Summary

• Batman and Nightwing it that their relationship has become increasingly strained since the death of Alfred Pennyworth.
• Bruce Wayne takes a major step in healing his and Dick's relationship with two simple words.
• Tom Taylor's Nightwing #100 healed the trauma induced by the violent portrayals of Batman and Nightwing's relationship in New 52.

While they may have been the original Dynamic Duo, Batman's relationship has been far from perfect and has endured its fair share of challenges over the years, frequently leaving them at odds with each other. However, there has always been a remarkably simple solution to mend the strife between the two heroes.

Nightwing #100—by Tom Taylor, Bruno Redondo, Adriano Lucas, and others—delivered one of the most poignant and emotionally revealing exchanges between Dick Grayson and Bruce Wayne in comic book history. Among the various topics discussed, one of the most notable points was the acknowledgment by both heroes that their relationship has suffered since the ing of their shared mentor, confidant, friend, and pseudo-father—Alfred Thaddeus Crane Pennyworth.

However, instead of wallowing in the past, Batman, in an unprecedented display of vulnerability, takes the first step in mending his and Nightwing's relationship with two simple words—"I'm sorry."

The restoration of Dick and Bruce’s bond was less about the apology itself and more about Bruce stepping out of his comfort zone to demonstrate his love for Dick.

“I’m Sorry” Healed Batman and Nightwing’s Relationship (But Not in the Way You Think)

Bruce doesn’t say "I’m sorry" just once but rather three times, underscoring his acknowledgment of his personal failings in his relationship with Dick. This includes the Dark Knight apologizing for ever making Nightwing think that he was anything other than proud of the hero and man he had become. Bruce also expresses remorse for any instances where he may have "failed" Dick, but perhaps most significantly, he apologizes for all the times he attempted to push his eldest son away. This final apology carries particular weight, as it prompts Nightwing to interrupt his father mid-sentence and embrace Batman in a bone-crushing hug.

The moment Bruce began apologizing marked the beginning of the healing process in his relationship with Nightwing. However, the restoration of Dick and Bruce’s bond was less about the apology itself and more about Bruce stepping out of his comfort zone to demonstrate his love for Dick. By opening up in such a vulnerable manner and expressing his emotions verbally—an endeavor notoriously challenging for the Dark Knight—Bruce initiated a crucial shift in their dynamic. This healing process was further solidified when Dick accepted his father’s apology, expressing his forgiveness through a poignant display of physical affection.

Tom Taylor’s Nightwing #100 Healed New 52 Dick Grayson / Bruce Wayne-Induced Trauma

This moment wasn’t just healing for Bruce and Dick but also for fans who had to endure the New 52’s portrayal of their relationship. Notably, in Batman Vol 2 #7 and Nightwing Vol 3 #7, Batman is depicted brutally punching Nightwing in the face. These scenes have become notorious in the Bat-Family fandom, with fans criticizing them as unnecessarily violent and out of character. Despite the rejection of these scenes, the image of Bruce brutally beating his son has lingered in the minds of fans. Hence, fans particularly welcome the healing moment between Nightwing and Batman in Taylor’s run.

Nightwing #100 is available now from DC Comics!