DC Officially Debuts New Nightwing. See Him Here First

Updated Sep 2, 2026, 9:41 AM EDT Nicolas Ayala is a Senior Writer for the Comics team at ScreenRant, with over five years of experience writing about Superhero media, action movies, and TV shows. Sign in to your ScreenRant account This article covers a developing story. Continue to check back with us as we will be adding more information as it becomes available.DC unveils its first look at the new Nightwing, who brings the mantle back to its origins. Dick Grayson is the first of Batman's apprentices to completely outgrow the sidekick mantle and forge a completely independent legacy as an A-list hero. While every subsequent Robin continues to be largely defined by their relationship with Batman, Dick Grayson chose to step out of the Dark Knight's shadow to be fully independent. Dick moved to a completely different city and established himself as a leader figure in the wider DC universe. As Nightwing, Dick Grayson is still the connective tissue of Gotham's vigilantes, relying on his natural warmth and the charisma that allows him to bring together the Bat-Family's clashing personalities. Nightwing's incredible acrobatic skills and optimistic worldview keeps the team grounded and inspired by a hero who has earned the loyalty of every street-level vigilante whenever Batman is absent. While he isn't ashamed of his Robin origins, Dick Grayson has certainly left that stage of his vigilante career in the past. Whereas several characters have made their case as strong candidates to inherit the Batman mantle in the future, Dick Grayson included, nobody could ever match Dick in the role of Nightwing. That said, Dick Grayson isn't the only person to have chosen that name. Brainiac 5 Takes Up The Kryptonian Name "Nightwing" Supergirl: Survive #4; Written By Ethan S Parker And Griffin Sheridan; Art By Rod Reis In the separate timeline of Supergirl: Survive, Kara Zor-El has successfully protected baby Kal-El almost all by herself for a long time after Krypton's destruction. In issue #4, Brainiac 5 rescues Kara and Kal from the storms of Plastino-959. Then, 863 since "K-Day," in the "anonymous home of Platinum Alley," in the bustling streets of a nameless world, Kara embarks on a mission to steal a Mother Box that will power Brainiac 5's transport to the Phantom Zone. During the mission, Supergirl takes the codename "Flamebird" and Brainiac 5 takes the codename "Nightwing." The codename Nightwing originally stems from Kryptonian mythology, where Nightwing was a legendary folk hero and a godlike figure. In modern DC Comics continuity, the name refers to an ancient Kryptonian deity who was cast out by his family but chose to protect the defenseless. Dick Grayson chose this name during a period of identity crisis after stepping away from Batman and giving up the mantle of Robin. Seeking guidance, Dick confided in his other major mentor, Superman, who shared the Kryptonian legend with him. It only makes sense for Brainiac 5 to follow a similar train of thought. Do you like Nightwing's Kryptonian origins? Supergirl: Survive #4 is now available from DC Comics Created By John Byrne, Peter David, Wally Wood, Otto Binder, Gary Frank, Al Plastino Alias Kara Zor-El Franchise DC Comics Age May 1959