WARNING: The next article comprises spoilers for Nightwing #81 by Tom Taylor, Bruno Redondo, Adriano Lucas and Wes Abbott, on sale now.
Nightwing’s encounter along with his latest enemy has uncovered two of Dick Grayson’s weaknesses. Having lastly discovered Heartless, Nightwing was prepared to guard the kids from him, however Heartless stunned him by letting them go, saying he solely needed to look at them run. The 2 then fought, with Nightwing realizing that Heartless was enhanced, however his preventing method was sloppy at finest. Heartless’s thoughts is much sharper. He revealed that he anticipated that Nightwing is perhaps the higher fighter, so he took benefit of his compassion and put a number of youngsters at risk, forcing Nightwing to let him get away. And even earlier than that, Heartless unintentionally exploited Nightwing’s different weak spot: the lingering injury from being shot within the head.
The struggle with Heartless was already tense earlier than it even began. Heartless stunned Nightwing by letting the kids go, suggesting that he could have some form of code. Issues took a flip when he struck Nightwing upside the pinnacle, triggering Nightwing’s previous wound. He had been shot by means of the pinnacle by the KGBeast again in Batman #55 by Tom King, Tony S. Daniel and Clayton Cowles. This resulted in him dropping his reminiscence for a time, however the latest points have been establishing his return to the identification of Dick Grayson.
Fortuitously, the harm did not trigger any reminiscence loss, but it surely did impede Nightwing’s potential to struggle successfully. Nonetheless, he had expertise over Heartless, who was very a lot new to the scene. Even with an enhanced state, Nightwing was capable of hold the struggle on even footing. However that was when Heartless performed his different hand. Revealing that he had deliberately let the kids run to the pier, he detonated a number of explosives, leaving Nightwing with the selection to save lots of the youngsters or allow them to die to seize Heartless. Naturally, each Heartless and Nightwing knew what his reply could be.
The transfer demonstrates how calculating and ruthless Heartless is. He understands his enemy — no less than to essentially the most primary tenet of who Nightwing is. Heartless knew Nightwing would by no means be capable of flip away from saving innocents, even when it meant letting a sadistic assassin go free.
The wound was intentional, however the unintended effects more than likely weren’t anticipated. The pinnacle harm precipitated a concussion, which resulted in Nightwing passing out simply earlier than he may assist in the rescue efforts. He was saved by Oracle and Robin, however could not resist the urge to exit and examine Bludhaven’s latest mayor though his head harm hadn’t totally healed.
Oracle contacted him, understanding he was intentionally ignoring her request that he relaxation. He tried to misinform her, however she reminded him that he was nonetheless sporting her digital camera so she may see the whole lot he was doing proper now. Nightwing conceded and admitted he forgot — most likely due to the pinnacle harm. Oracle agreed after which reiterated that he must be resting. However Nightwing pressed on and made one other mistake.
Forgetfulness wasn’t the one facet impact of his concussion. His senses have been off as nicely. Oracle may see hidden attackers by means of his bodycam earlier than he did, and the sluggish response time allowed his attacker to get a second blow to his head in. From there, Nightwing was helpless as Melinda Zucco knocked him out and unmasked him.
It is no secret that Nightwing cares. He has an enormous coronary heart — it is what makes him such an incredible hero. The pinnacle harm is one thing that may want time to get well, but it surely’s now a obvious weak spot that might doubtlessly be exploited by anybody who is aware of it is there. Sadly, Nightwing’s compassion is what prevents him from sitting on the sidelines to heal.