“Nightwing: Year One” is a tape recording Nightwing sends through Batgirl to Batman about his decision to go solo. In the tape, Nightwing tells his story from his perspective about his departure from Batman. In ‘Nightwing’ (2005) #101, Nightwing begins his story. He tells that the event that snowballed his dismissal has been his recurrent late tardies on missions. In fact, he had been struggling with school, his work with the Titans and his responsibilities as Robin.

Suddenly, Robin arrives and realizes Batman is protecting a child from Clayface. Apparently, the situation was the result of a domestic dispute. In reality, the baby was Clayface’s baby. Asked to watch the baby, Robin rejects Batman’s order and goes after Clayface. Eventually, Robin defeats Clayface and the baby is returned to the mother. Back at the Batcave, Alfred welcomes Batman and Robin and goes to make some peanut butter and marshmallow cream on toast. Vociferously, Bruce tells Robin needs to be totally devoted and that he is Batman’s lieutenant. Angrily, Batman fires Robin. Robin departs leaving behind his new costume.

In ‘Nightwing’ (2005) #102, Robin starts building bridges in order to start his solo career. Seeking to come out of the shadows into the light, Dick meets with Clark Kent at the Daily Planet. Lois Lane is curious about who Richard Grayson is. Interestingly, she does some digging and finds out he is the adopted relative of billionnaire Bruce Wayne. Clark’s and Dicks conversation is cut short by police reports. Clark changes to Superman while Dick rushes to the scene with a hoodie, jumping on rooftops. On the scene, Superman meets with two terrorists who want to prevent the then current presidential election.

Superman manages to stop the first terrorist by removing in the air and destroying the bomb that was strapped to him with his heat vision. Meanwhile, Dick apprehends the second one and when he jumps down a building to prevent the bomb from detonating, Superman saves him and and catches the other terrorist. Back at the Fortress of Solitude, Dick and Superman have a discussion. Asked for advice, Superman tells Dick his inspiration for his crime-fighting is a Kryponian hero named Nightwing. Since Dick is committed to remaining a superhero and one day becoming Batman, Superman tells him to find his own “place of solitude.”¹

In ‘Nightwing’ (2005) #104, Nightwing and Batgirl are on a date to promote his new solo career. After announcing to Commissioner Gordon, Nightwing debuts his solo career by apprehending thugs on the streeets of Gotham City. However, he is being watched. When Nightwing finds himself in a difficult situation, Batgirl intervenes riding a Batcycle. In reality, she is Batman’s informant. Nevertheless, Nightwing and Batgirl attempt to rekindle their romance.

Then, they decide to announce Nightwing’s solo career to the criminal elements in Gotham City. At Arkham Asylum, Nightwing roughs up Joker to put him on notice. At a strip club, both heroes take down wanted felons and seem to be having fun. They even head out to Penguin’s nightclub and send the GCPD on his tail. Nightwing shows he wants to build bridges within the superhero community and be better than Batman.

In ‘Nightwing’ (2005) #105, the philosophical differences between Batman and Nightwing are clear. Batman does not trust his proteges and wants to control them. However, Nightwing is optimistic and believes in teaching and passing down his knowledge and skills to his proteges, friends and teammates. When Batman decides to test Jason Todd, he disguises himself as a villain and Alfred as Two-Face. Unfortunately, as they drive in Gotham City to their destination, Batman is hurt and Alfred is captured by Killer Crocs henchmen.

Jason Todd meets Nightwing and prepares to fight him thinking it is a gauntlet. However, Batman contacts Nightwing and Robin telling them it is not a gauntlet. He tells them to find Alfred somewhere on the estuary. In ‘Nightwing’ (2005) #106, the conflict finds its resolution. Nightwing and Robin team-up to find Alfred and take down Killer Croc and his henchmen. As the Bat-family reconvenes at the Batcave, Nightwing sends Batman a tape. There, he tells him about his decision to go solo. The following day, Batman sends Dick his new Nightwing costume with a letter showing his support.