Nightwing represents the pinnacle of heroism in the DC Universe – but even his mentor Batman recognizes his potential to be a villain on the level of The Joker, a vicious and unstable killer, one of the worst monsters DC has to offer. As surprising as this might sound, a few moments show that Dick Grayson could be an even worse villain than the Joker.
Batman #1 – written by Scott Snyder, with art by Greg Capullo – is one such example from Nightwing’s history that hint at his villainous potential, especially his capacity to be a greater version of the Joker. In this story, Nightwing impersonates the Joker while undercover in Arkham Asylum. This disguise is so effective that not only do none of the criminals recognize it, but neither does James Gordon.
Later, back at the Batcave, Dick curiously asks Batman how he did in impersonating the Joker, and Bruce admits that Dick was extremely convincing.
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Batman #1 – Written By Scott Snyder; Art By Greg Capullo, Jonathan Glapion, FCO Plascencia, Richard Starkings, & Jimmy Betancourt
Every version of the Joker needs a good laugh, and it turns out that Dick’s laugh is even better than the Clown Prince of Crime’s. This was revealed in a throwaway line way back in Batman #682 – by Grant Morrison and Lee Garbelt. In this story, Batman recounts an interaction between a young Dick Grayson and the Joker. After the Joker manages to flee, Dick hunts him down, but instead of using force to subdue him, Dick Grayson challenges the Joker to a laughing contest and handily beats him, leaving the Joker wheezing and out of breath.
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These aren’t the only two examples of areas where Dick beats the Joker either. In the infamous The Dark Knight Strikes Again – by Frank Miller, Lynn Varley, and Todd Klein – Dick Grayson is fired from the role of Robin for gross incompetence. Infuriated at being abandoned, Dick undergoes experimental gene therapy treatment and transforms into the second version of the Joker. But unlike the first, this version of the Joker has incredible regenerative abilities. The only way to stop him was to completely obliterate every cell in his body.
Nightwing Has Taken On The Joker Mantle A Surprising Number Of Times
Batman #682 by Grant Morrison, Lee Garbett, Trevor Scott, Guy Major, and Jared K. Fletcher
This isn’t the only time Nightwing has become the Joker either; DC Comics has often toyed with the uncomfortable parallels between the two. During the period where Dick Grayson was going by Ric, for example, the Joker was able to use a powerful artifact to rewrite Dick’s mind, transforming him into Joker’s very own son. While Dick Grayson is undoubtedly one of DC’s greatest heroes, there have been a disturbingly large number of moments that show, that if Nightwing ever wanted to, he could be an even better version of The Joker.
Batman #682 and Batman #1 are both available now from DC Comics!
The Joker
The Joker is a psychopathic criminal mastermind with a warped sense of humor. Initially introduced as a remorseless serial killer, the character evolved over time, often oscillating between a prankster and a homicidal maniac. His relationship with Batman is one of the most complex in comic book history, defined by their mutual obsession. Over the decades, the Joker has become an enduring icon of chaos and madness, embodying the antithesis of Batman’s order and justice.
Nightwing
Nightwing is the superhero moniker taken up by Dick Grayson, upon his aging out of the Robin role and becoming a superhero of his own. Inspired by the original Kryptonian hero of the same name, Grayson has risen to comic book immortality with the identity, earning respect as one of the greatest leaders in the DC Universe.