WARNING: Contains Potential Spoilers for TITANS #20!In a bold move, Titans, over the Bat-Family. This significant revelation about Dick and the Titans’ allegiances hints at potential conflict within the dynamics of the newly reformed Justice League.

This decision highlights Nightwing’s loyalty to the Titans over Batman in this case.

John Layman and Pete Woods return with Titans #20, which kicks off with a ionate kiss between team leader Donna Troy and Roy “Arsenal” Harper. However, this isn’t the only relationship dynamic worth noting in this issue. Nightwing makes a significant revelation regarding his priorities between the Bat-Family and the Titans, declaring the Titans his family.

This revelation coincides with Dick’s ission that he is wary of trusting the Justice League, emphasizing the importance of this moment, especially since the Titans are now part of the League and are expected to work alongside DC’s other heroes.

Sorry, Bat-Family: But Nightwing Just Prioritized the Titans as His Family

Comic Comes From John Layman’s Titans #20 (2025) – Art by Pete Woods

In Titans #20, Nightwing announces that the Titans are needed in Central Park, following up with, “Donna, once we fill you in, I think you’ll agree we’d better take care of this one ourselves. No Justice League. Probably best to keep this one in the family.” In this moment, Dick makes several things clear. First, despite the Titans technically being part of the Justice League, Dick and the team still see themselves as separate. Second, the problem in Central Park involves Raven and Beast Boy, and by explicitly stating “No Justice League,” Dick confirms their lack of trust in the League regarding matters that concern them.

Furthermore, by keeping this development from the Justice League, Dick is also withholding it from Batman and, by extension, the Bat-Family. This decision highlights Nightwing’s loyalty to the Titans over Batman in this case. While it doesn’t mean he will always prioritize the Titans over the Bat-Family, it does demonstrate that Dick has loyalties outside of Batman and his allies. Additionally, by referring to the Titans as “family,” Nightwing confirms what long-time fans have known: he views his team as a true family. This divide in loyalties between his two families has the potential to become messy, especially as the Titans' increasing distrust of the Justice League continues to grow.

As followers of Layman’s Titans run know, there has been ongoing tension between Donna Troy's team and the Justice League, with the Titans feeling the League is overstepping its oversight in their operations. Donna has also pointed out the pitfalls of having all of Earth’s heroes based in a single location, The Watchtower. Furthermore, as Titans #18 highlights, the team is concerned about the League's practice of indiscriminately imprisoning villains in the Phantom Zone. Hence, Nightwing’s decision to not inform the League of an issue caused by some of their own further illustrates the growing divide between the two teams.

Justice League Take Note: The Titans' Family Bond Is the Key to Their Efficiency as a Team

Comic Page Comes From Mark Waid’s Justice League Unlimited #1 (2024) – Art by Dan Mora

While potential drama looms regarding Nightwing’s ultimate loyalties, it is refreshing to hear him once again refer to the Titans as family, reminding fans that the group is much more than just a team. Their exceptionally close bonds have set them apart from other DC teams. This family-like relationship, built on trust and mutual respect, is something the Justice League has historically lacked (see: Tower of Babel). However, despite the Justice League's recent expansion, Waid seems to be emphasizing a shift toward transforming the League into something more akin to a family, similar to what the Titans have.

This focus on evolving the Justice League into more than just a team is evident in Joshua Williamson’s half of the DC ALL IN Special and in Justice League #1. In these issues, Mister Terrific and The Flash stress that the newly unveiled Watchtower is meant to be more than a headquarters; it’s intended to be a home for all. Mister Terrific further emphasizes that Earth’s heroes are better together, highlighting the League's new direction toward fostering familial bonds. After the implosion of the Justice League following Dark Crisis, the team is clearly taking a page out of the Titans’ book to form a cohesive unit with strong relational dynamics.

Titans #20 is available now from DC Comics!