Nightwing |
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Portrayed by Zac Efron |
Statistics |
Full Name |
Richard John Grayson |
Age |
24 |
Height |
5'11" |
Build |
Tall and lithe |
Eyes |
Blue |
Hair |
Black |
Factions |
<E.g. Justice League of America> |
Occupation |
Dilletante |
Alignment |
Hero |
Claim to Fame
Ex-Circus Acrobat, Ward of Bruce Wayne
Reputation
The former ward of billionaire Bruce Wayne, Dick Grayson has been making his own way in the world. Never one to hide from his Circus past, he is establishing himself as a bit of a dilletante and socialite among Gotham's younger set.
As Nightwing, he is establishing himself as a vigilante, both similar and different to Batman. He works just as hard to maintain the divisi between his identity as Nightwing and his identity as Dick Grayson, but there is a little bleed-over that cannot be helped.
Biography
While many kids wished they grew up in a circus, not many are actually able to say that they did. Richard Grayson just happens to be one of those lucky few. Born to a world-class trapeze duo in Haly's Circus, young Dick began his acrobatic training once he was able to walk. Before long, he was introduced into the act; it seemed that he had a natural talent for acrobatics, balance, and gymnastics. There were whisperings of Olympic training, but Dick was really only interested in remaining with the Circus and perfecting his routines. It was an idyllic existence for a young boy; the adventure of travelling from town to town and the thrill of the audience gasping below him as he tumbled through the air. It didn't get much better than this.
But the Circus wasn't quite as perfect as he thought.%r%r When he was around ten years old, he found himself eavesdropping on a conversation between a local Crime-Lord, 'Boss' Zucco and Haly. Zucco wanted money from the Circus and Haly refused…so threats were made and warnings given. However, since he wasn't certain if this information was important, Dick kept it to himself. What happened that night would change his life forever.
The Circus had a performance that night and the 'Flying Graysons' were set to perform. His parents took to the trapeze first, but Dick never got a chance to perform that night. The trapeze lines fell and his parents fell to the Circus floor and to their deaths. In one fell swoop, Dick Grayson was orphaned.
Bruce Wayne was in the audience that night and witnessed the murders as well. It was he who arranged to become Dick's legal guardian, bringing him back to Wayne Manor to live. It was Alfred who pointed out to Bruce that the boy was becoming detached and solitary, but it was Bruce-as-Batman who actually caught the boy as he was trying to wreak vengeance on Zucco for killing his parents. Upon rescuing the boy, he took him to the Batcave and revealed his secret identity as Batman. They had so much in common and Bruce saw aspects of his own childhood in Dick; it didn't take him too long to decide to train the boy. Emerging as 'Robin', Batman's new sidekick, he fought crime in Gotham alongside his Guardian and Mentor for many years.
Nine years later, Dick was enrolled at Gotham State University and depsite keeping busy with his schoolwork, he still found time to fight crime. However, he discovered that Batman was on a case that he wanted to pursue alone. For the last nine years, they had been taking on cases together, so this struck Dick as being odd. After some research of his own, he discovered that the criminal was none other than Zucco.
A crack in the foundation of the relationship between Batman and Robin emerged.
A confrontation about Zucco between the two ended in blows; Dick actually punched Bruce before leaving to find Zucco himself. When he did, he almost killed the man, as Bruce feared he would do, but his conscience got the better of him at the last moment: Instead of being killed, Zucco was turned in to the police. The crack widened into a fissure when Dick witnessed Batman beating on a thug in the man's own apartment…with his young child looking on. Disgusted, he left the scene. What caused the final tear in the relationship was when Bruce revealed his identity as Batman to Batgirl. However, it wasn't just that he exposed his own identity; Dick Grayson had a good relationship with Commissioner Gordon's daughter, Barbara, but as Robin, he was rather cold to the newcomer, Batgirl. The problem came when Batman revealed both Barbara's and Dick's own identities to the girl. One friendship was ruined and that decision destroyed another. Dick saw the move as manipulative, forcing him to remain with Bruce in the 'family' because now others knew his secrets.
Upon graduating with honors from GSU, Dick left the city to travel the world. He spent time learning different methods of martial arts and stealth tactics as well as broadening his mind and experiences. A Trust Fund set up by the Circus helped keep him in moderate wealth during his travels (and afterwards) and after three years he returned to Gotham with a new costume and a new name:
Nightwing.
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Character Details
People should be doing psychological studies on Dick's Personality Dichotomy.
Here is a young man who, as a child, grew up in a Circus. A real Circus. He was even a performing member of that Circus as a trapeze artist and acrobat. His parents were stars…he was a star…and his family was very close knit and loving. He traveled about, learned about different cultures from those in the Circus, and was exposed to a very mind-opening environment.
He also witnessed his parents' deaths as they fell from a cut trapeze line to the circus tent floor.
A kid doesn't forget that sort of thing. No matter what changes in his life, the memory of what his life was and the question of what it could have been will always remain.
Now, take this newly orphaned child and place him into Foster Care with a man he doesn't know and in a large Manse that could probably house the entire Circus tent and grounds with room to spare. There was opportunity here for both Dick and Bruce, but a grief-stricken child may not always reach out for affection and a confirmed, obsessively driven bachelor may not offer it. There were moments but for the most part, Dick learned that showing emotion was a weakness. He needed to be strong; he needed to learn to live this new life that was presented to him. Gifted to him. To a young child, if there is only one option, then they will try and fit as best as they can. However, a part of that previous life never really died. It got buried under layers of learning and repressed emotions, but glimmers of it would show. When Dick and Alfred were together, there were a few more laughs and joking around, but business was business and he knew better than to really try much of anything while in costume. Even smiles were hard to come by.
He was well into his teenage years when Dick realized this separation of personality. Not that it was necessarily a bad thing because none of it was an act, unlike the way it was with Bruce. He has a natural charm and charisma as well as an easy smile and an outgoing nature which helped him earn friends quickly. He's also a bit of a daredevil. For those he considers true friends, his loyalty is unflagging.
However, as Nightwing, business is business and he has this intense focus that lets him brush off essentially anything that isn't the job at hand. He doesn't go quite as far as Batman in this regard, but there are palpable similarities. He does what he must and is always professional and confident in his actions. He doesn't have the same intimidating factor as his mentor either, but that is also partly by choice. Depending on the situation, he can be either compassionate or more assertively menacing; there are different angles to his Nightwing Personality that he isn't afraid to show (unlike a certain other Caped Crusader).
Like any acrobat knows, there is a tenacity in practice and learning to stick the routine solidly. With that tenacity, in Dick's case, also comes stubborness. For the most part, this is a positive trait, but it has been known to err on the side of mule-headedness. Dick isn't afraid to stick to his beliefs in either persona and while he and Batman have made peace, it has still led to arguments because he is unwilling to budge and almost immediately gets defensive.
Finally, despite all of his training and all that he has seen as a child, teenager, and now as an adult, Nightwing is still young. There is still a level of maturity that he just hasn't reached. There is a level of recklessness to his personality that exists anyhow; how else could he just blithely sail through the air and perform difficult acrobatics with no safeties? But combine this recklessness with youth and it isn't terribly surprising that sometimes Dick will just rush into a situation without really everything through. Luckily, his knowledge of tactics can (and have) saved him in some of these occasions, but it hasn't stopped the behavior yet.
Physical Prowess |
Between his initial training as a Trapeze artist and Batman's rigorous physical training, Dick is in top physical condition. His strength and endurance is equal to that of any man his age who works out rigorously on a daily basis. He is adept with running, climbing, jumping, lifting weights, and has a good deal of stamina for these activities. |
Stealth |
With Batman as a mentor, Dick wasn't going to be able to get away with anything less than blending perfectly into shadows and not making a sound when he moved. With a costume as bright as his original one, it was no easy task, but the boy's natural grace and flexibility, it was a skill quickly learned. He knows how to move silently, hide in shadows, and observe without being seen. |
Tactics |
Being the protege of Batman does come with a few perks, such as learning a good deal about the more cerebral aspects of crimefighting. While he was a sidekick, he learned a good deal about tactics and finding the best plan of attack. While not the tactician that Batman is yet, he's absorbed quite a bit of that particular skill. |
Combat |
In addition to the Martial Arts training he got from Batman, Dick also learned various styles during his travels. From more traditional martial arts like Karate and Judo to more exotic styles, such as Capoiera, Dick has mastered several of unarmed combat styles. He has also been trained in the use of various weapons, from swords, escrima, sai, to the more original weapons such as shurikken and batarangs. His Acrobatic skill has melded nearly seamlessly into his combat skill and he is unafraid to engage in any confrontations that might be at extreme heights or on precarious surfaces. |
Acrobatics |
His training in this skill began when he had barely begun to walk. It was a skill that was in his genes and one that he took quickly and easily to. A world-class acrobat, he is currently considered the best on Earth; few can rival his grace, speed, and control over his body. While working with Batman, the streets and skylines of Gotham became his trapeze and he refined his gymnastic and acrobatic skill to a point that none can rival it. |
Vehicles |
Under the auspices of Batman, Dick has learned how to drive a variety of vehicles, from the more mundane cars and motorcycles, to the less mundane jets and boats. |
Engineering |
Another skill learned from Batman is that of mechanical and electrical engineering. This is most-often used in the customization of his motorcycle, but he has also used this skill in the creation of more gadgets to be used in his arsenal. Most of this knowledge has been self taught, so he doesn't have the skill that a true Electrical and Mechanical engineer might have, but for the most part, he can make thinks work or repair them, but creating entirely new systems is still a bit beyond him. |
Etiquette |
Bringing a Circus boy into Wayne Manor must have given Alfred a heart attack. It also must have given him some sort of project because he tutored Dick in the finer aspects of Etiquette. As Bruce Wayne's ward, he would be expected to attend many events where he would be observed and his 'circus manners' wouldn't have passed muster. Through his adolescence and teen years, Dick was schooled in the art of manners by none other than Alfred himself. Because of this, Dick has a poise about him and an awareness for proper behavior in nearly any social situation. |
Streetwise |
Being a Vigilante for over a decade has taught Dick quite a bit about the psychology of the streets. He knows what to look for there and where to go to find it and he knows that sometimes, the streets can be just as dangerous (or more so) than some of the supervillains out there. |
Detective |
Again, studying under the best Detective in the world has its perks. Dick absorbed all of the knowledge he could while he was a sidekick. All aspects of the Criminal Sciences were learned as well as various methods of obtaining information from research to busting heads. While he isn't at Batman's level quite yet, he still has a good head for finding clues and putting them together. |
Computers |
With access to the Batcave and the state of the art computers there, Dick became familiar with their uses and various databases. While he isn't as skilled as Barbara in their use, he knows his way around the more advanced systems and is able to do some more simple to intermediate hacking and encryption. |
Gadgets |
Like the other Bats, Nightwing has a fondness for gadgets made small enough to fit into utility belts. He isn't above using his connections gained through Batman to get some of the newest, more advances techologies or custom-made items as needed. |
Costume |
Especially made, Nightwing's costume is a superballistic nomex-kevlar material that is able to resist low to medium caliber shot. It is flame retardent and can be made waterproof and watertight with the addition of extra equipment. Insulation against extreme hot or cold temperatures has been included in the weave of the fabric. His mask is attached with the use of spirit gum and features Starlite lenses that allow access to the Infrared spectrum. A radio receiver and transmitter is also attached to the lenses which allows communication and access to a GPS system. His boots and gauntlets have special, hidden pockets in them where he can hide certain gadgets used in his crimefighting. In addition, his costume has two retractable 'wings' which let him glide on air currents and 'fall with style'. |
Bat-Clan |
Not only does Dick have a fairly solid history with Batman, but he is also close to other members of the Bat Clan. He has a dating-background with Batgirl, but their relationship has since cooled after Batman revealed his identity to her and vice versa. He has also given his approval to the new Robin, Tim Drake, and seems to be all right with the kid. |
Alfred |
Just as much of a father-figure as Bruce, Alfred took care of Dick's more social education. He is the reason why he isn't quite as emotionally distant as his Guardian. He knows that Alfred would help him to the best of his abilities…and Dick would do all that he could to help the other. |
Trust Fund |
After his parents' deaths, the Haley Circus set up a Trust Fund for Dick. He has suspected that it has been padded over the years by some contributions from Bruce, but he hasn't said anything. It has given him the chance to support his activities as Nightwing without giving up a lifestyle of luxury. After all, as Bruce Wayne's ward, he is expected to be just the playboy as his Guardian. |
Secret Identity |
His two identities of Dick Grayson and Nightwing must be kept separate under any and all circumstances. While a good deal is to protect himself, it is also to protect Bruce and other members of the Bat-Clan. If they know one identity, it then won't be too difficult to find out others. Over the years, he has become quite adept at leading a double-life. |
Enemies |
Between his time as Robin and his own, more recent time as Nightwing, he's collected enemies. Nearly any enemy of Batman is an enemy of his and most are not afraid to try and use him as leverage with the big Bat. |
No Killing |
It was instilled in him at a young age that his job is not to kill. It is to subdue, to capture, and to turn into the authorities, but under no circumstance is he to kill. It's not his right to take a life. While there have been times where he has come close, he has never actually done the deed, nor does he ever intend to do so. He feels quite strongly about keeping to this code. |
Batman |
Batman has been many things to Dick: Guardian, Father, Mentor, and Adversary. It's because of all these that his relationship with Bruce has had its ups and downs but Dick can't really entirely forget the connection that they both have. He needs approval from him, but he won't dare ask for it for fear that he'll be disappointed. He is always striving to do good in his mentor's eyes but is also always afraid that he won't live up to the man's expectations of him. |
Self-Esteem |
There is a part of Dick that feels that he is always living in Batman's shadow. He is trying to establish himself as his own vigilante identity, but despite his efforts, there is a little voice in his mind that is always questioning if he's good enough. |
Relationships
Image |
Name |
Relation |
Notes |
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Batman |
Former Guardian and Partner |
Batman is…Batman. |
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Arsenal |
Friend |
Arsenal is a close friend of Nightwing's and they've teamed up a few times in the past. |
Character Gallery
Logs
Downward Spyral
March 31, 2015: Nightwing contacts Oracle and Arsenal about a new threat in Gotham
(log: 20150331-downwardspyral | tags: arsenal gotham nightwing oracle | posted: 31 Mar 2015 22:49)
Justice League:Avengers GO!
March 15th, 2015: Hawkeye and Wonder Woman the leaders of the Justice League: Avengers Initiative call a public ceremony at the Hall of Justice in Metropolis to make announcements to the world and to introduce the newest roster of members in the team: Booster Gold, Hawkgirl, Hawkeye_II, Captain America, Falcon, Ozymandias & Supergirl. Many others are present and new recruits are welcomed.
(log: 20150315-justice-league-avengers | tags: booster_gold captain_america columbia fenris green_lantern hawkeye hawkeye_ii hawkgirl jl:a jla martian_manhunter metropolis mimic mockingbird namor nightwing oracle ozymandias power_girl supergirl wonder_man wonder_woman | posted: 15 Mar 2015 04:35)
Welcome Back Robin
1 February, 2014: Robin returns to active duty
(log: 20150201-welcomebackrobin | tags: gotham nightwing oracle robin | posted: 02 Feb 2015 10:47)
The Tides of Blood: Blackmailing the Bats
January 31, 2015: In order to get Batman's attention, Tula begins to wreck Gotham. Bats do respond.
(log: 20150131-the-tides-of-blood:blackmailing-the-bats | tags: aquaman batman nightwing | posted: 02 Feb 2015 17:47)
A Reunion of Sorts
January 14, 2015: Dick Grayson and Starfire have a reunion six years in the making.
(log: 20150114-a-reunion-of-sorts | tags: nightwing starfire | posted: 01 Feb 2015 02:58)
A Glowing Elk In Gotham
December 29, 2014: A glowing elk, a druid, 5 heroes all appear in Gotham.
(log: 20141229-aglowingelkingotham | tags: changeling fox gotham nightwing oracle robin the_cavalry vorpal | posted: 30 Dec 2014 21:50)
Spreading The Joke
December 24, 2014: Tim calls in Nightwing to discuss what happened with The Joker
(log: 20141224-spreadingthejoke | tags: gotham misfit nightwing oracle robin rowan | posted: 26 Dec 2014 23:06)
Fitting In is For the Birds
December 15, 2014: Misfit hits the streets, Robin returns to duty (looking a little different), and Nightwing oversees it all.
(log: 20141216-fitting-in-is-for-the-birds | tags: gotham misfit nightwing robin | posted: 16 Dec 2014 12:30)
Batarangs
December 16, 2014: Nightwing visits Oracle to discuss Batarangs and Misfit. Tim visits as well.
(log: 20141216-batarangs | tags: gotham nightwing oracle robin | posted: 17 Dec 2014 11:28)
Nightwing Misfits
December 8, 2014: Oracle introduces Nightwing and Misfit
(log: 20141208-nightwingmisfits | tags: gotham misfit nightwing oracle | posted: 10 Dec 2014 09:39)
What Family Does
November 26, 2014: Dick and Babs visit a damaged Tim.
(log: 20141126-what-family-does | tags: nightwing oracle robin | posted: 26 Nov 2014 13:43)
To_Blave
November 25, 2014: Raven asks to meet Nightwing in Gotham and the two have a heart-to-heart overlooking the city.
(log: 20141124-to-blave | tags: gotham nightwing raven titans | posted: 26 Nov 2014 04:05)
Not In The Loop
November 23, 2014: Dick finally gets Babs out for a coffee and things don't go the way he planned
(log: 20141123-notintheloop | tags: gotham nightwing oracle | posted: 24 Nov 2014 21:14)
Nightwing Gets The Punchline
November 18, 2014: Nightwing responds to Oracles message to contact her ASAP to be told Robin and The Joker. The meeting with Oracle, is tense.
(log: 20141118-nigtwinggetsthepunchline | tags: gotham nightwing oracle | posted: 18 Nov 2014 22:33)
Of Birds and Messages
November 10, 2014: Robin takes a beating and is told to deliver another message to Batman… Oracle and Nightwing try to talk sense into him.
(log: 20141110-birdsandmessages | tags: nightwing oracle robin vorpal zola | posted: 10 Nov 2014 23:54)
Seeds of Smallville, Part One, Vantage Point A
November 8, 2014: Stryker's Island is broken apart by an unseen foe hellbent on bringing trauma to America's favorite city. (This scene is the first vantage point from a two-room scene)
(log: 20141108-seeds-of-smallville-part-one-vantage-point-a | tags: bizarro booster_gold chloe_sullivan columbia conduit livewire manchester_black metropolis ms_marvel nightwing parasite solomon_grundy superman | posted: 09 Nov 2014 04:22)
No Double Date
November 6, 2014: Nightwing and Babs catch up before the Night Job and discuss, among other things, Robin
(log: 20141106-nodoubledate | tags: gotham nightwing oracle | posted: 10 Nov 2014 19:46)
All the Bat's Puppies
Novembre 4, 2014: They may be loyal, but even the puppies are bats.
(log: 20141104-all-the-puppies | tags: nightwing robin | posted: 05 Nov 2014 04:48)
Bats At The Zoo
October 14, 2014: Tim tells Babs and Dick about his job offer and doesn't get the response he expected.
(log: 20141014-bats-at-the-zoo | tags: nightwing oracle robin | posted: 15 Oct 2014 03:25)
On The Roof
October 7, 2014: Nightwing and Robin play catch up.
(log: 20141007-on-the-roof | tags: gotham nightwing not-for-sale robin | posted: 08 Oct 2014 03:38)
Nightwing Pays Oracle A Visit
October 6,2014: Dick brings takeout for Babs - and receives an unexpected answer
(log: 20141006-nightwing-pays-oracle-a-visit | tags: nightwing oracle | posted: 07 Oct 2014 04:06)
The Batcave
September 23, 2014: Tim and Dick shoot the breeze in the batcave. Tim gets some advice.
(log: 20140923-the-batcave | tags: nightwing robin | posted: 26 Sep 2014 01:07)
Lucky Strike
September 18, 2014: Nightwing and Robin's quiet patrol gets a little rowdy.
(log: 20140918-lucky-strike | tags: nightwing robin | posted: 19 Sep 2014 03:47)
Moneyball
August 13, 2014: A brief respite in the life of the Bat Family. Babs hosts a mini watch party for a baseball game at the clock tower. Bruce, Dick, and Cassandra are the guests.
(log: 20140813-moneyball | tags: batgirl batman gotham nightwing oracle | posted: 13 Aug 2014 22:18)
A Night to Remember
August 3, 2014: Garth hosts a party and everyone's invited.
(log: 20140803a-night-to-remember | tags: iceman magma new_warriors nightwing phobos raven tempest vorpal | posted: 04 Aug 2014 06:39)
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