You don't have to answer if you don't want to/don't have time, but I was wondering if you could give me some comic recs? I've been a casual DC fan, specifically a Batman fan, most of my life (as in I've watched a lot of the movies and cartoon tv series) but I've never really been into the actual comics themselves. But I do not get to consciously choose the hyperfixation, so here we are. Nightwing as a character has really intrigued me, but there are so many comics and it's more than a little intimidating lmao anyway, as such a big fan yourself, I was wondering if you had recs for the best Nightwing comics for me to start with, or even just your favorites/ones you consider must-reads? I want to get into this stuff, it's just hard to know where to begin <3
Omg anon absolutely I want.
Okay, Jesus, I actually have no idea where to start. If we're talking specifically Nightwing, I'll give a few Nightwing runs and a few runs starring Dick but that aren't, like, Nightwing runs, because I think Dick actually excels in environments with other people for entirely different reasons than how he excels alone.
Some runs and why I think they'd be good:
1.) Sam Humphries' Run (Nightwing 2016 #35-43)
This is a pretty niche pick. I don't think most people would include this in their first picks. But I actually think it's one of the best to start on, because it simultaneously acts as a relatively short, self-contained story that doesn't require a lot of background, includes a lot of core character traits and good characterization of Dick, and is generally intriguing in a lot of great ways.
2.) Peter Tomasi's Run (Nightwing 1996 #140-153)
Again, not a run I talk about a lot, but frankly you only need to know barely more than the Humphries run to start, it's also relatively short and self-contained, and this starts to introduce bigger aspects of Dick's surrounding cast like his brothers and connections within the hero community. It also, again, exemplifies many of the key character traits that makes Dick such an exceptional character. Dry humor and wit, love of community, intelligence and intellectual skill, occassional tendency to be an asshole/martyr. And 13 issues really isn't bad.
3.) Batman: The Black Mirror (Detective Comics #871-881)
This one requires a bit more knowledge of the universe, but it's not a huge deal. All you need to know is that Bruce is presumed dead at the moment, leaving Dick with the mantle of Batman, and he is having a... questionable time. Ideal for similar reasons as listed above.
From here, the runs recommended will have arcs that span more than a dozen issues, so they're a bit more of a commitment but imo where things really start to get good. These are the ones I can quote entire pages from.
4.) The Devin Grayson Run (Nightwing 1996 #71-117)
I know. It's a commitment, what with being >40 issues. But I swear to god, every common trope you see in modern day Nightwing is explored here. Devin Grayson defined how Dick is seen in the modern era, both with this run and her dominance in writing Dick in other comics throughout this era during events and team comics. I have no idea how much you know so I don't even want to spoil it, but rest assured, #88-#96 is the only time I have ever had my fitness watch register me as "running" while reading a comic book. That's how hype (or disturbing, depending on your interpretation) this was.
5.) Titans (1999) OR Titans: Rebirth
I'd personally go Titans (1999) out of a slight personal preference, but you should probably also try to get more familiarity with modern Nightwing, which the latter helps with while still being pretty good -- particularly at the beginning. It kind of falls off a bit, but you might still like it, and if you don't, it still teaches you an invaluable skill of comic book reading: When to abandon ship lol. The Titans are fundamental to Dick as a character. It cannot be understated. The only reason I don't recommend New Teen Titans to start, which is the seminal Titans run that basically all secondary and tertiary media is based on, is because it's very long and possibly not appealing to a new comic book reader. Comics changed a lot from the 80s to the 90s, I don't know how else to put it, and this comic was written very 80s.
If you're willing to try it though, pick up an issue of New Teen Titans, too. If it's too eccentric, go to one of the above recommended titles.
6.) Gotham Knights (2000)
Really, the essential reading here is the first 20-30 issues, but all of Gotham Knights is very good. It's more of the family together, more elaborations on their relationships, has some fantastic moments like brotherly shenanigans and the scene with the letters. Iykyk.
From here, I might branch out. If you liked the Titans and team based stuff better, The Outsiders (2003) and JLA (2006) from issue #41 and beyond (when Dick was leading the Justice League as Batman while Bruce was "dead") are both great options. Titans Academy is also there. You probably also really wanna learn to suck it up and learn to love New Teen Titans. That'll be a commitment.
If you prefer Batfamily, the world is your oyster. There are so many incredible event comics. Knightfall, Prodigal, Contagion, Legacy, No Man's Land, Officer Down, Bruce Wayne: Murderer/Fugitive, what have you (and approximately in that order, though I might've mixed up Murderer/Fugitive and Officer Down). I'd go all the way to War Games, but the scenes with Dick hit different after you've read Devin's run, so hold off until you get to Devin. I might also consider Grayson (2014) and Batman and Robin Eternal. Both are very controversial, or at least diamonds in the rough. It was New 52, so characterizations can be a bit odd at times and not everything is totally canon anymore, but for all its flaws I still find Grayson to be one of the most fun smaller runs involving Dick. It just felt so snarky and morbidly comedic. It's like a riff on James Bond.
And, of course, there are the event comics and tie-ins. These are limited release runs that only last a few issues, so not like a full series, but are nonetheless enjoyable. Dark Crisis, Technis Imperative, and Absolute Power are all like 4-6 issues and very fun in terms of the larger DCU and how Dick connects to them. Infinite Crisis, Identity Crisis, Final Crisis, and Blackest Night are heavier thematically or context-wise, but invaluable for understanding the larger world. And, of course, there is always Crisis on Infinite Earths. When you hear people say "pre/post-Crisis", this is what they mean, but it's kind of a behemoth and carries plenty of pre-90s comic eccentricities, so proceed at your own risk. It's lowkey a space opera.
I can recommend more, but I should stop now. This is probably very very overwhelming. Sorry!!!
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