Nightwing: Year One (Comics) | Review

What happens when Batman fires his first protégé? You get one of DC's defining origin stories–where Dick Grayson transforms from sidekick to solo hero and the legacy of Nightwing is born. This 2005 arc captures Dick's journey through rejection, self-discovery and independence.

Written by Chuck Dixon (Joker: Last Laugh, Nightwing: Rough Justice) and Scott Beatty (Batman: Bane of the Demon, Green Lantern: Circle of Fire) with art by Scott McDaniel (Batman: False Faces, Batman: Impostors) and Andy Owens, Nightwing: Year One delivers both emotional depth and superhero spectacle in equal measure.

It's not just about a costume change or a new name. It's about growing up, finding your own identity and proving your worth when your father figure shows you the door without warning or explanation, forcing you to redefine everything you thought you knew about being a hero.

The story opens with Dick arriving late to help Batman tackle Clayface. The reason? He's juggling responsibilities with the Teen Titans alongside his duties as Robin. Bruce doesn't see this as time management– he sees it as divided loyalty. The mission goes sideways and Batman ends up doing the unthinkable: he fires Robin.

Dick's world shatters. He travels to Metropolis seeking Superman's counsel, hoping for clarity from someone who understands legacy and mentorship. Clark shares a Kryptonian legend about Nightwing–a hero cast out by his people. The name resonates with his situation.

Returning to his roots, Dick visits Haly's Circus where he grew up as an acrobat. There he encounters Deadman, Boston Brand, another performer who found purpose after tragedy and death. The circus represents Dick's past but it also reminds him that reinvention doesn't mean forgetting where you came from. It's about evolution.

Meanwhile, Batman wastes no time replacing him. Within days, Bruce meets Jason Todd stealing the Batmobile's tires and recruits him as the new Robin. The revelation cuts deep– Dick thought the mantle would stay retired but Bruce moved on immediately without hesitation.

Dick embraces the Nightwing identity completely, designing a new costume that honors his circus heritage while establishing independence from Batman's shadow. The suit symbolizes his transformation– still a hero but on his own terms. Alfred secretly helps with the final touches, showing family transcends professional partnerships.

The plot accelerates when Killer Croc kidnaps Alfred as bait to lure Batman into a trap but both Robins respond– past and present colliding in Gotham's sewers. Dick and Jason must work together despite the circumstances, creating tension that crackles with unspoken resentment.

Jason Todd proves to be cocky, impulsive and eager to validate Batman's choice. Dick stays measured and experienced, wrestling with the insecurity of being replaced by someone younger. Yet during the rescue, they find common ground– both understand the Robin legacy and what it means to really earn Batman's trust.

Barbara Gordon enters as Batgirl, adding partnership chemistry and romantic tension that feels organic. She and Dick team up against various Gotham threats, their banter and coordinated fighting announcing to the underworld that Nightwing isn't just another vigilante.

Nightwing takes on classic villains including Joker and Penguin, proving he can handle Gotham's worst without Batman's backup. These confrontations aren't just action sequences– they're statements of independence. Dick demonstrates his training prepared him to become an equal.

This arc connects to broader DC continuity, occurring after New Teen Titans: Judas Contract where Dick's leadership created friction with Batman. His firing wasn't just random– it was inevitable given Bruce's controlling nature. The story bridges Robin: Year One and Dick moving to Blüdhaven, completing his transformation arc.

For readers tracking the Year One anthology series– Batman, Robin, Batgirl– this completes Dick Grayson's evolution from orphaned circus performer to independent crime-fighter. It also sets up tragic irony for those familiar with Jason Todd's fate in A Death in the Family.

Scott McDaniel's artwork gives Nightwing the kinetic energy the character demands. Every flip, kick and acrobatic maneuver feels weightless yet impactful, capturing Dick's optimism and agility while distinguishing him from Batman's grim aesthetic. The cartoonish style reinforces that Dick operates in lighter territory emotionally.

Andy Owens' inking complements McDaniel beautifully, creating thick outlines that give characters definition. The shadows never feel oppressive–instead, they frame action dynamically. This visual approach reinforces Dick stepping out of darkness into his own light.

Dixon and Beatty's writing shines during character moments rather than action beats. Superman's conversation with Dick stands out as tender and wise, capturing why Clark Kent serves as the DC Universe's moral compass. Deadman validates Dick's journey. Alfred secretly making Dick's costume speaks volumes about family.

Dialogue between Dick and Jason crackles with tension. Jason's brashness contrasts beautifully with Dick's maturity, yet neither feels one-dimensional. By the final issue, Jason earns Dick's cautious respect, setting up tragic irony readers familiar with later events will recognize.

Nightwing: Year One remains the definitive origin for Dick Grayson's iconic identity, balancing heartbreak with hope and nostalgia with momentum. The creative team understands great superhero stories aren't about punching villains– they're about characters choosing who they want to become when circumstances force decisions.

This arc works whether you're a longtime Dick Grayson fan or new to Nightwing's mythology. It stands alone while enriching the larger Batman family dynamics, showing how rejection can forge stronger heroes and why growth sometimes requires painful separation from mentors.

If you want to understand why Dick Grayson is considered one of DC's most important characters– why he's led the Titans, the Outsiders and even worn the Batman cowl– start here. Nightwing: Year One shows that sometimes the best heroes are the ones who choose their own path, even when it means leaving home behind.

Nightwing: Year One is collected in Nightwing: Year One TPB (2005) and Deluxe Edition (2023). The story can also be found in Batman: Nightwing collections and is digitally available via Amazon Kindle, ComiXology and DC Universe Infinite for easy access across platforms.