Although the DCAU didn’t show Dick’s departure from his Robin persona following Batman: The Animated Series, comics depicted Nightwing's journey.
The DC Animated Universe’s version of Dick Grayson’s journey to becoming Nightwing is the best take on the origin story. Although Batman: The New Adventures didn’t elaborate on Dick’s departure from his Robin persona following Batman: The Animated Series, comics depicted the transition of alter egos.
Ironically, the DC Animated Universe isn’t exclusive to the medium of animation. Throughout Batman: The Animated Series to Justice League Unlimited, multiple tie-in comics titles expanded DCAU canon beyond the shows. Some comics even featured series writers such as Paul Dini and Bruce Timm. Both Batman & Robin Adventures and Gotham Adventures were among the most popular series, paralleling the fan base of the DC Animated Universe's take on the Dark Knight. With the change in direction between The Animated Series and The New Adventures, the comics titles had an opportunity to explore the story which bridged the two eras. The Batman Adventures: The Lost Years was a limited series originally published in 1998 that provided backstory for The New Adventures, explaining Tim Drake’s origin and Dick Grayson’s retirement as Robin. It was written by Hilary J. Bader with art by Bo Hampton, inks by Terry Beatty, and colors by Rick Taylor.
After Dick renounced his Robin persona in a flashback featured in the Batman: The New Adventures episode “Old Wounds,” fans wondered about what his journey to becoming Nightwing looked like. The Lost Years filled in the gaps, telling a Nightwing origin story that might be the best take on the tale. Echoing Bruce Wayne’s quest to becoming the Dark Knight, Dick traveled the world to train and grow past his Boy Wonder image. After punching Batman and withdrawing money from his trust fund, Dick reminisced on the bright colors of his Robin costume, realizing the need for a change as he became a man. In Brazil, Dick learned to fight more like Batman, as he wore a blindfold and sensed his opponents coming toward him. Moving out of the way of their punches, he used them against each other.
Nightwing’s origin story drew inspiration from Batman: Year One and even emulates Batman Begins, which was also influenced by Frank Miller’s reimagined origin for the Caped Crusader. The Lost Years also features handwritten journal narration by Dick, similar to Bruce’s narration in Year One. When Dick traveled through the snow, he encountered a robbery and stood up for the old men held at gunpoint. Since the DCAU primarily explored Bruce's origin through Batman: Mask of the Phantasm, Dick was able to receive a comparable backstory without it feeling repetitive.
After fighting them off, Dick was in need of assistance. A mysterious hooded figure in blue appeared, helping him complete his training. Dick wondered if the masked man was one of the “flying monks.” In response, the figure said, “We are sometimes called that,” creating the sense that this might be a fantasy in Dick’s mind. Getting the former Robin to safety and teaching him how to glide, the mysterious man gave him a similar blue costume, which became a prototype Nightwing suit. The new context for Dick’s characterization in The New Adventures continued the DCAU’s trend of mature and cinematic storytelling.
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