Many fans argue that Nightwing” Grayson, a hero who can seemingly do no wrong in his father’s eyes. But even the Original Boy Wonder isn’t untouchable. Dick once crossed a line so unforgivable that Batman didn’t hesitate to disown him, revealing the one betrayal the Dark Knight will never tolerate, not even from his eldest son.

Before readers work themselves into a tizzy worrying that Nightwing and Batman are heading for another estrangement, there’s no need for concern. This particular betrayal takes place in C. R. C. Payne’s fan-loved Batman: Wayne Family Adventures Webtoon series, specifically episode #137, where Dick makes it clear that he favors Clark Kent over Bruce, the ultimate sin in his adoptive father's eyes.

While Nightwing’s preference for Superman is presented in a humorous way, there is always a little truth behind every joke. And even though this moment is not part of official continuity, it is still notable, as Dick’s favoritism toward Clark is often reflected in the mainstream canon as well.

Batman Disowns Nightwing After Major (Yet Hilarious) Betrayal

Comic s Come From C. R. C. Payne’s Batman: Wayne Family Adventures #137 (2024) - Art by Rhett Bloom, Suzi Blake, and Jace Camedon

Batman: Wayne Family Adventures is known for portraying the Bat-Family as a true family, with moments that range from heartwarming to emotional to downright hilarious. Episode #137 is no exception, delivering classic feel-good Bat-Family dynamics and humor. In a touching moment between Dick and Bruce, the latter expresses how proud he is of the man, hero, brother, and son that Dick has become. The heartfelt exchange continues as Dick responds, “I can’t take all the credit, you know. I had an incredible mentor who became like a second father to me. He’s the reason I became the man I am today.”

Both readers and Bruce naturally assume that Dick is referring to him. However, that assumption is hilariously shattered when Dick adds, “His name was Clark Kent. I owe him so much.” The scene quickly shifts from touching to comedic as Bruce experiences what can only be described as a mental short-circuit at his son openly itting his iration for Clark over him. Bruce fires back with, “I’m calling the lawyers. You’re disowned,” prompting Dick to burst out laughing. It’s clear neither of them is being entirely serious, making for a hilarious and heartfelt father-son moment, though Bruce is clearly a little less amused than Dick.

It’s True: Nightwing’s Favorite Superhero Is Superman

Comic Comes From C. R. C. Payne’s Batman: Wayne Family Adventures #6 (2021) - Art by Maria Li & Lan Ma

While it’s clear that Nightwing was teasing Bruce by calling Clark his second father and ultimate role model, there’s often a bit of truth in every joke. Dick has consistently shown a deep iration for Superman, with many interpreting the Man of Steel as his favorite hero, a claim ed by both Wayne Family Adventures and mainstream continuity. His preference is especially evident in Batman: Wayne Family Adventures #6, where he returns from the Hall of Justice with a box of superhero merch for his siblings while wearing a Superman hoodie. The implication is clear: Clark is his favorite, possibly even more than Batman.

Superman being Dick’s favorite is ed in mainstream continuity as well. The strongest piece of evidence lies in Dick’s chosen mantle, Nightwing, which is essentially a tribute to Superman. The name originates from Kryptonian mythology, and by adopting it, Dick not only shows his iration for Superman but also makes a conscious decision to step out of Batman’s shadow. Choosing a Superman-inspired identity instead of one tied to Batman speaks volumes about where Dick’s values and sense of self truly lie. So while the moment in WFA is played for laughs, it carries a deeper truth about Dick’s character and the hero he aspires to be.

Spoiler: Dick Grayson Is Superman’s All-Time Favorite Robin

Comic Comes From Tom King’s Superman: Up in the Sky #6 (2019) - Art by Andy Kubert

Dick’s arguable favoritism toward Superman isn’t one-sided. The Man of Steel has openly itted that Dick is his favorite in Superman: Up in the Sky #6 by Tom King and Andy Kubert. In the issue, a young girl saved by Superman asks him which Robin is his favorite. At first, Clark dodges the question, but eventually he relents and says, “The original. The first. He’s a friend of mine.” This moment makes it clear that Clark and Dick share an exceptionally strong bond, one that is reflected in mainstream continuity as well. While Batman disowning Nightwing in Wayne Family Adventures over his favoritism for Superman is undeniably hilarious, there’s just enough truth behind the joke to make it hit a little harder.

Batman: Wayne Family Adventures #137 is available now from DC Comics!

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  Nightwing

  Alias

  Dick Grayson

  Created By

  Edmond Hamilton, Curt Swan, Marv Wolfman, George Perez

  Franchise

  D.C.

  Race

  Human

  Alliance

  Teen Titans, Titans, Outsiders, Justice League, Batman Inc., Birds of Prey, Young Justice

  Nightwing is the superhero moniker taken up by Dick Grayson, upon his aging out of the Robin role and becoming a superhero of his own. Inspired by the original Kryptonian hero of the same name, Grayson has risen to comic book immortality with the identity, earning respect as one of the greatest leaders in the DC Universe.

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  Batman

  Alias

  Bruce Wayne

  FIRST APP

  Detective Comics #27 (1939)

  Created By

  Bob Kane, Bill Finger

  Franchise

  D.C.

  Race

  Human

  First Appearance

  Detective Comics

  One of DC's most iconic heroes, Batman is the vigilante superhero persona of billionaire Bruce Wayne. Forged by tragedy with the death of his parents, Bruce dedicated his life to becoming the world's leading martial artist, detective, and tactician. Recruiting an entire family of allies and sidekicks, Bruce wages war on evil as the dark knight of his hometown, Gotham City.

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