By [ad_1]
Nightwing’s classic look is back, but it may be more helpful for Dick Grayson than his alter-ego.
WARNING: The following contains spoilers for Nightwing #88, on sale now from DC Comics.
Dick Grayson has a rather infamous history in terms of costumes, both as Robin and Nightwing. These range from the rather revealing classic Robin look to his first two Nightwing “disco suits”, making it seem like the so-called sexiest man in comics has a rather questionable fashion taste. Of course, the “blue v” Nightwing suit that we all know and love soon became a fan-favorite and is considered one of the best modern superhero costume designs, with every subsequent version taking design cues from it.
This classic costume makes its return in Nightwing#88 by Tom Taylor, Bruno Redondo, Adriano Lucas, and Wes Abbott. However, the costume comes with some new features that not only benefit Nightwing but also benefit Dick Grayson and his new role as a philanthropist in Bludhaven.
Fresh from the last attempt on his life that required Nightwing to sprawl around the city of Bludhaven to save his dog, Bitewing from Blockbuster’s henchmen, Dick Grayson once again found himself in the cross-hairs of the crime lord. The assassins Gunhawk and Gunbunny tried to assassinate Dick while he was giving a public speech announcing the building of the Alfred Pennyworth Foundation before they were stopped by the Titans (with the help of Oracle/Batgirl). The Flash a.k.a. Wally West swooped Dick away from a sniper bullet, where the speedster took him to meet with Mr. Terrific who unveils a new suit for Nightwing.
This “new” costume bears the classic Nightwing “Blue V” design, where his blue-bird insignia extends all the way from his shoulders to his arms and fingertips. A fan-favorite, the costume has been the one most associated with the Nightwing character since he first wore it back in his first solo miniseries Nightwing: Ties that Bind (by Alan Grant, Dennis O’Neil, Dick Giordano, and Greg Land). The minimalist style of the costume was a welcome departure from his previous two “disco suits”, and it remained unchanged for over fifteen years before the new 52 debuted the red v design. Still, every subsequent Nightwing costume has merely been a reinterpretation of the Blue V (including the one worn by Brenton Thwaites in Titans), which is still unbeaten for its stylistic and minimalist use of color, with the blue “wings” extending all the way down Nightwing’s arms being highlighted by the black everywhere else.
While the finger-tip blue v look completes Nightwing aesthetically, this variation on the classic comes with a twist in its functionality. It has been built and designed by Mr. Terrific to be able to fit under civilian clothing, whilst also being bulletproof and able to defend itself against pointed and sharp objects. These updates are incredibly important not just for Nightwing, but Dick Grayson as a public figure. With his public announcement to pour money into aiding the poor in Bludhaven, Dick Grayson is now a symbol of hope for the citizens of Bludhaven as much as Nightwing is. With Blockbuster’s men now after him, Dick needs to be able to defend himself and find a way to change into his heroic persona whenever he or anyone close to him ends up in danger.
The return of the classic “blue v” costume helps cement the turning point Dick’s life has undergone since becoming a philanthropist in Bludhaven. Not only marking the return of his most iconic costume but its skin-tight and bulletproof function highlight to him the importance of being able to protect himself while a bounty remains on his head. So in many ways, this costume is symbolic that not only is Nightwing a hero in Bludhaven, but Dick Grayson himself is as well.
About The Author
[ad_2]
