CHARACTERS: Nightwing (Dick Grayson); Alfred Pennyworth; Robin (Tim Drake); Flash (Wally West); Green Lantern (Alan Scott); Flash (Jay Garrick); Stargirl (Courtney Whitmore); Power Girl (Karen Starr); Cyclone (Maxine Hunkel); Starman (Thom Kallor);

PLOT:
The Crisis is passed and Batman is no more. In his absence, Dick has decided to dedicate his full attention to Gotham City 24/7, no more day jobs, no more secret identities. So with that said, the former traveling Circus Boy once again packs up his things, resigns from his curator job at the Cloisters and leaves New York City in the caring hands of the Justice Society.

Dick returns to Gotham on the anniversary of the Wayne Murders in Crime Alley. Taking the train back into town as he had once done so many moon ago, Dick Grayson arrives at the Bat-Cave and helps Tim and Alfred re-store the Giant Penny to the trophy room. After all, Bruce may be gone but the Bat-Cave isn't the Bat-Cave without it's trophies.

The penny returned, Tim heads out on some business and leaves Dick and Alfred behind. He stays lurking in the shadows just long enough to hear them both comment on the brave front Tim is putting on in light of yet another tragic loss in his young life. Dick and Alfred admit that although there have been some pretty miraculous resurrections (Hal Jordan, Clark Kent, Oliver Queen) - this time it really feels as though Bruce is gone for good. That said, Dick asks if he can go out alone tonight to commemorate the anniversary of Martha and Thomas Wayne's deaths to which Alfred obliges.

Although his circus heritage has perhaps made him a man of few material possessions, Dick Grayson still carries with him the candle he was sworn in as Robin with so long ago. He brings that candle with him down to Crime Alley where he reflects upon the losses of both Bruce's parents and his own. Dick replaces a burnt out bulb from the street lamp above and there, with the candle lit and the lamp shining above him - Nightwing swears once again to bring light to a dark place and to ensure that there is in fact Hope in Gotham City.

CHARACTERS: Nightwing (Dick Grayson); Scar the Guardian; Oracle (Barbara Gordon); Talia al Ghul; Damian Wayne

PLOT:
Scar the Guardian continues to prepare the Book of Black in preparation of Blackest Night. And in doing that she watches over those that shine brighter than others who someday may be fed to her secret Master's children to be.

She watches as Dick Grayson arrives at Barbara Gordon's new command center in Gotham City so that he can wish Barbara a belated Happy Birthday. As a special birthday treat, Dick blindfolds Babs and takes her to Goodwin Airport where the two board a small two-engine plane. Once up in the air, Barbara's blindfold is removed and Dick tells her that he's going to take her skydiving. Diving out of the plane in tandem, Dick shares with Barbara his contagious love of thrill seeking and the two smile as they float safely back to Earth.

But the Book of Black foretells many a test in the future for Dick Grayson. A new and dangerous Batman threatens his life while he and Talia train none other than Damian Wayne down in the Bat-Cave. And a mysterious new Batgirl arrives on the scene who apparently catches the eye and affection of Dick Grayson. But what will happen when the Blackest Night comes? Will Nightwing become consumed by the light?