Nightwing has faced so man foes over his 80+ years in comics from Batman’s rogues as Robin, to Titans, to even facing off against some new and old faces of his own. But I think it’s safe to say that Nightwing doesn’t really have a rogues gallery.
Most characters Nightwing has faced reoccurringly have either been during his time as Robin or in the Titans. Any reoccurring foe in his own comics did not last long. That is except Blockbuster, he’s the only consistent adversary Nightwing has had since ‘96. While his gang of criminals have reoccurred more than Blockbuster himself, even they were taken out of the equation after Dixon’s run and during Rebirth became “The Run-Offs” reformed supervillains turned heroes.
So if Nightwing was given a rogues gallery of his own who would you like to see and why? Who do you think would be his arch-nemesis?
Personally, I would definitely have Blockbuster and the rest of his gang makeing the Run-Offs or at least most of them villains again.
Ik a lot of people might pick Deathstroke which is a cool idea for sure but Deathstroke has always been more of a Titans villain and a freelancer. They have the history but not really the chemistry in my opinion.
Raptor has become a must in recent years. There’s so much to explore with him. And it’s because of him that I would not choose The Court of Owls even though they arguably have more ties to Nightwing than Batman.
Professor Pyg (any maybe the Circus of Strange and Toad?), originally created in Morrison’s run I believe while Dick was Batman and Damian was how Robin after Bruce’s death before New 52. This terrifying character is obsessed with creating the perfect human - dolls that can’t feel pain because he wants to take his own pain of his childhood. Dick’s biggest insecurity is not being good enough, he’s been through a lot of pain in his life. Having a villain that’s able to take advantage of that and okay with it for their own amusement is ideal. But Dick is also very good at profiling and could see right through Pyg’s facade. It very much is 2 way street with both being able to toy with the other’s personal issues. That is where Nightwing is able to shine when he can torment his foes before and during kicking their ass like Penguin in GCPD Lockdown from Arkham Knight.
Speaking of Penguin. Yes I said it, OSWALD ■■■■■■■ COBBLEPOT! After Arkham Knight he is a must have. Their chemistry as enemies is phenomenal and highly entertaining! I can also see Penguin being very at home on Bludhaven’s boardwalk if you know what I mean… ahem Iceberg Lounge & Casino ahem Now, Ik what everybody is gonna say “bUt HeS a BaTmAn ViLlAiN” well Batman has plenty of villains in Gotham old and new and over half of them are not utilized including Penguin. So what’s the harm in dispersing some of the under utilized to other members of the Batfam? It’s also gonna make what I’m gonna say next all the more easy to read.
Anarky!!! Yknow I never would’ve given him a second thought a couple years ago, but after Beware the Batman’s shinning glory was in fact the rogues and how they all sort of echoing more popular one (Anarky/Joker, Magpie/Catwoman, Pyg & Toad/Penguin, etc.) I think Bludhaven could use a little anarchy and he could really help round out the Rogues Gallery. He in no way has to be the arch-nemesis which I think would be refreshing from the constant use of Joker. But Beware did the character really well and I believe he has a place. It could also be nice to give him 2 female sidekicks like Harley and Punchline but not separately and more like a duo - one under each arm. They could easily be Defacer and Pigeon.
Keeping with the theme of echoes to popular Batman rogues, Cult of Cobra. Most notable in Batman Beyond but has seemed to have quite a history in comics. After Cobra’s brief interaction with Dick in Young Justice episode “Drop-Zone” there is definitely something here. Dick is always very confident on his abilities as there’s not much he can’t do or people he can’t beat. Having a character or rather group of characters to challenge him in this way and even make him doubt his abilities and frustrate him is very intriguing. They could easily echo the League of Assassins.
Back to characters from Nightwing’s past, Double Dare! What’s better than one girl fighting over you? Two! This sibling duo of klepto Circus acrobats could easily echo Catwoman - dangerous, cunning, skilled, and all over you!
Torque! Not much to say about him other than he should’ve been used more! Previous cop turned into horrid, deformed, bitter, monster? Does that ring any bells? Has 2 faces and a coin anyone?
The Prankster, this name has been used by more than once character in the known universes. But one of them had quite the showing as a more intriguing Riddler in Kyle Higgins run on Nightwing. Death traps, misdirection, manipulation, and a hidden agenda, sign me up!
Orca, yes the whale lady. Nightwing is a very empathetic character always looking to help and if he can even save the villain from themselves and help them to reform. With a sad back story and the possibility of a redemption arc of the character just gets what she needs. Remind you of anyone? Loves the cold? She could be Nightwing’s Freeze as she runs a gang and often steals technology to help try to revert her back to herself while also keeping the abilities or even creating them in other people. Like splicing! I just thought of that. A redemption arc is possible but like Freeze, he’s so much more fun searching but never finding! But who know maybe Orca could succeed in a few endeavors???
And finally, for my absolute favorite Nightwing villain! From one of the best Nightwing stories to date by Sam Humphries, Nightwing: The Untouchable… The Judge!!! Out of everyone this character is the best candidate to be Nightwing’s arch-nemesis. Why? Because Nightwing just wants to help the little guy, he genuinely wants to help people, that’s why he does this not some vengeful, selfish, motive [stares directly a camera]. And the judge just genuinely wants to hurt people. He’s a serial killer who justifies his actions by calling it cleansing the city from corruption when by all accounts all humans are corrupt in some way. Nobody is perfect - no matter how hard Nightwing tries to be and strives for perfection it’s just not humanly possible. And that’s what The Judge preys on. Nightwing is the exact opposite, he trusts people, he sees the good in people, he believes it so firmly that it begs the question can Nightwing be corrupted? Can the judge manage to corrupt someone who sees the good people and entire life is devoted to helping people? The Judge is the absolute best villain for Nightwing hands down! You’re looking at a true arch-nemesis.
