In an interview with CBR, veteran writer Tom Taylor discussed Batman’s former partner, Nightwing, and the role he plays in “Fear State.”
Tom Taylor is no stranger to penning comic book events. Although he is well-known for his contributions to the Star Wars universe, Taylor took the reigns of DC Comics’ event series Injustice: Gods Among Us and the DCeased miniseries. He has done similarly impressive work for Marvel Comics as well, penning the ongoing Dark Ages event series, as well as several monthly titles for the publisher, including All-New Wolverine, Superior Iron Man, and X-Men Red. Taylor has recently become the monthly writer of two different ongoing DC comic book series, Superman: Son of Kal-El, and Nightwing. His writing duties on the latter of these monthly series have taken him into the middle of yet another event storyline, “Fear State,” which originates in Batman and spreads throughout the Bat-Family of titles.
Taylor and Bruno Redondo’s Nightwing #84 sees Dick Grayson enter the Scarecrow-centered event of DC’s “Fear State.” Taylor took time to answer a few questions regarding what’s coming up in the series, teased the return of Batman’s first Robin to Gotham City, and shared the inspiration behind the four-legged companion whose recently entered Nightwing’s life.
CBR: What kind of role will Nightwing play in Fear State?
Tom Taylor: Nightwing will play an absolutely crucial role in Fear State. The Anti-Oracle threatens everything and she knows too much. She is out to destroy Dick’s family and especially wants to see an end to Barbara Gordon as Oracle. Nightwing will team up with Batman and Babs to take on one of the biggest threats to all of Gotham City in “Fear State.”
CBR: What made now the right time to bring Barbara Gordon back as Batgirl?
It’s not about it being the right time. It’s about the moment requiring it. Barbara Gordon is Oracle and Batgirl and has been in both roles for years. However, with new, experimental technology assisting her spine, Babs has had to be cautious. In “Fear State,” her role as Oracle will be compromised. And worse, everything she’s built as Oracle will become a direct threat to the people she loves. Barbara Gordon is not someone who can stand by while her Bat-Family is attacked. She will make a difficult decision. Time will tell if it’s the right one.
CBR: Your previous stories are known for delivering amazing fan-service moments. What is the one moment or scene in this story that you are most excited for fans to see?
I can’t give too much away. I don’t want to pre-service fans… Wait, that sounds weird. But I will say issue #84 is the first time I’ve written Batman and Nightwing together in this run, and there are certainly some moments there that should put smiles on the faces of fans. Robbi Rodriguez, our brilliant guest artist for “Fear State,” handles these moments so well with Adriano Lucas.
CBR: How will “Fear State” impact Nightwing in the long run?
I think, more than anything, some of the more difficult events of “Fear State” could bring our characters even closer together.
CBR: What kind of guest stars can we expect to see in this story?
This will be a family event, so others will certainly step in to help. We’ll see more Batgirls in Stephanie Brown and Cassandra Cain. Tim Drake, already being part of our series, will also lend a hand.
CBR: Recently several new characters have been introduced into the world of Batman, such as Clownhunter, Ghostmaker, and Punchline. Which of these characters would you be most interested in bringing into the life of Nightwing?
Gotham has some incredible new characters running around causing havoc but, in the city of Bludhaven, Nightwing has problems of his own that go beyond Batman’s gallery of rogues. Heartless, Blockbuster and an entire city of criminals have their eyes on Nightwing. After the events of “Leaping into the Light,” Dick Grayson has made a lot of powerful, cruel people very angry. We will see the first ramifications of this when Bruno Redondo returns for issue #87, which is one of the most ambitious comics I’ve ever been a part of. It’s something Bruno and I have wanted to do for years. Can’t wait for you all to see it.
CBR: Whose idea was it to give Nightwing a puppy, and what do you hope she will bring to his legacy?
Ha! Haley, or “Bitewing,” was my idea, but the whole team instantly fell in love with her. Jessica Chen added the fairly famous “heart” when Babs first sees Haley, and I think it was her own heart. The idea behind Haley was to show that Dick cares for everyone, no matter how small, and to give Dick a constant companion and some unconditional love. It was also about being responsible for another living creature. Bruno and I both have dogs, and children, so we’re very used to having a puppy around the house and the extra care it needs.
Nightwing #84 is by Tom Taylor, Robbi Rodriguez, Adriano Lucas, and Wes Abbott and is on sale on Sept. 21 from DC Comics.
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