Nightwing's son had perhaps the coolest Robin costume in DC history.
Nightwing is the original Robin to Bruce Wayne's Batman, having fought throughout the multiverse countless times to save those he has pledged to protect, while his Earth-2 counterpart plays a very different position in the superhero community than viewers are accustomed to. Nightwing's son, John Grayson II, fathers a child on this Earth and eventually assumes the mantle of Robin, outdoing Dick Grayson's own Boy Wonder suit with a design that may be the character's coolest.
John Grayson II, Dick Grayson and Barbara Gordon's Earth-2 New 52 son, makes his debut in Earth 2: World's End. As detailed in Earth 2: Society Annual #1, John was taken by the wicked Ultra-Humanite and aged at breakneck speed while being gene-modded with powers. He was then recklessly utilized for Ultra-Humanite's own gain. After breaking free from the Ultra-Humanite's brainwashing, John decides to follow in his father's footsteps and become Robin, donning a Costume that blends the best parts of earlier Robin costumes with aspects wholly unique to John as a newly christened Earth-2 crimefighter.
John Grayson II's Robin costume has a unique design originating from DC's New 52 era.
While under the influence of Ultra-Humanite, John wears a much different black bodysuit and full face-masked look. Once he becomes the next Boy Wonder, he sticks to the character's tried and true black, yellow, red, and green color scheme, which runs vertically across his Costume from his arms to his sides to the center of his chest. John's costume includes an upside-down bat-shaped domino mask, a cloak-like cape, fingerless gloves, and a smaller "R" emblem that pins his cape to the upper left side of his chest, rounding out a fantastic design that deserves greater attention.
As distinctive as John's Robin is, he remains a Robin, with his suit drawing inspiration from previous Boy Wonder costumes. John's cape hangs over his shoulders and appears to have enough material to perhaps operate as a hood, similar to Damian Wayne's Robin, who wears a hooded cape. The tails of his suit's "shorts" also mimic Damian's prior Superhero costume and his more current Robin redesign. John's yellow cape is inspired by Tim Drake's high-collared appearance, as well as Dick Grayson and Jason Todd, essentially bringing Robin's long visual history full circle.
Nightwing's son transforms Robin's traditional look into something entirely new.
While this Earth-2 New 52-era story still matters in the grand scheme of DC's sprawling omniverse, John hasn't been seen standing side-by-side with any of Batman's "main" continuity Boy Wonders, leaving John's inspired choice in superhero spandex an alternate Earth exclusive design for the time being. Nightwing's kid continues his father's heritage as a rehabilitated member of Batman's extended Bat-Family, and he adds to that legacy with his own Robin outfit, which may be the coolest in DC Comics history.
Dick Grayson adopted the Superhero identity Nightwing after growing out of his role as Robin and became his own superhero. Inspired by the original Kryptonian hero of the same name, Grayson has ascended to comic book immortality with the persona, garnering acclaim as one of the DC Universe's finest leaders.
A Visual History of Robin's Costume Evolution.
The Robin outfit has seen several alterations throughout the years, with each incarnation reflecting the changing times and the distinct characteristics of the Boy Wonders who have donned it. Each Robin outfit, from the iconic red, yellow, and green color scheme to the more current black and gray designs, has been meticulously constructed to reflect the character's significance in the Batman mythology.
The evolution of the Robin outfit demonstrates the character's ongoing popularity, as well as the innovation of the artists and writers who created him. Each new design has made a powerful statement, highlighting the character's growth and evolution while also honoring his rich past. The Robin outfit continues to represent hope, courage, and the continuing force of the Batman legend.
Coolest Robin Costumes Ranked
Throughout DC history, each Boy Wonder has worn a unique Robin outfit, with some being more iconic than others. The most popular Robin designs share common characteristics, such as the red, yellow, and green color scheme and the little "R" insignia on the chest, but some of the most popular designs deviate from this tradition, introducing their own distinct components.
The Robin costume has long symbolized the Boy Wonder's role in the Batman mythos, embodying the character's youthful vigor, courage, and unyielding dedication to justice. Each new design has provided new insights on the character, representing the distinct personalities and fighting techniques of the Robins who have worn it. The Robin costume has evolved over time, from original red and yellow versions to modern black and gray suits, demonstrating the character's enduring history.
