Dark days are ahead for the Nightwing. A variant cover for Dark Crisis #1 from artist Bruno Redondo shows Gotham’s finest heroes stepping out on their own from Batman. Leading the charge is Dick Grayson, who may have no choice but to shepherd his family through the uncertainty.
Redondo’s cover is one of several variants for the event comic, Dark Crisis, a crossover that comes hot on the heels of the deaths of the Justice League. While much of the epic story remains unknown, some details have come to light, like a new League emerging in the wake of a catastrophe. Younger heroes are going to be crucial during Dark Crisis as the newest generation fights against ancient forces to save the lost Justice League.
In a brilliant display, Bruno Redondo’s variant for Dark Crisis #1 speaks to the impact of the legacy the older heroes are leaving behind. Under the glowing cape of Batman, nearly every hero the Dark Knight has personally trained emerges from the light. Leading the Bat-Family is Nightwing, embracing his daredevil roots and running headfirst into the unknown. Redondo pointed out a source of inspiration for his variant on Twitter, noting that the cover was intended as an homage to a piece by George Pérez. Much like Redondo’s cover, Dick Grayson steps out from under Batman and takes the lead towards his own future.
Aside from being a stunning homage to Pérez's work, Redondo's cover hints at what the future holds for Dick Grayson. Having fought alongside Batman the longest, no one knows the operation as intimately as him. After all, he's taken up the mantle of Batman twice before: once when Bruce was broken by Bane and again when Batman seemingly died during Final Crisis. However, Dick isn't likely to be called to wear the cowl this time with Jace Fox now serving as Batman. But while Jace will most definitely have his own role to play on the newest incarnation of the Justice League, it looks like Nightwing will have a job more suited to his particular skills.
The death of Batman is no doubt going to have a fallout among the of the Bat-Family. The relationship Bruce has with his allies are all complex in their own way, and his sudden ing may be too much for the team to bear individually. Fortunately, no one's as good at communication and empathy as Nightwing. His emotional honesty may be the thing the family needs in a leader to help them unite amid a catastrophe. In the past, Dick was a good Batman who stepped up to wear the mantle when he needed to. But going forward, the Bat-Family will need Nightwing just as he is if they want to overcome their terrible loss.
