Batman Has Done a Real Number on Dick Grayson:” Nightwing’s Hypocrisy Proves Batman Broke His Spirit
Pre-reveal for World’s Finest: Teen Titans #1! Working under Batman has strong ramifications for Nightwing’s personality. Screenwriter Mark Waid delves into Dick Grayson’s conflicted personality as World’s Finest: Teen Titans examines Boy Wonder’s past.
In an interview with CBR, World`s Finest: Teen Titans writer Mark Waid talked about the new series and shared his thoughts on the team’s main characters. In response to a question about team friction, Waid pointed out the difference between Speedy and Robin. This new series sees their personalities clash as Roy Harper has a bigger and flashier personality while Dick is more reserved thanks to his training under Batman.
Mark Waid: It’s a paradox that we have the problems that come with it. Robin is a circus performer, so who is he to tell someone it’s unfair to enjoy applause? That’s because Batman did a real number on Dick Grayson. That’s one of the things Dick doesn’t like about being Robin. It’s a very small part of him, but there’s a part of him that enjoys and remembers the thrill, the cheers of the crowd, and the applause. He didn’t do it for that, but as Robin, he couldn’t do it.
Indeed, this friction appears in World`s Finest: Teen Titans #1 by Waid and Emanuela Lupacchino. During one mission, Roy broadcasts a Teen Titans live, leaving Dick feeling disgruntled. When Robin staunchly resists filming, Speedy calls the band leader for judging them, reminding him that Robin is a circus performer. Despite the controversy, Roy broadcasts the team’s next battle with the estranged man, driving Dick mad. Robin disparages Speedy by saying that his performance puts the team in danger, while Roy alludes to Dick repeating Batman’s words mindlessly.
Nightwing Lost His Showmanship Thanks to Batman
Dick Grayson actually got his start as a circus performer, working alongside his mother and father as part of the legendary Flying Graysons. But after his parents were murdered, Dick was taken in by Bruce Wayne, who trained the young man to become Batman’s assistant, Robin. Although Dick was immersed in the world of superheroes, he was taught by the Dark Knight, who repeatedly reminded everyone how serious their work was. Eventually, their relationship developed to the point where Dick had to leave the role altogether and assume his new identity, Nightwing.
World`s Finest: Teen Titans makes it clear that Dick has struggled to maintain his role as both Batman’s sidekick and teen hero. None of his friends held the same high standards as Bruce had for Dick. Dick is also prohibited from sharing personal information such as his name, another loophole that Speedy pointed out. Not to mention that Speedy was right. Dick loves the limelight and the attention he gets when he’s fighting in front of a crowd. With Batman forcing Dick to compromise his true nature, it’s no wonder he’s finally leaving the role of Robin.
Batman’s Strict Nature Ultimately Turned Nightwing Away
Dick Grayson’s later years as Robin was a crucial point in his life. It’s when he realized needed to become his own person rather than being who Batman was molding Dick into. Speedy is right to call Dick out. The Teen Titans got the releases for everyone filmed and the citizens love seeing the team in action. The only person who has a problem is Dick, who is stifled under the rules Batman is forcing him to go by. Dick’s anger isn’t with Speedy or the team, it’s with Batman forcing Robin to betray who he truly is while making Dick go against his friends. Fans can see more of Nightwing’s past struggles with Batman in World’s Finest: Teen Titans