Nightwing's Discomfort with Deadman's Power is a Subtle Nod to His Trauma
Deadman and Nightwing Together in Batman: The Bold and the BraveBattling a mystery together, Nightwing and Deadman are in Batman: The Brave and the Bold #14. This is part two of the Nightwing-focused novel Down the Road by Tim Seeley, Kelley Jones, and Michelle Madsen. Given that both Nightwing and Deadman were once circus performers, they have a lot in common. They are pursuing an enigmatic ghost that keeps repeating a familiar line, "If I fall, may I never land."Despite their determination to solve the puzzle, the two protagonists quickly come to blows with one another. Deadman's possession abilities make Nightwing uneasy, and it's possible that this unease is a subliminal reference to his previous narratives in which he was the victim of sexual assault. Dick Grayson is one of the greatest heroes in DC Comics, as demonstrated by Nightwing's dislike of Deadman's abilities.
Deadman's Possession Powers Uncomfortable for NightwingNightwing gets caught off guard and ends up on the wrong side of a sword during a brawl among other drifters. In an attempt to aid Nightwing, Deadman uninvitedly takes control of another drifter's body, which unnerves Nightwing. Nightwing states that he is "really uncomfortable" about taking away the free will of innocent people and turning it into a performance. Strongly supporting free choice, Nightwing's position is in line with his character and background. His character is demonstrated by his determination to defend the rights of others, and his traumatic background makes him more aware of consent issues.
The Past Trauma of Nightwing and Deadman's PowersDick Grayson's views on consent and free will have been molded by his turbulent past, which includes two incidents of sexual assault. Before they had sex, Mirage, a shapeshifter, claimed to be his lover, Starfire, and carried out the first assault. After the first attack, Tarantula attacked him again, this time taking advantage of his astonishment and fatigue. One could draw comparisons between the trauma Nightwing has endured and the manner Deadman employs his possession abilities. Even if Deadman has the best of intentions, Nightwing is leery of anyone who takes away someone's free choice because of his or her past experiences.
The Free Will Advocacy of NightwingNightwing is renowned for his dedication to upholding the law and his readiness to give others more power. This is clear from Tom Taylor's ongoing Nightwing series, which includes a plot point in which Nightwing puts an end to a riot in the city. Nightwing advises the escapees to make their own decisions and refuse to be controlled by the self-serving demands of a serial killer, as opposed to employing force to dominate the situation.One admirable component of Nightwing's persona is his unwavering commitment to free will. He demonstrates that being a hero is possible even when one does not use coercion or force. A wonderful example of what it takes to be a real defender of justice and freedom is Nightwing.