Warning: Spoilers for Nightwing #114!
Summary
A long overdueToy Storyreference works its way intoNightwing. A connection between theDC Universe’s greatest heroand Disney Pixar’s first full-length theatrical movie isn’t an obvious thread to connect. However, in connecting the two together, it makes for a surprisingly perfect marriage between one of the best superheroes and one of the best Pixar movies.
Batman’s former ward finds himself falling (with style) just like the leads ofToy StoryinNightwing#114 by Tom Taylor and Bruno Redondo. In the first part of “Fallen Grayson,” the final arc of the series, Dick discusses the literal leaps he’s taken since he was an acrobat at Haley’s Circus. He recalls falling from the circus' platform in his first attempt at making a big leap at seven years old.
Since then, he’s been falling"with a little more style.“The phrasing seems like an oddly specificToy Storyreference, asit echoes the iconic line “That’s not flying, that’s just falling with style.“But the reference is also oddly perfect for his character, especially given Dick Grayson’s recent fear of taking leaps.
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Nightwing, an Acrobat Since Childhood, Loves “Falling with Style”
Just LikeToy Story’s Woody and Buzz
If “falling with style” had to be associated with any DC superhero, it would have to be Nightwing.This iconic line doesn’t feel out of place being uttered out of Nightwing’s own mouth, especially when somany of Nightwing’s quotesare already about falling and flying being one and the same. Case in point: one of his more famous quotes fromSecret Origins#13 (in a story by Dan Mishkin and Erik Larsen) comes when he says"You will never know if you can fly unless you take the risk of falling.“In isolation, that line already has so many layers related to Grayson’s journey.
His entire superhero career, Nightwing has often fallen with style and managed to soar in the process.
When readers compare that quote to the one at the center ofNightwing#114, the new iteration of the line holds even more significance — and even more so when bringing up theToy Storyquote. His entire superhero career,Nightwing has often fallen with style and managed to soar in the process. It was risky when he leaped for the first time at seven years old. He paid for it. But, Dick also took risks when he formed the Teen Titans, and then when he went solo asNightwing after leaving Batman’s side. Looking at where he is now, those risks paid off.
How This Reference Ties into Nightwing’s Current Journey
InNightwing#107 (by Taylor and Stephen Byrne), the title character gains a sudden fear of heights. AsNightwing#114 goes to show, he still has yet to overcome that fear or understand why it’s suddenly stricken him. This spin on the classicToy Storyline could be the key to Dick understanding how to overcome his latest ailment. It could foreshadow thatto get over this fear, Nightwing has to, indeed, fall with style. How that happens remains to be seen, butNightwingmay need to take a lesson out ofToy Story’sbook to get back to his old self.
NIGHTWING #114 (2024)
Nightwing
Nightwing is the superhero moniker taken up by Dick Grayson, upon his aging out of the Robin role and becoming a superhero of his own. Inspired by the original Kryptonian hero of the same name, Grayson has risen to comic book immortality with the identity, earning respect as one of the greatest leaders in the DC Universe.
Toy Story
Cast
Toy Story is a 1995 animated feature from Pixar Animation Studios. It follows Woody, a cowboy doll, as he faces rivalry with new toy Buzz Lightyear. The film explores the dynamics between the toys as Woody and Buzz are inadvertently separated from their owner, embarking on a journey to return home.
