Summary

• Nightwing #114 will kick off a five-part story arc titled Fallen Grayson, concluding Tom Taylor and Bruno Redondo's Nightwing run.
• The story arc will see Nightwing lose his ability to leap, leading to significant changes and a new appearance.
• While it marks the end of Taylor and Redondo's run, it also signifies a new beginning for Nightwing and leaves him in a great place to go forward.

Over the past years, Nightwing has soared to unparalleled heights, leading the Titans as DC's premier superhero team and taking charge in crisis events like Beast World and Dark Crisis. However, the original Boy Wonder is on the brink of a fall that will forever change him, heralded by a striking new appearance that symbolizes this profound transformation.

We wanted to show how high this Flying Grayson could soar. Now, it's time for him to fall. -Tom Taylor

On May 21, 2024, Nightwing #114, by Tom Taylor and Bruno Redondo, will kick off a groundbreaking five-part story arc titled Fallen Grayson. This arc also signifies the conclusion of Taylor and Redondo's Nightwing run as they bid farewell to the iconic hero they've propelled to unparalleled heights through their all-star collaboration.

While acknowledging that this ending may sadden many fans, the duo assures that it's the right time and promises to conclude "in a big way." This final chapter will bring about significant changes for Dick Grayson, including a noteworthy new appearance, complete with a commendable mountain-man beard.

The Fall of Nightwing: Dick Grayson’s Wings Get Clipped (And He Also Gets a Beard)

Nightwing #114 will witness the culmination of Heartless's sabotage of Nightwing and how Dick "loses his ability to leap." This vague description remains scarce in detail but confirms Dick has lost his ability to leap off buildings, impairing his heroic abilities and responsibilities. For a Flying Grayson to be grounded is sure to have profound and lasting effects on Dick's character. This character-shattering change aligns with Nightwing growing out a beard, and as history has shown—case in point: Thor in Avengers: Endgame—when a hero whips out a beard, emotional distress and tears are rarely far behind.

Fans may harbor concerns upon learning about the impending angst-filled final chapter for Nightwing, but Taylor and Redondo remain resolute in their belief that the direction they are taking Dick Grayson is the correct one. Taylor elaborated that when he and Bruno initially took on Nightwing, their aim was to showcase Dick Grayson as an A-List hero and elevate him to a deserving pedestal—a goal they undeniably achieved. However, they now feel that the time has come for this exceptionally long arc to reach its fitting and timely conclusion. Taylor emphasized, "Now, it's time for [Dick Grayson] to fall."

The Nightwing Era of Taylor and Redondo May Be Ending, But Dick Grayson Will Live On

While Fallen Grayson may signal the conclusion of Taylor and Redondo's run on Nightwing, it certainly doesn't mark the end for the character. Both the writer and artist have affirmed that there is still a future for the original Boy Wonder, even beyond their tenure. Taylor expressed optimism about Nightwing's trajectory, stating that the final arc leaves him "in a great place to go forward." Similarly, Redondo shared sentiments of hope, acknowledging that while the events of this arc may evoke sadness among fans, they will also pave the way for growth. Thus, this arc signifies not an end but rather a new beginning for Nightwing.

“It will make many people sad,” said Redondo, “but it’ll also build. One last ride, full Tom and Bruno. If we are gonna end this (and every long arc needs to find its end), we are gonna make it in a big way.”

“I’m with you, Bruno, and Nightwing really is in a great place to go forward,” finished Taylor. “As our time with Nightwing sadly draws to an end, Dick leads the DC universe with the Titans and has been the front man for two massive events in Dark Crisis and Beast World. I couldn’t be happier.”

Nightwing #114 will be released on May 21, 2024, from DC Comics!

Source: DC Comics