Summary

  • The Flash #9 proves that Dick Grayson and Wally West have one of the deepest bonds in the DC Universe.
  • Nightwing and Flash prove their friendship persists even when time, space, and math are nonexistent.
  • The Nightwing/Flash scene connects The Flash series with larger DC events, including the build-up to Absolute Power.

WARNING: Contains Potential Spoilers for Flash #9!Flash share one of the greatest bromances in the entire DC Universe, and a brilliant scene from the latest Flash comic highlights just how deep their bond runs, transcending even familial ties. This moment also grounds the series within the larger continuity in a simple yet brilliant manner that fans will surely appreciate.

The Flash #9 beautifully showcases the deep love that Dick Grayson and Wally West have for each other.

Si Spurrier, Ramón Pérez, and Vasco Georgiev’s The Flash #9 takes Wally West back to the garden of moving statues that exist outside time, space, and math. In this garden resides an entity known as "The Rest," who refers to the statues—primarily depicting Wally’s loved ones—as "a labyrinth of doorways" that help transport Wally to said loved ones.

The Flash #9 featuring Wally West and Nightwing Statue

While in the garden, Wally attempts to distance himself from his family and friends, fearing he puts them in danger, and turns the statues away from him. However, one statue refuses to stay turned away—Nightwing.

The fact that only Dick’s statue refused to stay turned away from Wally, out of all the statues representing his family and friends, including his wife, speaks volumes about their friendship.

The Flash Proves That Wally West and Dick Grayson Have One of the Deepest Bonds in the DC Universe

It’s important to note that the garden causes Wally to forget the names of his loved ones and their relationships with him. So when he teleports to Nightwing out of curiosity about why his statue won’t stay turned away, he doesn’t fully Dick’s name or the extent of their bond. Absentmindedly, Wally mentions how Nightwing’s statue keeps turning back and asks if he is correct in assuming they are close. Nightwing, understandably confused, tries to ask questions, but Wally presses on, warning Dick to stop thinking of him as he’s trying to prevent himself from hurting those close to him.

The fact that only Dick’s statue refused to stay turned away from Wally, out of all the statues representing his family and friends, including his wife, speaks volumes about their friendship, defying the very nature of the garden. At the end of their conversation, Wally even re Dick’s name as he says goodbye, further solidifying their exceptionally unique and strong bond. Additionally, Dick, realizing something is wrong with his friend, takes it upon himself to remind Wally who he is: “You’re the best father, best husband, and best friend I ever met.This scene beautifully showcases the deep love that Nightwing and Flash have for each other.

The Nightwing / Flash Scene Brilliantly Grounds Spurrier’s Series in Main Continuity Without Deviating From Main Plot Lines

Comic book art: Titans walking heroically, featuring Cyborg, Starfire, Raven, Nightwing, Beast Boy, Wonder Girl, and Flash

In addition to beautifully showcasing Wally and Dick’s friendship, this scene brilliantly grounds The Flash series within the larger continuity. Upon Wally’s sudden appearance, Dick greets him by saying he was wondering when the speedster would show up, given the current state of the DCU. Spurrier’s subtle dialogue also indirectly references Amanda Waller and her ongoing crusade against metas, as well as the major developments in Tom Taylor’s current Nightwing run, including Dick’s new paralyzing fear of leaping. Thus, this scene with Nightwing seamlessly connects The Flash series with larger DC events, such as the build-up to Absolute Power.

The Flash #9 is available now from DC Comics!

THE FLASH #9 (2024)

The Flash 9 Main Cover: Wally West races in front of Inspector Pilgrim.
  • Writer: Si Spurrier
  • Artist: Ramón Pérez & Vasco Georgiev
  • Colorist: Matt Herms
  • Letterer: Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou
  • Cover Artist: Ramón Pérez
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.

Alias
Jay Garrick, Barry Allen, Wally West, Bart Allen, Avery Ho
Created By
Gardner Fox, Harry Lampert, Carmine Infantino
Franchise
D.C.
Race
Human
First Appearance
Flash Comics
Alliance
Justice Society of America, Justice League, Teen Titans

The Flash is the superhero name given to the DC Comics character who utilizes unparalleled speed tied to a dimensional power known as the "speed force" to overwhelm their opposition. Premiering in 1939, the original Flash arrived as Jay Garrick. Still, it would be superseded by Barry Allen in popularity and featured status, but the Flash is one character that has met many of their alternate selves. The character is typically seen as a part of the Justice League in nearly all incarnations.