Nightwing's New Suit Proves One Power Should be Standard for Every Hero
Dick Grayson's suit recently got a major upgrade, as his civilian life and adventures as Nightwing put him at greater risk than ever before. Designed by superhuman genius Mister Terrific, the suit grants Nightwing limited immunity to gunfire — an ability that will vastly help the stories DC can tell with the character. Given the heavy presence of guns in comic books, it makes sense that bulletproof armor would be a necessity in any hero's costume design, but this idea tends to be handled inconsistantly, if not outright ignored.
Comics writers usually avoid having their heroes get shot unless it's a core focus of the story, but that decision often conflicts with the idea of taking on organized crime. The gap is filled in different ways: hardened criminals will somehow only have access to bats and crowbars, or have Stormtrooper-level aim, or the hero may even break the limits of their powers to stay alive (see Gambit's recent super speed.) Sometimes, these explanations are thrilling, and the idea of a hero expertly managing the major threats in a group can help to communicate their expertise, but as characters like Batman and Black Panther have gradually started wearing bulletproof armor as standard — and with even an archetypal street hero like Nightwing joining in — it's time to make bulletproof costumes the norm.
Related: Hawkeye's Iron Man Armor Wasn't the Bad Idea Everyone Assumes
Nightwing's new suit protects him from small-arms fire and even stabbing, but with the suggestion that it remains vulnerable to more serious weaponry and superpowers. The thin costume likely means that bullets will still pack a punch, striking the perfect balance where Nightwing's usual skills and acrobatics will be needed to stay ahead of
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