DC Finally Gave Us a 'Street-Level Superman,' Even If They're Technically Part of the Bat-Family

With world-ending threats like Doomsday and the Phantom Zone looming, Superman has been far removed from his ‘street-level’ heroics, often caught up in intergalactic battles or saving the world. However, DC has quietly reintroduced the concept of a ‘street-level Superman’—but this time, it’s not the Man of Steel himself; this street-level Superman is part of the Bat-Family.

…the first Robin was as much a sidekick to Superman as he was to Batman.

Before diving into the identity of this mysterious ‘street-level Superman,’ it’s worth clarifying what we mean by ‘street-level.’ Street-level heroes operate in urban environments, confronting local, grounded threats rather than world-ending or cosmic dangers. These characters tackle crime, corruption, and personal struggles in their cities, making them more relatable than superheroes who deal with global or intergalactic issues.

For years, Superman has been firmly in the latter category, leaving fans without the street-level heroics that once defined him. However, thanks to Dan Watters and Dexter Soy’s Nightwing run, DC has transformed Dick Grayson into a street-level Superman.

Nightwing Is Essentially a Street-Level Superman (& It’s Beyond Perfect)

Cover C Babs Tarr Variant for Nightwing #122 (2025)

Some might be wondering if Nightwing has recently received a Kryptonian power-up or taken on a Super-Family moniker to become DC’s ‘street-level Superman,’ but the answer is no—Dick Grayson has done neither. What truly qualifies him as a ‘street-level Superman’ is how he embodies the same core ideals as the Man of Steel, all while being deeply involved in the gritty heroics of crime-fighting and tackling corruption in his city. In short, Dick Grayson exemplifies the compassion, kindness, selflessness, and unwavering dedication to humanity that define Superman, and it’s this blend of Superman’s ideals with his street-level approach that earns him the title of a street-level Superman.

Though Nightwing is officially part of the Bat-Family, his methods and demeanor align more closely with Superman’s, making it feel as if we are watching Superman operate through Dick. The fact that Nightwing’s moniker has Kryptonian origins further strengthens this comparison. While Clark is currently embroiled in larger-than-life threats like those from the Phantom Zone or Doomsday, taking him away from the streets of Metropolis, fans can still experience the essence of the ‘street-level Superman’ through Dick Grayson. This connection is further emphasized when we recognize that, in many ways, Dick has been not only Batman’s protégé but Superman’s as well.

Featured Image: Nightwing art by Dan Mora, with the hero standing on a rooftop in the rain

I’m So Ready for Nightwing to Get Back to His Street-Level Roots in His Brand New Story

Nightwing has been through a lot of changes over the past few years, but he’s finally returning to his roots as a street-level hero fighting crime.

Dick Grayson Is the Very Best of Batman AND Superman

Cover E 1:25 Dexter Soy Variant for Nightwing #123 (2025)

Long-time fans of Dick Grayson’s Robin, as well as those enjoying Mark Waid’s Batman / Superman: World’s Finest run, can recognize that in many ways, the first Robin was as much a sidekick to Superman as he was to Batman. Dick essentially grew up alongside Bruce and Clark, learning from and being inspired by both of them. The bond between Superman and Dick becomes even more apparent when we consider that after leaving his role as Robin, a distraught Dick sought out Clark for guidance. Superman not only comforted him but also shared the tale of Nightwing and Flamebird, inspiring Dick’s eventual moniker.

Superman’s admiration for Dick is further evidenced by his canon statement that Dick is his favorite Robin, as well as his request for Nightwing to mentor his own son, Jon Kent. These moments underscore the deep respect and bond between the two. It’s no surprise, then, that Dick Grayson grew into a hero embodying the very best qualities of both Batman and Superman—these two icons essentially raised him together. Given this, it’s not a stretch to claim that Nightwing is DC’s street-level Superman, as he is not only Batman’s successor but also the Man of Steel’s, upholding Superman’s most defining ideals.

Nightwing and Superman with Batman in DC Comics

Nightwing Defies Batman to Become The New Superman’s Perfect Mentor

In the new annual issue of DC Comics’ Nightwing, Dick Grayson has agreed to train Jon Kent’s Superman (using the opposite of Batman’s techniques).

Dan Watters & Dexter Soy’s Nightwing Is One of DC’s Best Ongoing Runs

Main Cover by Dexter Soy & Veronica Gandini for Nightwing #124 (2025)

While Dick Grayson has long embodied Superman’s ideals throughout his heroic career, Dan Watters’ Nightwing run excels at capturing his characterization. It is through this portrayal, combined with a return to Dick’s street-level heroics, that Watters and Soy have created one of DC’s best ongoing runs. The series is filled with heart, action, and unexpected twists—elements that make it an engaging story. However, it’s the way both Batman and Superman’s influences shine through in Nightwing’s heroics that make this run truly special, making it a must-read for all fans of the Original Boy Wonder.