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Dick Grayson's Gotham Connections
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Batman
Alias: Bruce Wayne |
Secret Origin of Batman
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Robin's first appearance from DETECTIVE COMICS #38 [1940]. |
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When his parents were brutally murdered before his eyes in Gotham's dreaded "Crime Alley," Bruce Wayne vowed that no innocent should ever suffer the pain he has endured. Bruce spent his youth traveling the world in an effort to hone his physical and mental acumen.
When he returned, Wayne realized he still needed a psychological edge in his crusade. The solution presented itself rather dramatically when a bat broke in through Bruce's study window one dark night. Recognizing that criminals were a superstitious and cowardly lot, Bruce decided to create a new persona, one designed to strike fear into the hearts of his prey: the Batman.
Building a "Batcave" headquarters beneath Wayne Manor, Batman armed himself with a custom-designed array of uniforms, weapons, vehicles, and detection gear. In his war against crime, Batman has adapted a series of allies over the years.
Batman & Dick Grayson
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Batman and Nightwing have a tense reunion
in BATMAN #416 [1988] |
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Batman met a young orphan named Dick Grayson. Dick was part of the acrobatic Flying Graysons, part of Haly's Circus. Dick's parents were killed in an extortion attempt by "Boss"Anthony Zucco. Wayne took Dick Grayson into his home, and Grayson helped Batman track down Zucco to bring him to justice. Following Zucco's capture, Bruce made the young orphan the offer of a lifetime; the chance to become his crime-fighting partner. Dick chose the name Robin, and his training began.
Dick continued his adventures with Batman, and began attending college at Hudson University. Robin started to take on solo missions as well, and found himself to be a capable crime-fighter in his own right. Shortly afterward, the mysterious Raven summoned Dick Grayson, and several other young heroes, to form a new group of Titans. Robin again resumed leadership, and moved out of the shadow of the Batman. Robin realized at that point that he had grown up: He no longer relied on Batman and, in fact, he and the Dark Knight disagreed on crime-fighting methodology. Dick's newfound independence and Titans' duties left less time for his former commitments in Gotham City. He also dropped out of Hudson after only one semester.
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Dick and Bruce mend old wounds in ROBIN #13 [1994] |
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Dick rediscovered his self-worth among the Teen Titans. Batman, however, was less than pleased. He informed Dick that if he no longer wanted to be his partner, then Dick would have to retire as Robin. Furious, hurt, resigned, confused, eighteen year old Dick Grayson left Wayne Manor after this fallout. His Titans teammates helped him through this difficult time, including Starfire, a beautiful alien Dick had fallen in love with. Robin eventually became a solo hero and adopted the name Nightwing.
After Batman's back was brokeen by the villainous Bane, Jean Paul Valley stepped in to become a darker, more violent version of Batman. Wayne later returned to Gotham to reclaim the mantle of the Dark Knight forcibly, with the help of Nightwing and Robin. Shortly thereafter, Bruce Wayne departed Gotham once again, leaving the city's custodianship in the hands of his former partner Dick Grayson for a time. Still recovering from his broken back, Bruce asked Dick to substitute for him as Batman for a time. Dick accepted. During this time, Dick established a wonderful partnership with new Robin, Tim Drake. Bruce eventually returned to Gotham to reclaim his role as Batman. For the first time in a long time, Bruce and Dick began to heal their strained relationship. Bruce's respect for Dick was at last obvious.
Batman & Jason Todd
Batman met a street urchin named Jason Todd and caught him in the act of stealing the Batmobile's wheels. Batman placed Jason in what he thought was a school for wayward boys. In reality, Ma Gunn's School for Boys taught boys how to be criminals. With Jason's help, Batman brought Gunn to justice. Batman had become acutely aware of the void created in his life since Dick Grayson moved out. He was so impressed with Jason's performance that he offered to let Jason move into Wayne Manor and become the new Robin. Jason eagerly accepted.
Jason served as Robin and was an effective hero, but he was also full of anger and sometimes prone to violence. In a search for his birth mother, Jason's impetuousness led him into the hands of the Joker. The Joker beat Jason with a crowbar and left him to die in an explosion.
During the reality-altering events wrought by the Infinite Crisis, Jason Todd awoke in his coffin, now buried alive. Crawling from his own grave, he was enraged to learn that his "death" was unavenged - that Batman had not rid the world of the Joker through lethal force. Consumed with anger, Todd assumed the Joker's original identity as the costumed Red Hood. As a result of a Gang War, Gotham's underworld was thrown in turmoil. Using brutal tactics, The Red Hood planned to take control of Gotham's organized crime. Batman and Nightwing tracked the Red Hood - leading to a rooftop battle with an unmasked Batman. The Red Hood revealed his identity to the shocked Caped Crusader: None other than long-thought-dead Jason Todd! Batman tried to reason with his former protege, but Jason resolved to fight crime on his own terms - lethal terms, if necessary.
Batman & Tim Drake
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| Tim Drake meets Dick Grayson for the first time in NEW TITANS #60 [1989]. |
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Dick was involved in a case with Batman and Two-Face when Tim Drake emerged, who would later become the third Robin. Tim had deduced Batman and Robin's secret identities and cited that Batman (who had become more driven and relentless than usual) needed a Robin. Dick nurtured and supported Tim's desire to become Robin, and helped ease him into the role. Dick also has helped Tim in dealing with Bruce's distant manner.
Tim finally proved himself by rescuing Batman from the Scarecrow, at which point he was presented with a new, modified Robin suit and was allowed to travel to Europe to further hone his talents. There, Tim studied combat under teachers unknown even to Batman and learned certain skills that are now uniquely his.
Over the years, Tim's activities as Robin have put his loved ones in jeopardy. His mother was killed by the Obeah Man while his father was killed by Captain Boomerang during the murder mystery surrounding the death of Sue Dibny. Compounding that tragedy, Tim's girlfriend - the hero known as Spoiler - was killed by Black Mask when a "War Games" initiative was activated in Gotham City. Despite these tragedies, Tim is determined to continue his Robin career.
When Tim was orphaned, Bruce Wayne officially adopted him as his son.
Detective Comics #38 [1940]: First appearance and origin of Robin.
Batman #408 [1987]: As Batman and Robin battle the Joker, Robin is shot and almost fatally wounded. Rather than see Dick be further endangered, Batman "fires" his partner, sidelining the Boy Wonder for a time. Months later while in Crime Alley, Jason Todd literally runs into the Batman.
Batman #436-439 [1989]: Featured a Year Three storyline. This featured a flashback, retelling how Dick Grayson became Robin.
Robin #0 [1994]: The details of the Two-Face 'double gallows trap' incident revealed.
Batman #512-514, Shadow of The Bat #32-34, Detective Comics #679-681, Robin #11-13 [1994]: "The Prodigal": Dick assumes the role of Gotham City's Dark Knight defender once again at the behest of Bruce Wayne. Though wearing the costume of Batman only briefly, Dick defeats Two-Face, his most feared foe, and comes to grips with the painful memories of his "double-gallaws" defeat. Dick confronts Bruce about choosing Jean Paul Valley as Batman's successor.
Robin Annual #4 [1995]: Year One Annual retelling Robin's Origin
Nightwing #101-106 [2005]: "Nightwing: Year One" reveals the details of Dick Grayson's final days as Robin and transformation into Nightwing.
DC Universe Role-Playing Games: Sourcebooks and Manuals [ West End Games], DC Secret Files, supplemented by titanstower.com
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Alfred Pennyworth is a man of British descent whose grandfather and father were both butlers serving the wealthy Wayne family of Gotham City. Alfred's father trained him to become a butler, intending that he, too, would serve the Waynes. But Alfred's mother left her husband for a career on the stage. Alfred followed her into the acting profession over his father's objections. Alfred loved performing, especially in action roles. At some point, Alfred also served in the army, where he received a good deal of medical training.
Alfred's father still intended that his son succeed him as the Waynes' butler. Upon the death of his father, Alfred went to work for Dr. Thomas Wayne and his wife Martha out of a sense of familial duty. He nevertheless planned to return to his acting career but before he could arrange to do so, his employers were murdered. Alfred remained at Wayne Manor, helping the physician Leslie Thompkins care for the Waynes' orphaned son Bruce.
Alfred took care of Wayne Manor for many years, including the period when Bruce Wayne traveled abroad. When Wayne returned, Alfred told him he now intended to resume his acting career; shortly afterward, however, Wayne decided to become me costumed crime-fighter known as the Batman. He allowed Alfred knowledge of his double identity, and from then on Alfred has been a loyal confidant.
Batman's war on crime is often brutal, and Alfred acts as a medical nurse, therapist and voice of reason. In his war against crime, Batman has adapted a series of allies over the years. One such ally was a young orphan named Dick Grayson – who became the first Robin.
Alfred helped raise the boy. If Bruce was the paternal figure, Alfred was undoubtedly the maternal figure. Alfred was influential in mending fences between Bruce and Dick, from Dick's youth through his adulthood.
Batman #436-439 [1989]: Featured a Year Three storyline. This featured a flashback, retelling how Dick Grayson became Robin.
Nightwing: Alfred's Return #1 [1995]: Nightwing travels to England to find missing butler Alfred Pennyworth, who had resigned from Bruce Wayne's service following Batman's back-breaking encounter with Bane. Before returning to Gotham City together, the duo prevent a plot by British terrorists to destroy the undersea "Channel" linking England to France via the English Channel.
Robin Annual #4 [1995]: Year One Annual retelling Robin's Origin
Nightwing #101-106 [2005]: "Nightwing: Year One" reveals the details of Dick Grayson's final days as Robin and transformation into Nightwing.
DC Universe Role-Playing Games: Sourcebooks and Manuals [ West End Games], DC Secret Files, supplemented by titanstower.com
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Oracle
Alias: Barbara Gordon, formerly Batgirl |
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First Kiss! Batgirl discovers a way to silence the
Boy Wonder in BATMAN FAMILY #1 [1975]. |
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Secret Origin of Batgirl/Oracle
Commissioner Jim Gordon adopted his niece, Barbara Gordon, upon the death of her alcoholic father. Barbara took an interest in her adopted father's investigations and took up judo and gymnastics. At the policeman's masquerade ball, Barbara came in costume as ‘Batgirl', a female version of the vigilante Barbara had come to admire. At the ball, ‘Batgirl' was instrumental in capturing the criminal known as Killer Moth. And a new hero was born!
Initially, Batman was skeptical about the new heroine. But her persistence won him over and he agreed to train her. Years later, her career was cut tragically short when the Joker shot her at point blank range.
Confined to a wheelchair for life, Barbara refused to let this setback defeat her. Using the computer, she set up a vast information network that spans the globe - and became known only as the mysterious hacker named Oracle. She has become an invaluable resource to the whole superhero community, including Batman's cadre of allies, the Justice League of America and her frequent partner, Black Canary.
Barbara Gordon & Dick Grayson
Initially, Batman was skeptical about the new heroine. But her persistence won him over and he agreed to train her. Barbara frequently assisted Batman and Robin, and enjoyed an outrageously flirtation relationship with Robin. Being a few years his senior, Barbara never seriously considered getting romantically involved with the Boy Wonder.
As the Boy Wonder became a Teen Wonder, Barbara found her attraction growing. Before she could act on her feelings, Dick Grayson fell in love with an exotoc alien princess named Starfire, who was also his fellow teammate in the Teen Titans. Adding to a broken heart, Barbara's life was shattered when she was shot by the Joker. Barbara then concentrated all her efforts on becoming the expert information broker known only as Oracle. Meanwhile, Dick's relationship with Starfire fizzled, and he left the Titans for a solo career - as Nightwing - in Bludhaven.
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Dick and Babs finally become a couple
in NIGHTWING #38 [1999] |
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At that time, Dick Grayson and Barbara Gordon's once flirtatious Robin-Batgirl relationship threatened to blossom into something more. When Gotham was quarantined from the rest of the United States and became a virtual No Man's Land, Nightwing was sent to secure Blackgate Prison. Exhausted and injured from his experience at the prison, Dick recuperated at Barbara's clocktower, and the two grew even closer. Finally expressing their feelings for each other, Dick and Barbara entered into a romantic relationship.
Dick's intense focus in different directions put a strain on their budding relationship. Barbara also believed that her romance with Dick was based on his vision of her from years ago. Although it broke her heart - and his - Barbara felt it best to end their relationship. After facing near-death during the Infinite Crisis, Nightwing proposed marriage to Barbara Gordon, who initially accepted his proposal. After further introspection, Barbara returned her engagement ring to Dick, insisting he travel the world and sort out his life.
Birds or Prey #8: Dick takes Barbara to the circus and helps her 'fly again' up in a circus trapeze. "My editors suggested a pure Dick and Babs story," Dixon says. "No gun battles, No monsters. This is where the romance comes out into the open for both of them."
Nightwing #38-39 [1999]:Rogue Officer Pettit tracks down Oracle to shut down her information network. Exhausted and injured from his experience at Blackgate Prison, Dick recuperates at Barbara's clocktower, and the two grow closer. After years of teasing, hinting, and will-they-or-won't-they, Babs and Dick finally kiss in Nightwing #38, "That's a sign that this is for real' and not just a cheap trick on the readers," Dixon says. "Dick and Babs are now an item." Their romantic moment is shattered by the arrival of Pettit and Huntress.
Nightwing #45-46, Birds of Prey #20-21[1999]: "Hunt For Oracle" storyline: Nightwing's archenemy Blockbuster seeks to kill Oracle and destroy her information network because Barbara had pilfered hundreds of millions from the villain's secret offshore accounts. The story culminated in BoP #21 with Dinah's dramatic, last-second rescue of Babs - also their first face-to-face meeting, a climactic moment to which the entire series had been building. "It was planned from Day One that they would meet in as dramatic a fashion as possible," swears Dixon.
Nightwing Annual #2 [2007]: One year ago, Dick Grayson pledged his heart to Barbara Gordon, a.k.a. Oracle, then nearly surrendered his life during the INFINITE CRISIS. Now, learn the full comeback story of Nightwing as it brings to light the story of DC's most star-crossed couple.
DC Universe Role-Playing Games: Sourcebooks and Manuals [ West End Games], DC Secret Files, supplemented by titanstower.com
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Huntress
Alias: Helena Bertinelli |
Secret Origin of Huntress
The daughter of a dangerous mafia crime boss, Helena Bertinelli watched as her entire family was murdered before her eyes. The orphaned eight year old was sent to Europe, where she spent her days studying weaponry and becoming an expert in hand-to-hand combat. Helena eventually found her way back to Gotham, where her awe of Batman led her to create her own costumed identity as the Huntress. Her methods, however, were more vengeful and brutal than the Dark Knight's.
Huntress joined the Justice League and even temporarily took the mantle of Batgirl in an effort to earn his trust, but Batman's stark disapproval of her methods has kept the two heroes at odds with each other. Later, the Huntress teamed up with another crime-fighter, the Question, to solve the mystery of who arranged the hit on the her parents. When it turned out to be her own uncle - who was actually her biological father - the Huntress ruthlessly arranged for him to be killed. Despite her harsh methods, the Huntress has earned the trust of some of her crime-fighting peers, including Nightwing and Oracle.
Huntress & Nightwing
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Nightwing and Huntress give into passion in
NIGHTWING/HUNTRESS mini series #1-4 [1998] |
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While investigating the murder of a prostitute and a mobster falsely accused of the crime, Nightwing teams up with the Huntress to solve the case. Huntress crossed paths with Nightwing. Realizing a growing attraction, the two lonely heroes shared a night of passion. Eventually, they solved the case and parted ways, knowing their crime-fighting ideologies would interfere with any hope of a true relationship.
Nightwing and Huntress have since crossed paths as members of Batman's crimefighting team.
Nightwing/Huntress (mini series) #1-4 [May 1998 to August 1998]: Nightwing becomes involved in a murder case involving the mob in a mini series written by Devin Grayson with art by Greg Land. Nightwing is asked to patrol Gotham City while Batman attends to other matters. While investigating the murder of a prostitute and a mobster falsely accused of the crime, Nightwing teams with the violent Huntress. The two begin a brief, passionate affair, despite their vastly different methodologies.
Nightwing #26-29 [1998-1999]: The Huntress travels to Bludhaven and unites with Nightwing once more in the midst of multiple attempts to murder BIudhaven union boss "Turk" Fremunda. Both encounter the aptly-named "Torque," formerly Dudley Soames, now a tommy gun-toting, backwards-facing killer. Despite temptation, the heroic pair do not resume their doomed romance, parting company once more.
Nightwing #38-39 [1999]:Rogue Officer Pettit tracks down Oracle to shut down her information network. Exhausted and injured from his experience at Blackgate Prison, Dick recuperates at Barbara's clocktower, and the two grow closer. After years of teasing, hinting, and will-they-or-won't-they, Babs and Dick finally kiss in Nightwing #38, "That's a sign that this is 'for real' and not just a cheap trick on the readers," Dixon says. "Dick and Babs are now an item." Their romantic moment is shattered by the arrival of Pettit and Huntress.
Huntress: Cry For Blood #1-6 [2000] mini series: the series explored the Huntress' history as a daughter of the Mafia and teamed her up with another crime-fighter, the Question, to solve the mystery of who arranged the hit on the Huntress' parents. When it turned Out to be her own uncle - who was actually her biological father-the Huntress ruthlessly arranged for him to be killed.
DC Universe Role-Playing Games: Sourcebooks and Manuals [ West End Games], DC Secret Files, supplemented by titanstower.com
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