The new Absolute saga wants to change the origin that Nightwing and Batman share

The idea that Nightwing could exist without the figure of Batman is one of the most fascinating proposals that DC Comics writers have put forward in recent times. Since his first appearance as Robin, Dick Grayson has always been in the shadow of the Dark Knight, but all this could change with the arrival of the Absolute universe, a reinvention that promises to shake the foundations of the mythology of Gotham and the his heroes.

A completely new origin for Nightwing

In the first issue of Absolute BatmanWritten by Scott Snyder and illustrated by Nick Dragotta, significant changes have been introduced that redefine Bruce Wayne’s past and his environment. This new version of the hero is not the billionaire and philanthropist we all know, but a civil engineer whose mother is still alive. These details directly impact how the lives of Batman and supporting characters like Robin and Nightwing intertwine.

Fans have wondered whether, in this alternate universe, Dick Grayson will continue to be the young acrobat who loses his parents and is taken in by Bruce Wayne, or whether he will take a completely different path. Snyder, responding to these concerns on Twitter/X, hinted that there are ideas in development that could show Nightwing and Red Hood as heroes who emerged without Batman’s influence. The possibility of Dick Grayson becoming a vigilante without first being Bruce Wayne’s protégé opens up a world of narrative possibilities.

Who is Dick Grayson without Bruce Wayne?

Without Bruce Wayne’s help and resources, it is unclear how Grayson’s heroic character would have been formed. In the classic universe, the tragedy that brought Dick into Batman’s arms was the murder of his parents, an event that tied him emotionally to Bruce. But, in the new Absolute universe, Bruce doesn’t have the same financial prowess or life of luxury that allowed him to support a young Dick. Therefore, Nightwing’s origin could be radically changed.

Let’s imagine for a moment that Nightwing and Batman know each other more as equals than in a mentor-apprentice relationship. Their shared youth and possible closeness in age could lead to a more brotherly dynamic, something never fully explored before in the DC canon. This could lead to a more independent Nightwing, who doesn’t need Batman to define his identity as a hero.

Creative freedom and reinvention in the Absolute universe

The Absolute universe is a blank canvas for writers, and Scott Snyder knows it well. This creative freedom allowed for surprising ideas like the role reversal between Bruce Wayne and the Joker, with a Bruce who isn’t your typical millionaire and a Joker who inherits wealth and travels the world learning unique abilities. Why not apply this same approach to other heroes? Nightwing and Red Hood could follow completely different paths, becoming symbols of heroism for reasons beyond Batman’s control.

Not only would this be an aesthetic change, but it could redefine how readers see Dick Grayson and his growth as a character. Will this Nightwing be as heroic and noble as the one we all know, or will he make more questionable decisions without Bruce’s guidance?

Questions about Nightwing’s future

This twist leaves many questions about Dick Grayson’s fate in the Absolute universe. Will he be able to forge his own path as a hero inspired by the legends of Gotham, but without ever having played the role of the first Robin? Will your approach to fighting crime be more pragmatic and less idealistic?

This concept also allows us to explore how Nightwing’s values ​​would be defined in an environment where Batman is not his mentor. It would be an opportunity for writers to show how heroes are shaped by their own experiences and not just the influence of others.

The idea of ​​seeing Dick Grayson without Batman is exciting and could reveal a side of him that fans never imagined. What is clear is that the Absolute universe promises to keep readers on the edge of their seats, with versions of their favorite characters that break with everything established.