Warning! Spoilers ahead for Nightwing #88
In the latest issue of DC Comics' Nightwing, Dick Grayson finally learns a lesson that Batman has been struggling to learn for years. While Nightwing is seeking to save Blüdhaven with the billions he inherited from the late Alfred Pennyworth, he initially thinks that he can save his city alone, supporting and saving everyone he cares about by himself. However, he soon realizes that that doesn't have to be the case going forward.
In previous issues of Nightwing from writer Tom Taylor and artist Bruno Redondo, it's become very clear that not everyone in Blüdhaven is happy with Dick Grayson and his plans to make the city better. By acting as a safety net and helping those who need it most, Nightwing will inevitably weaken the city's criminal enterprises that prey upon and take advantage of the least fortunate. As such, a massive bounty has been placed on Grayson's head, resulting in his dog Haley almost being dog-napped had Nightwing and Batgirl not rescued her in the last issue.
Now, the new Nightwing #88 sees Dick Grayson determined to break new ground on the Alfred Pennyworth Foundation at a public event, despite the threats made upon his life and Barbara Gordon accurately pointing out that Dick is protective of everyone else before himself. Thankfully, Batgirl planned ahead on Dick's behalf, calling in the Titans to patrol the surrounding area, a decision which proved to be a good move thanks to would-be assassins hired by Blüdhaven's biggest crime boss known as Blockbuster. As a result, it's the perfect reminder that Nightwing's allies are just as willing to support Dick as he is in his desire to help everyone else. Nightwing never needs to be alone, though it certainly seems it's a lesson his surrogate father Batman is constantly (and unnecessarily) struggling with himself in Gotham City.
Despite having such a large family of vigilantes, it seems as though Batman and the darkness he carries often gets in the way of him learning this lesson. While he certainly has his moments where he calls upon his entire Bat-Family, it's typically only when things are at their darkest when some significant consequences have already occurred. Instead of enduring the pain, Batman could ask for support before things get so bad, saving himself the aggravation and perhaps even preventing major crises in Gotham altogether.
The lesson that neither Batman nor Nightwing are alone and should ask for backup is hopefully something Dick Grayson won't forget like Batman often does. Dick's goals and hopes for Blüdhaven and huge and critically important. He's certainly in a position where he can do some lasting good beyond simply using his fists. However, this new issue of Nightwing proves that it's not an undertaking he has to embark on alone (and he really shouldn't considering the apparent danger to his life).
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