For most people, birthdays bring gifts from friends and family. Dick Grayson, however, is not most people. The opening story of Nightwing #113 showcases this, as the first Robin celebrates his birthday with a most unusual tradition. The issue is also a celebration of Nightwing as a character, marking the 300th comic published under the Nightwing name.
Written by Tom Taylor and Marv Wolfman, with art by Daniele Di Nicuolo and Bruno Redondo, the story spans Nightwing’s birthday from dawn until dusk. Surprisingly, he doesn’t spend the morning sleeping-in or enjoying some private time with girlfriend, Barbara Gordon. Instead, he takes over Barbara’s duties as Oracle so she can sleep-in for once. This reveals Dick Grayson’s odd birthday tradition.
Nightwing Gives Gifts to Others on His Birthday
There is little in life that Nightwing wants or needs and he’s not much for material possessions. As such, he doesn’t feel the need to request things from his friends just to acknowledge the passing of another year. What makes him happy is making those he loves happy.
To that end, he spends his birthday giving gifts to his friends and family — with the caveat that they cannot complain. This ranges from getting his girlfriend her favorite breakfast to arranging for her to share in an award honoring his philanthropy. The evening does end with a party at his favorite restaurant. True to tradition, however, Nightwing pays the bill for everyone.
Nightwing #113 Also Honors His Creators
The pizzeria scene is particularly poignant, scripted as it is by Nightwing co-creator Marv Wolfman. Both Wolfman and his frequent collaborator George Perez were given cameos throughout the current Nightwing volume as the owners of Marv and George’s Pizza. Perez passed away in May 2022, but the brief scene enables Wolfman to break the fourth wall to congratulate their creation on the giving man he’s become after 300 issues of his solo comic.
Nightwing #113 is now available on-line and in comic shops everywhere.
