Warning! Spoilers for Nightwing 2021 Annual #1
It has been revealed that Nightwing accidentally caused the second Robin Jason Todd’s death. Although DC Comics readers voted for the boy wonder to meet his end at the hands of the Joker in 1988, Dick Grayson also played a part in his demise.
Through recent years, Dick and Jason have grown in their relationship as two past Robins. In spite of their contrasting ideologies as Nightwing and Red Hood, there are several ways in which they relate. As former sidekicks to the Batman, they share many distinct experiences and have been known to disagree with Bruce’s recruitment style at times. During a flashback to Jason’s time as the second Robin, their brotherly bond is elaborated on, and it isn’t the dynamic that might expect. As they patrol Gotham City, Nightwing and Robin hang out in Nightwing 2021 Annual #1, written by Tom Taylor with art by Daniel HDR and Cian Tormey.
While Dick Grayson takes Jason Todd under his wing, he gives strange advice to his successor. Noticing that Jason is talkative in the field, Nightwing instructs him to use it to his advantage. Since Batman tends to keep silent, the dynamic duo needs to strike a balance. As Batman takes out criminals, Robin needs to present them with a distraction. In 1988, readers voted in a poll by DC Comics for Jason to die, largely motivated by how annoying his personality was. In this sense, Jason’s death can be attributed to Dick’s advice. “It’s not just for the sake of it. It’s to be a distraction. You and Batman will be a more effective team if you can be annoying.” “Oh, I can be annoying."
When Dick Grayson was created, his sole function was for Batman to have someone to talk to during his adventures. Whereas before he was on his own with thoughts relegated to narration, Robin provided the opportunity for dialogue, and an additional layer of story with their crimefighting partnership. Although Dick was never known for his constant banter, he was still an outlet for the Dark Knight to communicate his own perspective.
In the context of Jason’s death, the Joker seemed eager to kill a Robin who was just as irritating to him as the fans. When Jason returned to Gotham City as Red Hood, he blamed Batman for his death. However, the sudden twist reasserts the blame onto Nightwing for giving him such poor advice.
Nightwing 2021 Annual #1 is available now wherever comic books are sold.
