#mreternaloptimism

[cosmicmordecai]

I changed my blog name from me eternal optimism to itsarealfight. The name from a spinoff of my favorite manga. I also included a name for those to refer to me as. Its my last name, really.

[theflyingwonder]

I see. That's fine for answer though. Did you happen to see DC's Top Ten Love Story videos that uploaded 2-3 days ago? DC just so happens to include every Nightwing fan's favorite DickBabs centered annual of all time. *SARCASM* It was a REALLY a good laugh though. Just thought you should know.

Oh, man. Nightwing Annual #2? That’s my favorite love story, hands down. Dick and Kory’s wedding night. Barbara recently paralyzed. Dick having sex with her without telling her he’s getting married. Giving her a wedding invite the next day. Making her scream and cry. It was so great. The love was so visceral throughout that comic I wanted to propose to thebatmanfiles on the spot. So much unconditional, passionate, undying love packed into one storyline that doesn’t contradict with the greater DC universe timeline at all in any way and doesn’t make any character look bad at all. It was so wonderful. I’m glad DC is so in touch with their characters and fanbase that they pick the one love story that their own fans universally reject as canon on a daily basis. This is so wonderful. Happy Valentine’s, DC

[context]

[theflyingwonder]

Just a fun ask here: if you were given the task of designing Nightwing's costume, what would you do? What would you add, take away, etc? What gadgets would you have him carry on a typical basis?

(NW Annual #2)

Well, I would keep the blue fingerstripes, but the number of people who are surprised there is zero. I already have a detailed HC on the material of Dick’s suit [right here]. To recap it briefly, I imagine Dick’s suit being comprised of three basic layers: a bottom layer that is waterproof and tear resistant, a middle layer that is insulated from electricity and durable against extreme heat, and a top layer that works as a kevlar nanoweave to protect against low to mid-caliber bullets. 

I really like that Dick’s suit is set up to automatically release a taser charge when tampered with (like a possum defense mechanism when he’s unconscious). His mask also canonically has an explosive charge that will go off if the mask is removed and a trigger word is said. I’m guessing this extends to Dick’s combat boots and gauntlets as well, which will also self-destruct if removed by the wrong hands when a trigger word is said. I also love the new Arkham City thing with Dick’s escrima sticks doubling as tasers (but for the love of God, keep the electricity blue. Red electricity isn’t possible in the circumstances Dick uses them under and DC drives me crazy by defying physics just to make Dick red in the N52).

I don’t think there’s anything I would take away, because Dick has a nice, slim, and aerodynamic design as it is. It’s already so simplistic and sleek, and it’s a design that works and can keep working for decades without ever going out of style. The blue stripes along Nightwing’s arms resemble a bird’s wingspan, which is nice and symbolic for Dick, being the Flying Grayson that he is.

I also like that Dick doesn’t have a belt for a couple reasons: it would look bulky for his acrobatic self, and it would potentially move around too much while he’s doing flips and shit. I like that Dick stores his supplies in his gauntlets and boots instead of a belt. I think it makes more sense for him, is unique, and is practical. When it comes to both Batman’s belt and Dick’s gloves/boots, it barely makes any sense to me whatsoever how they can hold so much shit, but it’s comic book logic. I can roll with it. 

(Outsiders Vol 3 #49)

Dick has a bunch of visible compartments along his arms and legs, and I think this makes about as much sense as Bruce’s utility belt, so here I am, not complaining about it. A+, would recommend to other acrobat vigilantes in need of storing their dangerous gear

As for the gear he carries around, obviously it will change depending on what kind of fight he’s going into, but I think the core essentials should be:

At least two to three grappling hooks

A dozen wing-dings

Some quantity of explosive plastique

Mini-penlight

Lockpicks, both inside compartments and built into the suit itself

Tracers

Tear gas pellets

Smoke pellets

Flash bang pellets

Strong mini-laser with limited duration

Morphine pills / basic med kit

A syringe of some dangerous chemical to be usedas a last resort in emergencies that gives him an edge in a fight 

As well as a mask that automatically has infrared and nightvision, basic GPS capabilities and a satellite comm uplink to communicate with.

Most of the above are self-explanatory and things that Dick already uses in canon. The only thing I’m adding that isn’t quite canon is the ‘dangerous chemical’ thing. Dick has been known to carry syringes of dangerous substances already, actually. (Like lyersgic acid, but why Dick carries this around, I have no clue.) I’m thinking more along the lines of something that will stave off his pain and give him an adrenaline boost to keep going when the odds are stacked against him. Like I said, as a last resort.

Anyway, this is more of a canon meta than my personal opinion, but I think comics are already so detailed about this sort of thing that there’s simply not much for me to add beyond the specific materials I’d choose for his suit.