DC High Volume: Batman

Nightwing: Year One - Chapter 3 & The Fool’s Journey

Episode Date: December 3, 2025

Host: DC | Realm

Episode Overview

This episode immerses listeners in two rich DC comics adaptations: the third chapter of Nightwing: Year One and the haunting one-shot detective tale, The Fool’s Journey. As Dick Grayson seeks to rediscover himself at Haley’s Circus, he contemplates his path forward beyond the shadow of Batman. Meanwhile, in Gotham, Bruce Wayne faces his own crossroads, introducing Jason Todd to the world. The secondary narrative explores a tragic circus murder and Batman’s quest for truth in a world where not all mysteries bring closure.

Key Discussion Points & Story Breakdown

1. Nightwing: Year One - Chapter 3

Dick Grayson’s Search for Identity

• [01:00–02:56] Dick (Nightwing, formerly Robin) returns to Haley’s Circus, his childhood home, trying to find purpose after his split from Batman.
  • He connects with Donna Troy, who jokes, offering warmth and comic relief.
    • “Where the heck have you been, Boy Wonder? I’ll never forgive you or Wally for leaving me in charge of this circus.” (Donna Troy, 02:25)
  • Dialogues explore Dick’s feelings of loneliness and disconnection.
    • “After you fired me, I thought I just wanted to go off somewhere by myself...I wanted to be alone. I wound up just lonely.” (Dick, 02:59)

Interactions at the Circus

• [03:00–07:11] Dick is reacquainted with colorful circus folk, including the acrobat Cleveland Brand and lion tamer Lorna.
  • He reflects on tragedy, recalling his parents’ deaths and their impact on the circus.
    • “Sometimes I’m surprised I can even stand on a high ledge after what happened to the Flying Graysons.” (Dick, 05:51)
• [06:22–07:11] Lorna finds old promotional material from Dick’s father, reminding him of his roots.
  • “That red suit looks sharp...dredges up the past, huh?” (Pop, 07:00)
  • "Makes me think of the future." (Dick, 07:07)

Alfred and Batman in Gotham

• [08:14–09:57] Alfred communicates discreetly with Dick, respecting his need for independence.
• [08:38–09:45] Batman introduces Jason Todd as a new ward after catching him stealing Batmobile tires:
  • “And do you intend to keep him?” (Alfred)
  • “I’ll let you know.” (Batman, 08:45)
• Hints at the changing mantle of Robin and Batman’s complicated mentorship.

Dick’s Acceptance and Evolution

• [10:10–14:10] Dick engages in high-wire acts, overcomes doubts, and proves himself in the ring, both to himself and others.
  • “The feeling of pure physical exertion reminded me that this is where I came from. Where I really belong.” (Dick, 11:15)
• An incident with a lion reaffirms Dick’s heroism outside the cape and cowl.
  • “My dad used to tell me that us circus folk have the best job in the world because we help people to be happy. And then you came along and taught me how to help people another way.” (Dick, 12:35)

Nightwing’s Rebirth

• [17:00–19:00] Dick crafts a new suit—blue with high collar and Eskrima sticks—signifying his transition from Robin to Nightwing.

  • “If I’m going to continue helping people, I’ll have to do it on my own. And by my own devices.” (Dick, 17:04)

• Ghostly mentor Boston Brand (Deadman) encourages him:

  • “Boy Wonder, you’re better than him and me put together.” (Boston Brand, 18:16)

• Jason Todd dons the Robin mantle in Gotham, marking a generational baton pass.

  • “Jason Todd, the Boy Wonder...Let me just put the mask on first. Then give me your expert opinion.” (Jason, 19:40)

2. The Fool’s Journey

Circus Tragedy and Investigation

• [20:58–25:42] Set years earlier, Batman is called to Haley’s Circus to investigate the murder of Madame Fortuna, a fortune teller.
  • The scene is somber, scattered with tarot cards and blood clues.

Tarot as a Narrative Device

• The cards—The Fool, Strength, The Lovers, The Emperor, Two of Swords—guide Batman’s questioning of suspects: Samson (the strongman), the Flying Graysons, and Mr. Haley (the ringmaster).
  • “Four cards are strewn about next to Madame Fortuna. The Fool. Strength. The Lovers. The Emperor. There is blood on the tarot cards.” (Batman, 21:37)

Layers of Heartbreak and Mystery

• Strongman Samson’s heartbreak is palpable:
  • “We were so happy together. Binary stars, she called us. Said that we were bound together by fate. But then she left me.” (Samson, 23:21)
• Tension with circus owners over protection rackets (Zuko), echoing the Graysons’ own tragedy.

Unconventional Resolution

• [28:00–29:00] Batman pieces together the message: each tarot card’s blood-stained letter spells “SORRY,” revealing Madame Fortuna’s death as suicide, not murder.
  • “So who did it?...None of them...She left the blood stain on everyone. Each covering a single letter...The letters spell out one word. Sorry.” (Batman, 28:57)
• Final reflection on the nature of pain and the limits of answers:
  • “Sometimes there are no answers. And the ones you do manage to find, they will never satisfy you.” (Batman, 29:38)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "I wanted to be alone. I wound up just lonely." — Dick Grayson, [02:59]
• “And you came along and taught me how to help people another way.” — Dick Grayson, [12:36]
• “If I’m going to continue helping people, I’ll have to do it on my own. And by my own devices.” — Dick Grayson, [17:04]
• “Boy Wonder, you’re better than him and me put together.” — Boston Brand, [18:16]
• “Sometimes there are no answers. And the ones you do manage to find, they will never satisfy you.” — Batman, [29:38]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 01:00 — Dick returns to Haley’s Circus
• 02:09 — Conversation with Donna Troy
• 05:51 — Dick reflects on the past and his parents
• 08:38 — Batman introduces Jason Todd
• 11:15 — Dick reconnects to his acrobat roots
• 12:36 — Lion incident and Dick’s new sense of purpose
• 17:04 — Dick forges Nightwing identity
• 18:16 — Boston Brand encourages Dick
• 19:40 — Jason Todd becomes Robin
• 21:21 — The Fool’s Journey begins (Batman’s investigation)
• 28:57 — Batman reveals the true meaning behind Madam Fortuna’s death
• 29:38 — Batman reflects on the emptiness of some answers

Tone and Storytelling

The episode balances nostalgia, introspection, and bittersweet resolution—a search for identity, the pain of loss, and the complexity of forging forward. The dialogue remains true to the comics’ somber yet hopeful tone, steeped in legacy, found family, and the difficulty of moving on.

This episode is a character-driven tale about legacy—how the past shapes us and how every ending marks a new beginning. Rich with heart, humor, and atmosphere, it’s a moving audio drama for new and longtime fans alike.