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, Graphic Novels, Dc Comics, Fiction, Comic Book

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

[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

[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.

[Amber Reed · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[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.

[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.

[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

[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💗

[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.

[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

[Addison · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just recently started to get into comics and I have to say this was so fireeeee. I found it at indigo and thought it could be a good read and it so was. The drawing are amazing and the plot actually kept me interested. I liked it so much that I'm looking for the other volumes!!! Plus its I love how I can finish these types of books in a day, I find it so satisfying

[Ryan MacLean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honestly loved the writing from Tom Taylor and art from Bruno. Feels slightly incomplete as Heartless wasn’t really dealt with, etc. Hopefully there will be a part 2 or whatever it may be. Art: 10/10 Writing: 10/10

[Ali Rogers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible compact comic! I now have to get the omnibus of Tom Taylor’s nightwing run to see how the story plays out, so many cool Easter eggs and references to previous Nightwing omnibus and compendium stories

[Keniel Ortiz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this was great the main story with blockbuster and all is solid, the art was beautiful, the villains were cool and the little tie ins with Wally, the titans and Superman were fun.
Overall a 9/10

[Colin Hearn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fantastic Nightwing story and amazing art. I just hate the ‘secret sibling’ thing that DC does from time to time. This time it’s not that big of a deal, but it’s a trope that I find very frustrating.

[L · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5

[Roni llaz · Rating 4 out of 5]

was a nice and fun read love how vibrant the art is in this comic is

[Zachary Hatrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like Nightwing, but I like Bitewing even more

[Alexander Sewilam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sets up a lot of stuff that it doesn't finish, but other than that the art and characters and story is amazing

[Michael Wormsbecher · Rating 5 out of 5]

So much fun to read!

[ThatBookishGal · Rating 4 out of 5]

my first Nightwing comic and I will be back for more!!

[Diego · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very beautiful artwork and a great story with so many heroes that care about Nightwing. Great stuff

[Aleks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a fun read, with part one of "Get Greyson" being so creatively illustrated, it has been a while since I loved the art in a comic so much.

[Jesus Saldivia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really fun and well-crafted! I wonder if it’s true that this collects the best part of the entire run.

[Pearl Beairsto · Rating 5 out of 5]

there's a reason he's my favourite super hero and it has nothing to do with his looks

[drew mckinney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love how important Babs was to this story. My queen.

[Michael Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easily the most enjoyable Nightwing book that I've ever read. I will be reading more from this writer/artist combo!

[Kika ִ⋆ ࣪ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easily the best Nightwing comic I've ever read. I love this man and I love this characterization. AND HIM AND JON ARE SO CUTE.
Plus, Babs🙂‍↕️🙇🏻‍♀️