Comic Books

‘Nightwing Annual’ #2 reveals a brand-new origin and secret manipulation for Ric Grayson

This flashback issue doesn’t disappoint.

October 30, 2019

Spoilers ahead. You’ve been warned. For more read our review.

Nightwing recently picked up Dan Jurgens as the writer and in the annual issue out today, things go from bad to worse for the character. Bludhaven has been his home for a while, but in Nightwing Annual #2 he’s working a case with Batman in Gotham when a shooter takes him out (as seen in Batman #55).

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Grayson recovers, but we soon learn Nightwing has lost his memory of his Bat-family.

We learn Ric can remember being in the circus and can remember his parents. He actually corrects Bruce Wayne when he calls him Dick and wants to be called Richard because “My mom always called me Richard.” This crushes Bruce. There is an attempt to jog his memory, but alas it doesn’t work. It’s not until the final few pages that we realize it’s not Ric’s fault he can’t remember he was Nightwing. Something nefarious has been happening ever since Dick was a boy. Upon a visit with his grandparents, we see them give him a book.

See them looking at the painting of the owl? Not weird at all right? Think again!

It’s revealed that the Court of Owls has been courting (heh) Ric since he was a child. In fact, Ric’s grandparents are tied to the Court of Owls meaning he’s been part of the “family” since the beginning. From what is shown it appears Ric’s parents had no idea, though. Then later in a scene with his doctor, Ric is told he should leave Gotham and given the same book the Court of Owls agents gave Ric when he was a child. This is a long game from the Court of Owls that is to be sure.

We then get confirmation his doctor is tied in with the Court of Owls too. She actually helps him to exit quickly by not signing out. That doesn’t seem above board, but judging by the mask she throws on…

…she works for the Court of Owls and is likely never to be trusted! On the final page of the issue, we see a hint at what is to come.

Richard Grayson is in a new costume back in Bludhaven and likely being manipulated by the Court of Owls. It’s not clear how Nightwings will play a part, but they certainly will since they’re behind Ric! This is a huge revelation that changes the course of Nightwing’s path for the foreseeable future.

This is only part of the story though, and I highly recommend you read the whole issue. So what do you think, will Nightwing turn full-on Court of Owls soldier soon? How will Batman take this news? Sound off in the comments.

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