WARNING: The following contains spoilers for Nightwing #76 by Dan Jurgens, Ronan Cliquet, Nick Filardi, & Andoworld Design, on sale now
Dick Grayson first took on the Nightwing mantle to distance himself somewhat from the idea of Batman. Having been Robin for years, this new identity became more than just an outlet for Dick, but a symbol to the city of Bludhaven. And now, it appears that the original Nightwing has given his blessing to expand the role.
Nightwing just told Malcolm Hutch -- one of the replacement Nightwings during Dick's time as Ric Grayson -- that with the right training, he'll become the next Nightwing.
Dick Grayson's departure from the role of Nightwing left the city of Bludhaven largely unprotected. Seeking to fight back and help their city, four men and women -- Detective Alphonse Sapienza, Fire Department Deputy Chief Malcolm Hutch, and sibling officers Detective Colleen Edwards and Officer Zak Edwards -- decided to become a team of Nightwing replacements. Although they lacked the specific training of Dick Grayson that allowed the hero to contend with the most dangerous criminals and killers in the world, their own talents and teamwork were able to save some lives in Bludhaven. They did good work throughout the city, but the severity of the threats they faced proved to be quite dangerous: Talon almost killed Zak in a fight, and a confrontation with the Joker during Joker War left Sapienza in a wheelchair.
With Dick's memory finally restored, he's once again taken up the mantle of Nightwing. One of the first things he did upon redonning the costume was to approach Malcolm and ask to meet the entire group. Thanking them for their help while he was away, Nightwing admits they were good -- but that they need to hang up the costume before someone gets killed. However, Dick soon runs into Malcolm again after defeating KGBeast. The pair briefly talk, and Malcolm reveals he's still committed to being Nightwing. Dick agrees that if it's something he really wants and is willing to put in the training for, then he can work to become Nightwing again -- something Malcolm enthusiastically agrees to.
One of the most prevalent aspects of the Batman's legacy has been the idea that multiple people can take to wearing the symbol. So long as they represent what that heroic identity stands for, then they can wear it proudly as they fight for their city. It's something Dick is familiar with, having served as Bruce's heir to the role of Batman multiple times over the years. But it's interesting to see, after perhaps his closest-ever brush with death, that Dick seems to be embracing that idea with Nightwing as well. Malcolm and the other Nightwings are already skilled in their respective fields, with Malcolm in particular having a variety of life-saving skills thanks to his extensive experience as a fire fighter. He's one of the best possible picks for a replacement Nightwing, someone who can save lives just as much as knock people out.
This also potentially expands the Bat-Family, as just having a reserve Nightwing at the ready is already an additional foot soldier in the war on crime. Dick could even end up recruiting all of the replacement Nightwings, effectively giving himself his own band of Robins to help him save Bludhaven from itself. Nightwing is shaping up to take on a mentor-like role not unlike Batman himself -- and is ensuring that Nightwing carries on long after him.