Nightwing, Superman, and more important comic book news you need to know

This week started with DC Comics announcing Tom Taylor’s next project Detective Comics. There was also an announcement of a new universe called the Absolute Universe; this is where characters like Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman are without the things that made them heroes. It was also the end of Gerry Duggan’s run of Invincible Iron Man, which concludes with Tony Stark becoming a billionaire again and more.

There was a lot happening in the world of comic books over this week, but those weren't the only significant developments. These are the other newsworthy comic book moments of the week.

Deadman helped a young Dick Grayson

• Comic book: Nightwing No. 116
• Writer: Tom Taylor
• Artist: Bruno Redondo

When Dick Grayson first tried to fly, he fell. He was so scared that his parents would die during their act that he asked them to stop. After Dick healed, a new trapeze artist met him and said: “Your parents are kind of my heroes. And a kid like you… you should be following in their footsteps. You should fly, man.” He then said that he’d teach Dick not to be afraid. That man was Boston Brand who later became Deadman. Knowing this, Dick goes to Deadman to help rid him of his crippling fear of heights.

Meanwhile, Heartless (in costume) tells the world he’s Dick Grayson and he’ll kill someone every hour until the Titans leave. However, he says that Nightwing is welcome to stay. With Nightwing gone, something cool happens: Bruce becomes Nightwing like Dick once became Batman. 

This is also a cool nod to Tom Taylor’s Injustice. After Deadman was “killed” he called on Dick Grayson to take his place. 

Don’t underestimate Lois Lane

• Comic book: Superman No. 16
• Writer: Joshua Williamson
• Artist: Jamal Campbell

While Superman and other heroes are regrouping in the Fortress of Solitude, Jimmy Olson, Lena Luthor, a depowered Silver Banshee, and a memoryless Lex Luthor go to Supercorp. They hope that bringing Lex there will help jog Luthor’s memory (that happened during the conclusion of House of Brainiac). Unfortunately, it didn’t work and Peacemaker was there to steal tech for Amanda Waller. Thankfully, Lois Lane was there in battle armor prepared for battle.

World War Sea

• Comic book: Namor No. 1
• Writer: Jason Aaron
• Artists: Paul Davidson, Alex Lins

After losing his recent fight against the surface world and the Avengers, Namor was sent to prison. He could have escaped at any point but wanted to do his penance. He felt bad that he caused pain throughout the seas and refused to step into the ocean. After Stingray tells him an underwater civil war is being fought, Namor decides to get off the sidelines. 

It's doubtful that Namor will be king again soon. The best guess is that he will stick around to help the next person be a better ruler than he was.

Jean Grey’s powers are uncanny

• Comic book: Phoenix No.1
• Writer: Stephanie Phillips
• Artist: Alessandro Miracolo

The things Jean Grey could do with her powers were always unbelievable. Even with the Phoenix Force, it seemed like she never reached her full potential. In Stephanie Phillips' Phoenix, readers see them combine to do unimaginable things.

First, Jean absorbed a dying sun. That was only her warmup act. She later stabilized a black hole. Let that sink in. Doing one or the other is something some gods can’t do. She did them both in a day. Imagine what she’ll do next.