WARNING: Contains Potential Spoilers for Flash #9!Nightwing and Wally West’s Flash share one of the greatest bromances in the entire DC Universe, and a brilliant scene from the latest Flash comic highlights just how deep their bond runs, transcending even familial ties. This moment also grounds the series within the larger continuity in a simple yet brilliant manner that fans will surely appreciate.
Si Spurrier, Ramón Pérez, and Vasco Georgiev’s The Flash #9 takes Wally West back to the garden of moving statues that exist outside time, space, and math. In this garden resides an entity known as “The Rest,” who refers to the statues—primarily depicting Wally’s loved ones—as “a labyrinth of doorways” that help transport Wally to said loved ones.
While in the garden, Wally attempts to distance himself from his family and friends, fearing he puts them in danger, and turns the statues away from him. However, one statue refuses to stay turned away—Nightwing.
The Flash Proves That Wally West and Dick Grayson Have One of the Deepest Bonds in the DC Universe
It’s important to note that the garden causes Wally to forget the names of his loved ones and their relationships with him. So when he teleports to Nightwing out of curiosity about why his statue won’t stay turned away, he doesn’t fully remember Dick’s name or the extent of their bond. Absentmindedly, Wally mentions how Nightwing’s statue keeps turning back and asks if he is correct in assuming they are close. Nightwing, understandably confused, tries to ask questions, but Wally presses on, warning Dick to stop thinking of him as he’s trying to prevent himself from hurting those close to him.
The fact that only Dick’s statue refused to stay turned away from Wally, out of all the statues representing his family and friends, including his wife, speaks volumes about their friendship, defying the very nature of the garden. At the end of their conversation, Wally even remembers Dick’s name as he says goodbye, further solidifying their exceptionally unique and strong bond. Additionally, Dick, realizing something is wrong with his friend, takes it upon himself to remind Wally who he is: “You’re the best father, best husband, and best friend I ever met.” This scene beautifully showcases the deep love that Nightwing and Flash have for each other.
The Nightwing / Flash Scene Brilliantly Grounds Spurrier’s Series in Main Continuity Without Deviating From Main Plot Lines
In addition to beautifully showcasing Wally and Dick’s friendship, this scene brilliantly grounds The Flash series within the larger continuity. Upon Wally’s sudden appearance, Dick greets him by saying he was wondering when the speedster would show up, given the current state of the DCU. Spurrier’s subtle dialogue also indirectly references Amanda Waller and her ongoing crusade against metas, as well as the major developments in Tom Taylor’s current Nightwing run, including Dick’s new paralyzing fear of leaping. Thus, this scene with Nightwing seamlessly connects The Flash series with larger DC events, such as the build-up to Absolute Power.
The Flash #9 is available now from DC Comics!
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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.
The Flash
The Flash is the superhero name given to the D.C. comics character who utilizes unparalleled speed tied to a dimensional power known as the “speed force” o overwhelm their opposition. Premiering in 1939, the original Flash arrived as Jay Garrick. Still, it would be superseded by Barry Allen in popularity and featured status, but the Flash is one character that has met many of their alternate selves. The character is typically seen as a part of the Justice League in nearly all incarnations.
