Have you seen the exciting return of two brand-new DC GO! series this week, making their debut on DC UNIVERSE INFINITE? If you have, one particular title is surely impossible to overlook—and for good reason. We’re, of course, referring to Nothing Butt Nightwing, a stylish new comic by the talented duo Patrick R. Young and Moy R. Marco that shines a spotlight on Dick Grayson like never before.
Introducing Dick Grayson, the glamorous international fashion model who’s stepping far outside his usual role.
The webcomic’s playful title, inspired by editor Katie Kubert, perfectly mirrors its cheeky narrative tone. Patrick R. Young describes this series as embodying a vibe that is “seriously silly and sillyly serious,” setting the stage for a unique storytelling approach that is sure to engage readers.
“We embraced the chance to redefine Dick Grayson, allowing him to revert to a slightly more reckless and less emotionally mature version of himself,” Young explains. “This approach not only allows for character growth but also resonates with readers, reflecting a time in his life that many will find relatable. This is not intended as the ultimate conclusion to 80 years of Dick Grayson storytelling but as a fresh exploration of who he is during this specific period.”
Nothing Butt Nightwing transports Dick from the dark, gritty rooftops of Gotham City to the glimmering catwalks of the high-stakes fashion industry. He goes undercover in a daring mission to uncover the truth behind the mysterious disappearances of models, only to find that the cutthroat world of fashion can be just as dangerous as Gotham’s underworld. With fashion critics scrutinizing his every move and imposing impossible beauty standards, Dick must navigate rigorous skincare routines and exotic hairstyles. While he may be accustomed to battling super-villains, the real question is: can he adapt to the demands of being a supermodel?
<p“Times may change, but stories about characters plunged into circumstances far from their comfort zones are always engaging,” remarks Young. “In this instance, it offers a unique lens through which to reevaluate both Dick’s character and our perception of what it means to reveal one’s true self. Despite being in the public eye, he’s still concealing parts of himself under layers of masks and costumes, sacrificing pieces of his identity for the benefit of others.”
Moreover, this narrative represents a daring departure not only for Dick Grayson but also within the DC GO! format, which is specifically crafted for mobile reading, featuring a vertical scrolling style. Young expresses enthusiasm about the creative challenge of writing within this distinct format.
“The artistic style illustrated by Moy R. and I creates a natural flow between panels, minimizing empty space,” he elaborates. “This dynamic format has encouraged me to carefully select my words, ensuring I don’t obscure the stunning artwork with excessive text.”
As if adjusting to the whims of the fashion world wasn’t enough, Dick is also coping with the emotional fallout of being dumped by Barbara Gordon. Babs candidly confronts Dick, accusing him of lacking an identity beyond that of Nightwing, leaving him to grapple with his sense of self. Dick, however, has never been one to fly solo; thus, he seeks solace and guidance from his friends during this tumultuous time.
“Having experienced the loss of his parents as part of the Flying Graysons and later as Robin, the need for a strong support system has always been integral to Dick’s character,” Young reflects. “He understands he won’t excel at everything; thankfully, he has friends to lean on during challenging moments.”
Among his circle is Donna Troy, who imparts simple yet profound advice for tackling both his undercover responsibilities and personal heartbreak: follow the fun. This motto serves as a fitting theme for Nothing Butt Nightwing as well.
“It’s a principle I live by as a writer,” Young states. “No matter how meticulously I craft the outlines, if an unexpected character or plotline emerges that’s genuinely enjoyable, I seize that opportunity! That’s exactly what occurred with Mime in the story arc; her character development expanded significantly as the plot evolved. Allowing Dick the freedom to explore various locations will undoubtedly lead to a whimsical adventure packed with both delightful and challenging experiences.”
Can Dick leverage his unique talents and assets to unravel the mystery of the missing models? Find out as new chapters of Nothing Butt Nightwing debut this week exclusively on DC UNIVERSE INFINITE!
Nothing Butt Nightwing by Patrick R. Young and Moy R. Marco can be read exclusively on DC UNIVERSE INFINITE.
Kelly Knox writes extensively about all-ages comics and animation for DC.com, in addition to authoring several nonfiction works focused on beloved film franchises. You can connect with her on Twitter at @kelly_knox and on Bluesky at @kelly-knox.com to discuss superheroes, comics, and pop culture.
How does the emotional journey of Dick Grayson following his breakup with Barbara Gordon shape the narrative of *Nothing Butt Nightwing*?
**Interview with Patrick R. Young, Writer of *Nothing Butt Nightwing***
*Editor*: Welcome, Patrick! It’s great to have you with us today to discuss your exciting new series, *Nothing Butt Nightwing*. This title certainly caught our attention! Can you tell us a bit about how the concept came to life?
*Patrick R. Young*: Thank you for having me! The concept was inspired by wanting to take Dick Grayson in a new direction. We wanted to blend a cheeky narrative with serious character exploration. The title, which Katie Kubert suggested, encapsulates that playful vibe perfectly.
*Editor*: You’ve described this series as “seriously silly and sillyly serious.” What does that mean for the tone and storytelling in *Nothing Butt Nightwing*?
*Patrick R. Young*: It means we’re embracing both humor and depth. Dick is redefined as a more reckless, less emotionally mature character—someone relatable and believable. This isn’t a resolution to 80 years of storytelling; it’s an exploration of a distinct period in his life, incorporating both lighthearted situations and deeper emotional challenges.
*Editor*: Speaking of challenges, how does Dick’s transition from the rooftops of Gotham to the glamour of the fashion world play into the story?
*Patrick R. Young*: It’s a wild departure! Dick goes undercover to investigate model disappearances in a world that is just as treacherous as Gotham. The fashion industry is full of its own dangers—from beauty standards to fashion critics—and Dick must learn to adapt to what being a supermodel entails, which is just as challenging as fighting super-villains!
*Editor*: That’s a fascinating angle! You also touch on Dick dealing with personal heartbreak after being dumped by Barbara Gordon. How does that emotional element impact his character?
*Patrick R. Young*: It’s crucial. Dick’s been defined by layers of loss and identity struggles over the years. After Babs calls him out on relying too much on his Nightwing persona, he’s forced to confront his true self. He’s always needed a support system, and with friends like Donna Troy giving him advice to “follow the fun,” he starts to find his way back to himself.
*Editor*: It’s clear that this series has a lot of layers! how does the DC GO! format influence your creative approach?
*Patrick R. Young*: The vertical scrolling format is a creative challenge since it requires a new storytelling rhythm. It encourages minimal text to highlight the stunning artwork from Moy R. Marco, creating a seamless flow. It forces me to choose words wisely, ensuring the story remains engaging while respecting the visual storytelling.
*Editor*: Thank you, Patrick! We can’t wait to see how readers respond to *Nothing Butt Nightwing*. It sounds like a refreshing take on a beloved character.
*Patrick R. Young*: Thank you! I hope everyone enjoys the ride!
