The friction between Batman and Superman in Injustice: Gods Among Us was the meat and potatoes of the comic. Not just their actual blows. Their opinions on how the world should be run were the biggest reason for the series. Because, if they found a way to agree then there wouldn’t have been a story. This brings us to the star of this article and the person who could have mediated the conflict, the former Boy Wonder, Dick Grayson, aka Nightwing.
Dick may have been raised by Bruce Wayne, but their personalities couldn’t be further apart. Nightwing’s ideals are closer to Superman’s than The Dark Knight’s. It’s not shocking that Supes helped give him his codename instead of his mentor. Because of Dick’s calming nature and bright personality, it’s not shocking that Tom Taylor had Damian Wayne accidentally kill him early into Injustice. There’s no way Nightwing wouldn’t have made the two former friends sit down and talk and end their war before it started.
Before Nightwing was killed, things between the Superfriends could have been repaired. Superman hadn’t completely lost faith in Batman and The Dark Knight wasn’t as angry. There was even a point when Superman complimented Bruce for taking out Solomon Grundy. Plus, instead of continuing to take prisoners from Arkham, Supes ordered them back to their cells. Unfortunately, Dick’s death was the point of no return.
Bruce pushing Damian Wayne didn't help. Batman was angry at what just happened and wasn't thinking rationally. So instead of consoling him and trying to work things out, he shunned his son. That sent Damian right into the arms of Superman and his Regime.
There was one more moment that must be acknowledged. When Bruce was grieving, Superman didn’t go to his friend. Sure, The Dark Knight didn’t help when Martha and Jonathan Kent were kidnapped, but this was different. There was an actual dead body in front of them. Someone they both had a hand in raising.
Even after his death, there was more opportunity for reconciliation. But, instead of going to his friend, Superman stayed back. He thought too much had happened between them. Maybe if Clark had gone to Bruce things could have gone better. Too bad we'll never know.
Do you think Nightwing could have helped Batman and Superman work things out during Injustice: Gods Among Us? What went through your mind when Nightwing died? Let us know on the Bam Smack Pow Bluesky, Instagram, and Twitter.