Batman’s Bat-Family and the Titans uniting in official Nightwing cover art is undoubtedly the most epic team-up in DC history. However, thanks to the chosen art style for this cover, it is also one of the most adorable unions of heroes that the DCU has ever witnessed, and would unquestionably translate beautifully into animation.
Starting July 17, 2024, fans will have the chance to grab a copy of Tom Taylor and Bruno Redondo’s Nightwing #116, continuing the creative duo’s final story arc for Dick Grayson before their tenure on the comic run concludes.
NIGHTWING #116 (2024) | |
|---|---|
| |
Release Date: | July 17, 2024 |
Writers: | Tom Taylor |
Artists: | Bruno Redondo |
Cover Artist: | Bruno Redondo |
Variant Covers: | Rian Gonzales, Vasco Georgiev, and Tirso Cons |
Everything Dick Grayson has built is crumbling around him. His life is spiraling out of control and Heartless is at the center of all of it. Now Nightwing must leave his city. Can he take back the power he’s lost? Or will Blϋdhaven and its citizens be lost to Heartless forever? | |
While the Fallen Grayson storyline may be fraught with heartbreak and suspense, fans can take comfort in Rian Gonzales’ variant cover for this issue, which injects some levity by portraying Nightwing, the Titans, and the Bat-Family in the beloved and instantly recognizable Chibi art style. In total, 11 Bat-Family members are featured alongside the current roster of the Titans.
Nightwing Unites Chibi Stylized Titans and Bat-Family in Official DC Variant Cover Art
Gonzales truly outdoes herself with her inclusion of Bat-Family members, showcasing Batman and Batwoman alongside the younger generation of their family, including Nightwing, Red Hood, Red Robin, Robin, Batgirl, Black Bat, and Spoiler. She even features two of the Bat-Family’s beloved pets, Ace the Bat-Hound and Nightwing’s puppy Haley. The Bat-Family is further complemented by the presence of Titans such as Starfire, Donna Troy, Flash, Cyborg, Raven, and Beast Boy, making this an impressive array of characters for a single cover. However, what truly sets this cover apart is Gonzales’ use of the Chibi art style.
Chibi is a well-known Japanese art style recognized for its exaggerated character proportions. Typically, Chibi characters are depicted as small and chubby with oversized heads and eyes, and minimal detail. Their heads often appear larger than their bodies, resulting in a cartoonish appearance. Additionally, they feature stubby limbs, simplified features, and exaggerated facial expressions. While the art style originated in anime and manga, it has since become widespread, even being expertly applied to some of DC’s favorite heroes in the case of Gonzales’ color-filled variant cover.
These Chibi Styled Bat-Family and Titans Need To Be Animated Pronto (Or at the Very Least Made Into Stickers)
Seeing Nightwing, the Titans, and the rest of the Bat-Family portrayed in this art style has been a delightful treat. However, what could elevate this rendition of these heroes even further would be to witness them in action through animation. The expressive facial expressions associated with Chibi would make this art style a perfect fit for animation, along with its simplicity. However, even if there isn’t a DC Chibi animated project in the works, perhaps Gonzales will consider creating some Chibi-stylized Nightwing, Titans, and Bat-Family stickers for fans who can’t get enough of this charming portrayal of their favorite characters.
Nightwing #116 will be released on July 17, 2024, from DC Comics!
Nightwing
Nightwing is the superhero moniker given to various vigilante heroes in the D.C. universe. Nightwing is depicted as a warrior who fights from the shadows, utilizes near-superhuman agility and expert combat skills, and tends to have several tools at their disposal. Though Nightwing began with Kal El/Clark Kent, Nightwing has since been primarily associated with Dick Grayson, a former Robin who grew into the new role.
Batgirl
Batman
One of DC’s most iconic heroes, Batman is the vigilante superhero persona of billionaire Bruce Wayne. Forged by tragedy with the death of his parents, Bruce dedicated his life to becoming the world’s leading martial artist, detective, and tactician. Recruiting an entire family of allies and sidekicks, Bruce wages war on evil as the dark knight of his hometown, Gotham City.
Robin
Red Hood
