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Nightwing's Biography

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Full Name: Richard John Grayson
Sex: Male
Height: 5'10"
Weight: 175lbs
Hair Color: Black
Eye Color: Dark Blue
Age: 24 Years
City: Bludhaven (Sometimes Gotham and New York)
Affiliations: Bat Family, Titans
Occupation: Police Officer, Bludhaven Police Department; Vigilante
Relatives: John and Mary Grayson (Deceased)

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"You molded me and taught me, Bruce. For years, I lived under the shadow of The Batman. I wanted to get away, to be my own man. Yet, when I chose a costume and a name, they reflected you. You're a part of me, Bruce. I can't deny it. And I don't want to any longer. I just wanted you to know that. That, and one other thing -- I'm proud to have been Robin." -- Nightwing (Teen Titans Spotlight # 14)

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Richard John Grayson's story begins twenty-four years earlier when he was born on the first day of spring. His mother, Mary called him her 'little robin'. Little could she or anyone imagine just how prophetic that nickname would prove to be. Born to John and Mary Grayson, a pair of circus acrobats, Dick grew up within the friendly confines of the Haly and Norton Brother's Circus. Even at a young age, Dick demonstrated the acrobatic and athletic skills that would stand him in good stead later in his life. With such natural gifts, he joined his parents act, the Flying Grayson's, at a young age. Their talent at the flying trapeze made them the stars of the circus, and Dick's future seemed secure and written. Sadly for the young man, that wasn't to be.

While the Haly circus was touring Gotham, young Dick's future was altered forever. The nine-year old child overheard 'Boss' Anthony Zucco, a well-known and feared crimelord in Gotham, threaten the performers and the owner of the circus in an attempt to extort them. When they refused, Dick believed that to be the end of it. Tragically for the young boy, it was only the beginning. During the show that evening his parent's high wire snapped and both Mary and John Grayson plunged to their deaths.

Like any child suddenly finding themselves orphaned, Dick's world shattered. With his parents dead, he was abruptly taken from the only home he knew and placed in the Gotham City Youth Center and, unsurprisingly hated it. But fate had a different road for young Dick to take. Unknown to him, Bruce Wayne was in the audience the night his parents died and realizing something was wrong. Pursuing the investigation of the 'accident', Bruce Wayne as Batman discovered that the wires had been tampered with, partially dissolved through by acid. This confirmed Bruce's belief that the death of the Grayson's was no accident. So Batman kept a close watch on the young Grayson and when he attempted to run away from the hated Youth Center that had become his home, the masked vigilante confronted the boy and convinced him that his life would improve if he simply gave it more time. Conflicted, Dick nevertheless consented and returned to the Youth Center for a time. And fortunately for the young boy, his wait would be short�

Fate had another destiny in store for Dick Grayson. For a second time, the Gotham multi-millionaire Bruce Wayne touched the boy's life, this time with much more positive circumstances. Taking responsibility for Dick as his ward, Bruce brought him to live with him at his mansion. The two clicked, and in one another found a deep connection. Both were children of violence, orphaned and denied the love of their parents by criminals. Perhaps it was that bond, or perhaps Bruce could see before Dick a similar path opening up -- one that he wanted to nourish or perhaps temper -- but whatever the reasons, Bruce entrusted to Dick the greatest of his secrets -- that of his identity as Batman.

Hoping that he could temper anger and thirst for justice with compassion, Bruce began to train the boy as his student. The training was intensive and even harsh, but Dick was a child well accustomed to the greatest of rigors and he took to the training like a natural, soaking up all that Bruce had to teach. He proved to be every bit as competent with the mental discipline needed to serve as Batman's partner as he did with the more physical requirements. To finally prove himself as a worthy partner, Dick was put through the gauntlet, a test where he evaded Batman for an entire night on the streets of Gotham. Finally Bruce finally judged him a fit partner and Dick took on a secret identity of his own -- a homage to his mother - that of Robin�

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