barbara and Wally. Really tugged at my heartstrings as well iykyk.💙

[Megan Heigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Baby’s first Nightwing comic!!
So fun and awesome, the art was breathtaking, and I loved loved loved the amazingly creative page/panel layouts!

I had so much fun reading, I thought the story was intriguing and had me reading for hours, I can’t wait for more.

Also they’re all so sexy hot mama 💕💗🫶🏻

[nora · Rating 5 out of 5]

first DC comic i’ve ever read and i have to say, im super impressed! i heard some people say that Tom Taylor’s run on Nightwing isn’t that good, but as a newbie, i’m very satisfied! and lemme say, dick grayson is FINEEEE

[Gunther Ramysen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ik ben me de laatste maanden echt aan het verdiepen in de superhelden comics, vooral door de mooie boeken van DC Compact Comics en de Marvel Premier Collection. Het zet je aan om de boeken voor een hele kleine prijs in huis te halen en de wondere wereld van Marvel en DC ontplooit zich voor je. De werelden van het MCU en het DCU beginnen voor mij steeds duidelijker te worden door de enorme hoop verhalen die je aantreft in de verschillende boeken. Je begint te beseffen dat er door de enorme hoeveelheid bronmateriaal nog allerlei richtingen uitgegaan kunnen worden. En waar ik stiekem op hoop is dat James Gunn aan de slag gaat met deze Nightwing en de wereld van dit personage naar de buitenwereld brengt. Liefst in een film, maar over een televisieserie zou ik ook niet klagen.

Robin is een personage dat me altijd is bijgebleven door de films. We zien hoe hij verder evolueert naar Nightwing en even komt zijn rol binnen de Teen Titans ook ter sprake. Het zorgt ervoor dat al deze personages in deze tijd hun mannetje staan en de tijdgeest aanvoelen. We zien vooral hoe Nightwing omgaat met een enorme erfenis die hij heeft gekregen, en hoe hij zijn moreel kompas gebruikt om hier iets mee te doen. Van wie hij deze krijgt zullen we maar niet zeggen want dan komen we te dicht bij enkele grote spoilers. Wat we wel kunnen zeggen is dat dit weer een uitstekende bundeling is waarin enkele interessante personages de revue passeren en we vooral zien hoe de wereld van DC fris wordt gehouden.

De zoon van Superman passeert en we zien hoe de verhalen echt wel in de wereld van nu staan. Nightwing: Leaping Into The Light is een interessante bundeling die de wereld van Batman weer wat meer diepgang geeft. Eentje die ons laat zien dat er nog zoveel te vertellen is over deze enorme hoop superhelden en dat het laatste absoluut nog niet in zicht is.

[Saad · Rating 3 out of 5]

For a book so controversial, I didn’t expect to be as bored as I was. Like, it’s not bad or anything like that, but nothing got much of a reaction out of me as I was reading. Still, it’s about as good of an aftermath after that Ric Grayson fiasco as you could probably hope for. I don’t really like Nightwing and Batgirl dating, especially since he uses familiar terms for Bruce and the other Robins. It also doesn’t help that DC is still being ableist and using a computer chip to let her walk again, though they’re at least letting her be Oracle again. The major addition to this run, Melinda Zucco, feels too similar to Sonia Zucco from the New 52 run by Kyle Higgins.

A lot of this just feels like fanon from Tumblr rather than a definitive take from a writer at DC Comics; a large part of that has to do with Dick being a Mary Sue in this book. He has no flaws, and everyone loves him and is willing to help at the drop of a hat, which just isn’t very interesting. The highlight of the book for me is Bruno Redondo’s artwork, especially his silhouette work. In issue 79, there’s some cool artwork of Nightwing fighting within the impact sounds, and I love the pacing of issue 87. And it’s for that and their glazing of Tim Drake that this trade paperback goes from two stars to three. Give it a try if you want, but there are better Nightwing books out there.

[absolutealissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

LOVE LOVE LOVEEE dick grayson. HATE HATE HATEEE repetitive storylines.
why was his story almost identical to bruce’s? the same little plot where one billionaire tries to start a cleansing of a city and ends up being targeted but he also has a vigilante persona
they were really playing it safe all throughout this entire comic, which disappointed me because i know we can get more from blüdhaven storylines.
loved the little cameos with superman, mr terrific, and ofc, the TITANS!!
seeing the titans in action was seriously a blessing because it saved this comic from 3 stars
AND, TIM DRAKE?!!! WELL HELLO MY BOYFRIEND WHO ALSO HAS A BOYFRIEND!!!
loved how barbara was portrayed, and although im a die hard kori x dick fan, babs and him were ADORABLE LIKE WHATTT!!!
not to mention the art style… there were so many panels where dick looked absolutely EDIBLE like 🤤

nonetheless i’m genuinely interested in this storyline and where they’re going with this dick and secret sister who’s mayor working for blockbuster but actually helping dick plot… gimme more of that and less of repetitive fighting scenes pls💗

[Matty · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has not only become one of my favorite comics, but also introduced me to one of my favorite superheroes. After diving into a decent number of comics, it's safe to say that I prefer stories that feel more grounded and give their protagonists meaningful stakes (Absolute Martian Manhunter, Watchmen, V for Vendetta, etc.), and this book is no exception.

Nightwing: Leaping Into the Light follows Dick Grayson as he attempts to restore Blüdhaven and help pull the city away from its crime-ridden state. Reading this felt like a breath of fresh air, with a much more lighthearted atmosphere compared to most Batman-related comics. The story knew exactly when to expand and introduce new plotlines, and when to wrap up existing ones without overstaying its welcome.

There is a great sense of humanity throughout these volumes, and I would highly recommend them to anyone looking for a change of pace from darker, grittier stories.

The DC Compact Comics edition only contains the first two volumes of Leaping Into the Light, so I will definitely be continuing the rest of this run. It was simple, yet incredibly effective.

5 stars.

[Daniel Rivera · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

At first I was skeptical of the art style and the city of Bludhaven, as I had no experience with either. However, as I got used to Bludhaven I also got used to the art, and both proved to be phenomenal methods of letting Dick Grayson shine. The motion and agility that the art conveys and depicts is a fantastic way to follow the acrobatic movements of Nightwing and really visualize how fast and effective his flavor of violence is. The liveliness of and the different take on criminality within Bludhaven is also a very interesting way to separate it from Gotham. Paired together, the art and city set Dick Grayson/Nightwing apart from a Batman in Gotham story, which was important to do as he is his own character.

Speaking of Batman, I also very much enjoyed the cameos and sometimes full issue appearances of many other DC Characters. I was half disappointed that the story seems to stop in the middle of itself, as DC Compact Comics are usually self contained and I wanted to see where this all goes. The other half is happy that I get to read more and continue following one of my favorite heroes.

[Sam G. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the DC Compact books! They're a nice collection of good new stuff as well as the classics. Nightwing: Leaping into the Light was a great choice. It's not a complete story, but it's a great jumping on point for new readers. Tom Taylor balances his history with Batman and the Titans quite well, explaining some of his past but without bogging it all down in exposition.

I loved the sprawling action pages in "Get Grayson" #1. The sequential layouts showcase Nightwing's flashy acrobatics really well and it's pure comic book fun. I also loved the emotional heart in this book, as you get a genuine sense of Nightwing picking up the pieces of his life while helping others that need it. This book is a great example of why he's one of DC's best characters.

Overall, I would recommend this book, especially for new DC readers. DC has done a great job so far of making a line of accessible and affordable comics to pull in new fans.

[Ric Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

(4.5 Stars) I love when heroes actually care about human rights! If there was one word to describe this story, it's warming, both visually and thematically. It being such a long time since I have read a mainline DC graphic novel, I had forgotten the wholesome state that the Bat-Family and Super-Familys have reached in the comics. This book sees Dick in the aftermath of a massive death in his family, and it is nothing less than heartwarming to see how maturely he handles and honors the passing of this individual. This story is catapulted even further by the art which, even by itself, can make the reader feel the goodness in the characters and world the book depicts, with issue #87 being the most visually satisfying single issue I have ever read. The only flaw which stops me from giving this book a five star is Nightwing's uninteresting rogues gallery, but this is not enough to stop me from loving the uplifting journey this novel introduces.

[Tommy O'canyahearme · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this. Great intro to the character if you're new or a nice continuation if you've read previous material.

This is the first DC Compact comic I've read. While it is really nice for the price point you are sacrificing some of what the draw of comic books are. Obviously the page is a little bit smaller which is tough finding some of the little "easter eggs" or smaller prints on certain pages. Also the pages are printed on paper similar to older 80's or 90's comics vs the glossy paper modern books use. Thise likely alters the color just a touch from the artists intended look.

While this isn't the best format to read comics in, I was still able to enjoy the story. Some of the big "splash" pages or double page spreads would definitely be better with the full size but for the price this is a great way to enjoy more material.

[Mayssa · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars. Pretty much the strongest run Nightwing has ever had in his publication history. It has some of the best art and color work I’ve seen in a while. Tom Taylor just gets Dick on a fundamental level, there’s no other way to describe it. The detail that always bugs me when I read it though is the camera in the mask thing from Barbara. It simply makes no sense to me that Nightwing, a character whose entire evolution since the 90s was centered around independence and finding his own identity, would let his girlfriend put cameras in his mask for surveillance. It feels incredibly invasive and out of character for the two of them. I really wish the run would not focus so much on their couple because it really is the weakest part of it lmao

[maddee batman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nightwing really is one of the greats, this comic is packed with action, storytelling, and even a little budding romance between Dick and Barbara (Dick and Kori are better in my opinion but they’re still really cute). I found this comic to be visually stunning and compelling to read. It follows Dick as he is allotted with an inheritance following Alfred’s death. He chooses to go public with a plan to naw Blüdhaven a better place overall which of course makes him a lot of enemies. A lot happens in this so here are just my notes.
-I love Haley aka Bitewing sm and will protect her with my life
-the bat-family dynamic in this story is TO DIE for
- Wally and Dick remain one of my favorite DC Duo’s and I loved seeing them work together in this.

overall really good read: 4/5⭐️

[Ioannis Vasilakoglou · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok so I love the get Grayson thing it’s amazing and honestly very fun and this book in general was really funny some of the best moments where when nightwing was wearing Batman pijamas that was so funny and the whole thing about the bat family group chat was so funny but besides that the worlds finest sons was also very good I like how superman’s son sees dick as a role model and last but not least the wally west x dick Grayson was unmatched such a funny and peak duo and also amazing artwork for how cheap the book is the artwork is almost better than expensive ones because the ink gives it an og feeling and it’s honestly amazing will buy more compact comics

[lucy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I finally got my hands on this after years, and I'm not disappointed! As my first solo Nightwing comic, this was a great start. It got me familiar with him, Bludhaven, and his inner circle without making me feel overwhelmed by information. This compact version was definitely a better option for me to get more of the story in one sitting. My only gripe is the words getting lost in the crack of the book at times, but overall a pretty good read