Would a Nightwing animated series be successful?

[Beyond Batman]

I think it would be a fantastic idea. It was never really explained in the animated series why he left Bruce, where he went, and how he came to be. In the TNBAS comics adaptation/extension, "The Lost Years," pretty much explained it all, but I think it would be great to see it in animated form. What do you guys think?

[Wonderwall]

Meh, thats how I feel about Nightwing when he gets the top billing. As a guest star or partner he works great and he's cool because he can bounce off Batman, the whole bitterness between them, the fact Dick wants to be his own man when, ironically enough, he's just like the old man. IMO Nightwing is a very overrated character, and the problem with him is what El Gancho said in You Scratch My Back, all he is Batman lite.

[pixellj]

No good can come from a lead with a mullet ;).

[KuwabaraTheMan]

I can't see a Nightwing show being a huge success. Yeah, he's had a long running comic, but I've always been 'meh' towards that, anyways.

A DTV about Nightwing could be pretty fun, but I don't think he can carry a TV show on his own.

[Beyond Batman]

Being Batman's first protoge, don't you think he's worthy of his own show? Like a coming of age story transitioning from Robin to Nightwing. Dick went to Bludhaven to establish himself there. Not using Bruce as his "meal ticket," he moved on to prove that he could do things on his own. In the meantime, fight crime in Bludhaven. New city, new villains, new problems. And in the mix, have Tim, Barb, and Alfred pop in once in a while to help or even reminisce on old times.

[Ishtar]

I'm not sure he'd be able to carry his own series successfuly. I mean, he's an interesting character, but he doesn't have enough depth. A DTV movie I could see working though.

[Beyond Batman]

No good can come from a lead with a mullet ;).

...eventually his was cut... wo would Nightwing's

http://slantmouth.com/articles/supermanOrSuperfreak/images/returnOfSuperMullet.jpg


I'm not sure he'd be able to carry his own series successfuly. I mean, he's an interesting character, but he doesn't have enough depth. A DTV movie I could see working though.

That's what the show would be for.... to give Nightwing depth.

[KuwabaraTheMan]

Being Batman's first protoge, don't you think he's worthy of his own show? Like a coming of age story transitioning from Robin to Nightwing. Dick went to Bludhaven to establish himself there. Not using Bruce as his "meal ticket," he moved on to prove that he could do things on his own. In the meantime, fight crime in Bludhaven. New city, new villains, new problems. And in the mix, have Tim, Barb, and Alfred pop in once in a while to help or even reminisce on old times.

Going along those lines, a 'Batman Family' show would make more sense.

I can honestly only take so much of Dick at a time, and coupled with that, his Rogues Gallery has never been particularly strong.

A DTV would work for him, but for a full length show, focusing on the Bat family in general would make more sense.

[Beyond Batman]

If any spin-off were to come from TNBAS, Nightwing's would make the most sense, simply because there's a lot of new territory to explore. Everyone knew Dick Grayson as Robin... but Dick Grayson as Nightwing has yet to be explored.

[DisneyBoy]

:sweat:

How many times is this question going to be asked?

(not to be a snot, but...)

[Wonderwall]

:sweat:

How many times is this question going to be asked?

(not to be a snot, but...)

You're not alone with your feelings toward the subject.

[Beyond Batman]

:sweat:

How many times is this question going to be asked?

(not to be a snot, but...)

As often as we get:

"Where is Nightwing in Batman Beyond?"
"Is it Dick or Tim in Teen Titans?"
"How many years does TNBAS take place after BTAS?"
"What JLU figures I'd like to see!"
"Favorite moments in all of the DCAU."

[DisneyBoy]

That sounds about right.

Thing is, though...I feel (maybe incorrectly) that we've already had two other exact same threads since the start of '07.

Anyhow, carry on. I'm not here to ruin the party.

[EazyV]

No it wouldn't, because not that many people care about Nightwing. Or know about him. When he first came on the new Batman episodes, I was like wth happened to the real Robin?!

[FireWarrior]

Well the topic is not a new one as stated already but I'll give my two cents anyway. Do I want a series on Nightwing? - Yes I think he is a cool character and a series exploring his characters, his supporting characters, his villians, and Bludhaven. Would it be successful? - I don't really think so. Reason? He's not very accessible to the general public. He's not a well known character amongst the non comic book fans. Most people would probably recognize Dick as Robin not Nightwing. Batman TAS was successful largely to the fact that it was Batman (everyone knew who he was), it remained faithful to the characters, but at the same time made it accessible so that people who are not familiar with the Batman mythos can sit down and still enjoy it. I can't see Nightwing having that kind of potential. Shame though, it'll be nice.

[Squall]

I don't think a full-blown "let's make as many episodes as we can" TV series would work for Nightwing, but a direct-to-DVD movie featuring him, or a mini-series (say, 13 episodes, with a pre-planned beginning and ending) would rock. :)

[Captain Highwind]

Would I like to see a TNBA-styled Nightwing series? No. His story is done. The only thing to really cover would be his founding of the Teen Titans.

However, while I was geared toward a Nightwing spin-off from The Batman, now having watched some clips from Artifacts, I wasn't that impressed with the design or character portrayed. Since it can probably be seen as an alternate timeline, I'll let it pass if they tweek both problems considerably.

However, would a Nightwing series work from scratch? Oh hell yes. A teenage Batman learning how to be a decent crimefighter through the seasons? All the while trying to juggle college life, or life as a rookie cop? And plenty of room for the writer to create worthwhile villains or bring his usual villains to the spotlight? That's classic Spider-Man formula right there.

[Amayirot Akago]

Well the topic is not a new one as stated already but I'll give my two cents anyway. Do I want a series on Nightwing? - Yes I think he is a cool character and a series exploring his characters, his supporting characters, his villians, and Bludhaven. Would it be successful? - I don't really think so. Reason? He's not very accessible to the general public. He's not a well known character amongst the non comic book fans. Most people would probably recognize Dick as Robin not Nightwing. Batman TAS was successful largely to the fact that it was Batman (everyone knew who he was), it remained faithful to the characters, but at the same time made it accessible so that people who are not familiar with the Batman mythos can sit down and still enjoy it. I can't see Nightwing having that kind of potential. Shame though, it'll be nice.Green Lantern or Flash weren't all that well known either, and look just how big a hit Justice League turned out to be. Or for that matter, Teen Titans (everyone other than Robin were totally non-mainstream).

[FireWarrior]

Green Lantern or Flash weren't all that well known either, and look just how big a hit Justice League turned out to be. Or for that matter, Teen Titans (everyone other than Robin were totally non-mainstream).

You're missing the point. Green Lantern and Flash are more well known than Nightwing. Plus Justice League was a big hit because many fans followed it as a continuation of the DCAU. Plus don't forget the show had the big 3: Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman. And most non comic book fans know who they are.

As for Teen Titans, you said it yourself Robin is the most well known. And I can be sure that most non comic book readers know who Robin is rather than Nightwing. It is all about accessiblity and the general knowledge of characters. TT has Robin and JL has the Big 3, Nightwing himself is not well known amongst the general public.

[Robin2099]

Would it work? Maybe. The current comics have show Nightwing is more then just Batman light, and that he's an interesting charcter on his own since Marv Wolfman took over. But the same negative is that his rogue gallery isn't very strong and that has been a problem since the first issue. I think that a series could be popular though as kids will watch anything if it looks cool.

[HaagenDas]

It is one of the few series that could work because it still can be in continuity but without massive JL involvement. Nightwing isnt in the JL, so the JL could be doing its thing saving the world while Grayson is living in Bludhaven. Same reason to start an AMAZO or a Lobo or a GL Corps series and still keep it amazing and in continuity with DCAU after the JLU series

[Wonderwall]

See thats also another problem, the never ending, never dying notion that every DC cartoon must be in B.T's DCAU. Im a huge fan of it, but its over, why must new shows have the burden of either being in the same universe or trashed immedietely if its not. Also JL seems like logical conclusion, why go backwards with a solo series? Especially for a B list character.

[batgirl2007]

It could work maybe if Tim Drake or another Batfamily member could show up once in a while.

[Beyond Batman]

Those who are replying, Nightwing won't do well because "not many people outside of comics knows who he is..."

Remember this guy?
http://www.scifilm.org/tv/tvgraphics/batmanbeyond-countdown.jpg

Which spun-off into this:
http://epguides.com/ZetaProject/cast.jpg

We've seen spin offs from much lesser known characters. So what if Nightwing isn't as recognizable as Batman, Superman, or Wonder Woman. A good story is a good story right? Nightwing is unique, in that he broke away from the sidekick role and became a hero in his own right, under his own terms. Why should it matter that the main character should be so recognizable??? So kids can understand it? That's rubish! Give it a great story, some great action, and define Nightwings character and you'll have a great show with or without Batman (or others) being in it.

[Wonderwall]

Those who are replying, Nightwing won't do well because "not many people outside of comics knows who he is..."

Remember this guy?
http://www.scifilm.org/tv/tvgraphics/batmanbeyond-countdown.jpg

Which spun-off into this:
http://epguides.com/ZetaProject/cast.jpg

We've seen spin offs from much lesser known characters. So what if Nightwing isn't as recognizable as Batman, Superman, or Wonder Woman. A good story is a good story right? Nightwing is unique, in that he broke away from the sidekick role and became a hero in his own right, under his own terms. Why should it matter that the main character should be so recognizable??? So kids can understand it? That's rubish! Give it a great story, some great action, and define Nightwings character and you'll have a great show with or without Batman (or others) being in it.

Not to bad logic...cept for the fact no one watched the Zeta Project. I didn't even know it had a second season because they stopped showing it here after the first season.

[Beyond Batman]

So what makes you think they'd make Nightwing suck?

[Wonderwall]

I don't think it would suck, but A nightwing show seems redundant. It would just be a Batman show without the A list villains or supporting cast or star power. That's why there's always going to be different shows about Batman. Nowadays a licensed property has to be really recognizable to be a success, and Nightwing just doesn't fit the bill of being Headliner, its why his comics don't sell out huge numbers but why he's always a supporting player in major events, because he is still a cool character.

[Simon Trent]

Could it be a good show? Possibly. Would it be successful? Probably not. I didn't even know there was a Nightwing until I saw Batman: The Animated Series, and the character doesn't seem aggressively interesting or iconic enough to get his own series. People cite the Zeta Project, but I don't know about you, but the only reason I heard about that show was because of the commercials, and like Wonderwall mentioned, I doubt anyone watched it. And I'd hate for some poor animation company to needlessly waste its time and money to make a show only to have it pushed off air because of bad ratings.

[Luke Cage]

...wouldn't be sucessful if it was bad. Nightwing doesn't have the mass following needed to weather a mediocre pilot ep.

The Batman was aweful in the beginning, but because it's The Batman, it stayed alive long enough to see some real improvement. It's now legitimate.

Birds of Prey was aweful in the beginning. No one really cared. Most viewers tuned it out because of the pilot and it got cancelled by mid season.

(I won't even bring up the latest Fantastic Four Cartoon)

For Nightwing to work, it would have to be groundbreaking enough to create a buzz, and good enough to attract and keep an audience.

[Beyond Batman]

So what I've gathered from the nay-sayers:

Nightwing isn't recognizable enough
Nightwing isn't interesting enough
Nightwing is "Batman light."
Nightwing doesn't have any good villains

Out of curiosity, the people who have said, "No, a Nightwing series won't be successful," are any of you Teen Titan fans by any chance? The reason I ask is because Teen Titans was led by a 2nd tiered character, Robin. There was never a guest appearance by Batman, nor was he ever mentioned. In addition, the team was composed of "non-recognizable" characters (considering everyone assumes general viewers are only familiar with Bruce Timm's universe). Yet, the Teen Titans was a success... it was a show that stood on it's own. So by judging by everyone's nay response, wouldn't the same things apply to Nightwing? I see no reason why Nightwing wouldn't be great so long as the stories and animation is given the right treatment.

[Wonderwall]

So what I've gathered from the nay-sayers:

Nightwing isn't recognizable enough
Nightwing isn't interesting enough
Nightwing is "Batman light."
Nightwing doesn't have any good villains

Out of curiosity, the people who have said, "No, a Nightwing series won't be successful," are any of you Teen Titan fans by any chance? The reason I ask is because Teen Titans was led by a 2nd tiered character, Robin. There was never a guest appearance by Batman, nor was he ever mentioned. In addition, the team was composed of "non-recognizable" characters (considering everyone assumes general viewers are only familiar with Bruce Timm's universe). Yet, the Teen Titans was a success... it was a show that stood on it's own. So by judging by everyone's nay response, wouldn't the same things apply to Nightwing? I see no reason why Nightwing wouldn't be great so long as the stories and animation is given the right treatment.

Look man, we've all given you legit responses, you're obviously not going to change your mind on the subject so you might as well drop it. Besides its fact, Teen Titans have more of a fan base than Nightwing comics ever have, Robin is many more times recognizable than Nightwing, it was marketed as a kids show more than a straight super hero show, and it was a team show, not a show starring a singular hero( who is far less interesting than an entire team ). Satisfied.

[Master Moron]

Remember this guy?

http://www.scifilm.org/tv/tvgraphics/batmanbeyond-countdown.jpg

Which spun-off into this:
http://epguides.com/ZetaProject/cast.jpg



Actually, I don't. Is that even the same guy in the two images? They look completely different.

You know, I remember a couple years ago someone suggested a Nightwing cartoon and I dismissed the idea saying "No one cares about Nightwing." I remember I got jumped on by a lot of posters telling me how awesome Nightwing is. I'm glad to see that more people have realized I was right.

[Beyond Batman]

Look man, we've all given you legit responses, you're obviously not going to change your mind on the subject so you might as well drop it. Besides its fact, Teen Titans have more of a fan base than Nightwing comics ever have, Robin is many more times recognizable than Nightwing, it was marketed as a kids show more than a straight super hero show, and it was a team show, not a show starring a singular hero( who is far less interesting than an entire team ). Satisfied.

Does someone need a hug?

I'm not discounting what anyone is saying here. I'm just surprised so many people would not want to see this series considering how much everyone loves Batman and the DCAU. And also the number of "What happened to Nightwing in Batman Beyond?" questions I've seen on this board.

BTW, since Robin is "many more times recognizable than Nightwing" I think you're missing the fact that Dick was the original Robin. Essentially, Nightwing's a "grown up Robin." Showing that transition shouldn't be too hard for kids to figure out and I think that would make for a great show.

[FireWarrior]

So what I've gathered from the nay-sayers:

Nightwing isn't recognizable enough
Nightwing isn't interesting enough
Nightwing is "Batman light."
Nightwing doesn't have any good villains

Out of curiosity, the people who have said, "No, a Nightwing series won't be successful," are any of you Teen Titan fans by any chance? The reason I ask is because Teen Titans was led by a 2nd tiered character, Robin. There was never a guest appearance by Batman, nor was he ever mentioned. In addition, the team was composed of "non-recognizable" characters (considering everyone assumes general viewers are only familiar with Bruce Timm's universe). Yet, the Teen Titans was a success... it was a show that stood on it's own. So by judging by everyone's nay response, wouldn't the same things apply to Nightwing? I see no reason why Nightwing wouldn't be great so long as the stories and animation is given the right treatment.

Wonderwall pretty much said it all for me. As I said before I would like to see a Nightwing series but let's be realistic, a good faithful adaption of him into a TV series would not gain enough audiences. As for TT being a success Wonderwall summed it up as well. Don't underestimate the Robin's popularity. He's more well known that you think.

[Beyond Batman]

Actually, I don't. Is that even the same guy in the two images? They look completely different.

The robot in the top image is the guy in the blue coat in the second image. That's Zeta's holographic disguise.

[Beyond Batman]

Wonderwall pretty much said it all for me. As I said before I would like to see a Nightwing series but let's be realistic, a good faithful adaption of him into a TV series would not gain enough audiences. As for TT being a success Wonderwall summed it up as well. Don't underestimate the Robin's popularity. He's more well known that you think.

Nightwing's popularity shouldn't be underestimated either.

[Master Moron]

Does someone need a hug?

I'm not discounting what anyone is saying here. I'm just surprised so many people would not want to see this series considering how much everyone loves Batman and the DCAU. And also the number of "What happened to Nightwing in Batman Beyond?" questions I've seen on this board.

BTW, since Robin is "many more times recognizable than Nightwing" I think you're missing the fact that Dick was the original Robin. Essentially, Nightwing's a "grown up Robin." Showing that transition shouldn't be too hard for kids to figure out and I think that would make for a great show.


Why is everyone forgetting Cyborg? I didn't recognize Raven, Starfire, or Beast Boy when I saw the commercials for Teen Titans, but I instantly recognized Cyborg since he was on the old Superfriends cartoon. Besides, Cyborg must be somewhat popular if they put him on Smallville.

I should also add that I don't think Robin could hold a whole show by himself. I mean, he's well known and all, but so isn't Aquaman. It doesn't mean people like him. Actually, I think Teen Titans did the impossible with Robin. They made a dorky character cool.

[Beyond Batman]

Look man, we've all given you legit responses, you're obviously not going to change your mind on the subject so you might as well drop it. Besides its fact, Teen Titans have more of a fan base than Nightwing comics ever have, Robin is many more times recognizable than Nightwing, it was marketed as a kids show more than a straight super hero show, and it was a team show, not a show starring a singular hero( who is far less interesting than an entire team ). Satisfied.

Let me ask you this... do you find Batman interesting? Now think about this, what defined Robin's (Dick Grayson's) origin? Look hard enough and you can build interest in anything. You just have to be creative enough.

[HaagenDas]

I could really see it working for the reason why Green Arrow didnt want to join the League...forgetting about the "little guy." A Nightwing series could rock because Batman, to Nightwing, could be seen as too "high and mighty fighting the aliens instead of those who took his parents away" and all that. It really would be great to see the clash between not just the whole League mission but having people in the middle that understand the "little guy" pov like Green Arrow and Batman. Have the conclusion of Nightwing be the tipping point that causes Batman to leave the League.

[fiero84]

The thing about Batman was he had a Batcave and neat toys.
It was always interesting to see him on the batcomputer researching, talking to Alfred.

I don't know where Nightwing lives. Or if he has any friends.

But then again Spiderman was bare bones: lived in an apartment and he carries his own.

As long as there is action I suppose NightWing could work.

[Batlaw]

My two cents... A Nightwing series would could work as long as done in DCAU style and continuity. Also wouldve had greatest chance for success had it spun off several years ago. Trying it now probably wouldnt really take... especially if its "all new / original" in every way. I dont see (and wouldnt want to Nec. see) it spun off The Batman and cant imagine that being successful. They might have been able to successfully revamp Teen Titans with Nightwing and an adult group (and I wouldnt have minded).

[Captain Highwind]

As long as there is action I suppose NightWing could work.

Eh, I see him as the Daredevil/Spider-Man of DC, what with the single life and billy clubs. It's not like Batman and Birds of Prey wouldn't be allowed to guest star. There's alot to work with, but people just seem to refuse to give him a chance since Batman stands out more.

Didn't realize so many people were against the series though. Personally I would have rather seen more of him in TNBA than the usual Batman/Batgirl adventures that we were stuck with. (And props for Grayson's cool apartment loft)

[awh1978]

A Nightwing series would be tough because he'd always be compared to someone else. Dark vigilante in a tough town? He's a Batman wannabe with a stupid haircut. Somewhat jovial young guy? He's a Spider-Man clone without the super powers. Something in between? I suspect the fandom would find many things to complain about.

There's also the issue of his rogue's gallery. In may cases having a good rogue's gallery is critical to a hero's ability to carry a show. I can't think of any good Nightwing villain, which is why he works better in a team setting and therefore has a more diverse group to choose from.