Nightwing: Year One - Chapter 4 and Clay

Summary

---

DC High Volume: Batman

Episode: Nightwing: Year One – Chapter 4 and Clay
Date: December 10, 2025
Host: DC | Realm

---

Episode Overview

This episode of DC High Volume: Batman delivers two audio comic adaptations:

• The continuation of "Nightwing: Year One," spotlighting Dick Grayson’s return to Gotham as Nightwing and his evolving relationships with former allies and new faces.
• The story "Clay," an atmospheric vignette from Dick's years as Robin, focusing on themes of self-worth as he and Batman confront Clayface.

Rich with sharp dialogue and DC lore, the episode reverberates with nostalgia, humor, and the tense complexities of Gotham’s crime-fighting family.

---

Key Discussion & Story Points

1. Nightwing Returns to Gotham ([01:07]–[14:57])

• Dick Grayson, now Nightwing, returns to Gotham. He attempts a formal introduction to Commissioner Jim Gordon in his new persona (Nightwing), establishing boundaries and showing respect for the city’s law enforcement.

  • Notable exchange:
    • Gordon: “I don't know you from spit, punk. And access to this building's roof is by invitation only.” ([02:55])
    • Nightwing: “Say something only the kid would know. My former associate has a thing for bats. You took up a pipe to quit smoking cigarettes.” ([03:27])
  • The encounter ends amicably, with mutual, if wary, respect.
    • Gordon: “Well, thanks for filling me in on the staffing changes, Nightwing. But if you'll excuse me, I'm having a late supper with my daughter.” ([04:38])
    • Nightwing: “She sounds like a nice girl.”
    • Gordon (aside): “Oh, not on your life, boy Wonder.” ([04:41])

• Nightwing reflects on Gotham’s darkness—the city’s daunting crime, familiar but changed streets, and the constant threat of violence.

  • “It’s not this town’s capacity for crime that surprises me. It’s the degrees of separation.” ([06:54])

• Nightwing reunites with Batgirl (Barbara Gordon):

  • They share playful banter, acknowledging their history and the complexity of their current relationship.
    • Batgirl: “The costume may have changed, but the attitude’s the same. Eternally optimistic. Well, at least buy me some dinner before you get fresh.” ([08:28])
    • Lighthearted moments include a meal at Big Belly Burger and mutual teasing about their origins and love interests.
  • Batgirl questions Nightwing about his “falling out” with Batman and their future as allies.
    • Nightwing: “Robin’s a defunct concept.” ([04:24])
    • Discussions of trust, independence, and romantic entanglements.
      • Batgirl: “So maybe you and I should keep this relationship strictly business.” ([10:17])
      • Nightwing: “All right then. Let’s get down to business. I’m back in Gotham and flying solo.” ([10:37])

• Alfred and Bruce discuss the new Robin (Jason Todd):

  • Alfred and Batman banter about trust issues and Bruce’s high expectations.
    • Alfred: “A self-destruct mechanism so that you can dismiss the newest Robin via remote control when he fails to measure up to your impossible standards?” ([11:40])
    • Bruce: “It’s a micro beacon. With it, I can track his whereabouts at all times.” ([11:44])

2. Nightwing’s "Gotham Re-Introduction" Tour ([14:57]–[21:06])

• Nightwing visits Arkham Asylum with Batgirl to taunt the Joker and the Riddler, asserting his new place in the rogues’ gallery.

  • Joker: “What the hell kinda name is Nightwing? This is a joke, right?” ([16:16])
  • Batgirl: “You really think it’s wise to taunt them like that? Giggles especially.” ([16:47])
  • Nightwing: “What’s the point of locking them up if you can’t screw with them?” ([16:54])

• The two continue their “misery tour,” visiting hotspot locales of Gotham’s criminal underground—the Iceberg Lounge (run by Penguin/Cobblepot), a strip club, and a notorious bar.

  • Witty banter about nightclub life and criminal haunts.
    • Nightwing: “Cute name for a bar, huh? This place’s unraveled more than one felony case.” ([18:00])
    • Batgirl: “You are having too much fun. So is there more to this misery tour than making Nightwing a household name in all the wrong households?” ([18:12])

3. Training and the Final Test ([20:10]–[21:06])

• Batman puts Jason Todd through rigorous training, emphasizing collateral damage is unacceptable.
  • Jason displays cockiness and speed but is reminded by Bruce that he must do better.
    • “Nice cockiness will get you killed.” ([05:03])
• Nightwing receives his own final test:

  • A “gauntlet”—a simple game of tag, signaling that transitions and trials are a constant in the Bat-family.

  • Batman: “You face the gauntlet—your final test. Nothing fancy. Just a simple game of tag.” ([21:06])

---

4. "Clay" – Robin Faces Clayface ([21:11]–[28:22])

• Flashback to Dick Grayson’s difficult adolescence:

  • Teased at school, struggling to fit in, even as Robin.
    • “To these jerks, no matter what I do, I’ll never be good enough.” ([21:47])
  • Gets in a fight defending his honor; Alfred tries to keep it from Bruce.

• Rapid escalation to a Clayface crisis:

  • Gordon, Batman, and Robin descend on the Monarch Theater in Crime Alley where Clayface (Basil Carlo) holds court.
    • Gordon (about Robin): “This is no place for a child.” ([23:53])
  • Batman tests Robin’s detective skills:
    • Batman: “Tell me about Clayface.”
    • Robin: “Basil Carlo, former film star. Now a shapeshifter made of living mud.” ([24:13])
    • Robin makes key psychological observations, realizing Clayface, as an actor, craves an audience—hence the recreation of a theater and clay “patrons.”

• Confrontation with Clayface:

  • Batman and Robin apply both physical force and psychological insight.
    • Robin: “What am I to him and him to me? What a cruel joke and tragedy.” ([24:58])
    • Clayface: “My talents would be wasted on such drink. Wouldn’t they, Batman?” ([25:32])
  • Batman uses chemical hardener, Robin improvises with a Batrope—intense combat and symbolism about identity and approval.

• Resolution & Aftermath:

  • Clayface immobilized, head separated—Robin secures the head.
    • Robin: “Robin, secure the head.”
    • Commissioner Gordon: “You have killed. Yeah, that’s a wrap.” ([27:40])

---

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On change and roles:
  • “Robin’s a defunct concept.” – Nightwing ([04:24])
  • “The costume may have changed, but the attitude’s the same. Eternally optimistic.” – Batgirl ([08:28])
• On Gotham’s complexity:
  • “It’s not this town’s capacity for crime that surprises me. It’s the degrees of separation.” – Nightwing ([06:54])
• On family and trust:
  • “At least you haven’t yet loosed this lost boy upon the monsters of Gotham.” – Alfred ([11:58])
• On villainy and performance:
  • “He’s an actor. He craves approval. He needs... an audience.” – Robin ([24:46])
  • “Don’t call me that.” – Clayface, on being called by his villain name ([27:14])
  • “Believe in yourself, Clayface. Because if you rely on people to build you up, they can also break you.” – Batgirl/Narrator ([27:18])
• Classic Bat–Joker banter:
  • “What the hell kinda name is Nightwing? This is a joke, right?” – Joker ([16:16])

---

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [01:07] Dick Grayson's Nightwing recap and return to Gotham
• [02:29] Nightwing’s tense meeting with Commissioner Gordon
• [05:03] Batman training Jason Todd; Alfred and Bruce’s debate on trust
• [07:43] Nightwing’s reunion and banter with Batgirl
• [16:00] Nightwing confronts Joker and Riddler in Arkham
• [18:00] Gotham “underground” tour: bar, Iceberg Lounge, Penguin
• [20:10] Batman’s final test for Jason/Nightwing – “the gauntlet”
• [21:11] "Clay": flashback to Dick’s school struggles and family tension
• [23:12] Clayface confrontation at the Monarch Theater
• [26:16] Robin’s psychological duel and fight with Clayface

---

Tone & Style

Delivers noir atmosphere, witty and sharp banter, and occasionally bittersweet nostalgia for lost innocence and shifting partnerships. Conversation flows between tough love, familial tension, and the black humor endemic to Gotham’s street-level heroes and rogues.

---

Conclusion

This episode masterfully brings together character transitions—Dick Grayson's journey from Robin to Nightwing, the Bat-family’s evolving relationships, and the inherent need for acceptance and reinvention, all set against classic Gotham action and psychological warfare with its villains. For both fans and new listeners, it’s a densely woven exploration of legacy, family, and self-definition in the world of Batman.

---

Transcript

[Narrator/Host]

This episode is brought to you by ebay. Before all the algorithm fed blah and the endless sea of dupes, shopping used to feel more fun. Find that feeling again on ebay. It's not mindless scrolling. It's a fashion pursuit. And when you score that rare Adidas collab or the Dior saddlebag you've been manifesting, it's a rush. Ebay has millions of pre loved finds from hundreds of brands backed by authenticity guarantee. Ebay things people love.

Jason Disney asked me to do this podcast thing.

[Nightwing/Dick Grayson]

I need some advice. You've got to have Banger gets Walker and Leah, Daniel Diemer, Tim Simons, Adam Coveland. You're the one asking the questions. How?

[Narrator/Host]

Why?

[Nightwing/Dick Grayson]

They better answer.

[Narrator/Host]

I don't know anything epic. This season is just make a quest.

[Nightwing/Dick Grayson]

I'm Arian Samahadri. Welcome to the Percy Jackson and the Olympians official podcast. Available wherever you get your podcasts. And watch season two of Percy Jackson streaming now on Disney and Hulu.

[Narrator/Host]

Learn [e-mail] you're listening to DC High Volume Batman.

Dick Grayson has made his choice. Drawing inspiration from the ancient Kryptonian legend of Nightwing, he's taken on a new identity and returned to Gotham City to meet up with old friends and allies, including Commissioner Gordon, whose ex wife and son have left for good. But as the one door closed, another opened. Jim adopted his niece Barbara, raising her as if she were his own daughter. Little did he know that teenage Barbara would take after him in more ways than one, spying on his meetings with Batman and eventually donning her own cowl as the crime fighter Batgirl. For a brief while, the Dynamic Duo grew to a bat family, with Batman, Robin and Batgirl proving a formidable alliance in their war on crime. How much has changed, and whether or not their alliance still holds, Dick Grayson will have to learn for himself. And now, Nightwing. Year one, Chapter four.

[Nightwing/Dick Grayson]

The first time I met Jim Gordon, I had you to vouch for me. He was less than pleased then. This meeting wasn't much different. I just thought I'd do the courteous thing and check in with the proper authorities before parading around Gotham. I mean, something like that could just get me shot.

Batman. Hey, that's far enough, punk. Hands where I can see him. Now. It's okay, Commissioner. You know me. We've even met on this roof before. I don't know you from spit, punk. And access to this building's roof is by invitation only. It was you who turned on the signal. And I'll turn it back off if you'll let me, we can consider it answered. Knowing where the toggle switch is doesn't earn you any grace points, Nightwing. Whatever. I'm giving you a count of five.

[Narrator/Host]

Before.

[Nightwing/Dick Grayson]

Just like I said, you know me. You gave me this badge. The law. You told me that if I ever needed you, that if I ever needed a friend, that a sheriff always recognizes his deputies. Say something. Say something only the kid would know. My former associate has a thing for bats. You took up a pipe to quit smoking cigarettes. Wait. How's about. Holy mistaken identity.

All right, then, Robin. Or did you say Darkwing? Care to explain the masquerade, Nightwing? Commissioner, I'm no longer Robin. And I'm not Batman's partner anymore either. You always did seem like the sensible one on the team. I sort of hoped you'd meet a nice girl someday and settle down. You have a falling out with the boss?

Call it a scheduling conflict. So does this mean he'll be looking for someone new to be his wingman? I seriously doubt it, sir. He's better off working alone, and he knows it. Robin's a defunct concept. Well, thanks for filling me in on the staffing changes, Nightwing. But if you'll excuse me, I'm having a late supper with my daughter. Badge. Maybe you'll introduce us someday, sir. She sounds like a nice girl.

[Narrator/Host]

Oh, not on your life, boy Wonder.

Yeah.

Senior citizen harmed. Program complete.

[Nightwing/Dick Grayson]

Nice cockiness will get you killed. I finished your maze in no time flat. You scored in the 95th percentile, Jason. But you need to be better than that. Collateral damage is simply unacceptable. Yeah, well, maybe the old biddy rat us out to the mox and mob. Bet she was a stool. I'm resetting the program. Stretch out and get ready to go again. Monster. Bruce, you have a call. Take a message, Alfred. I would, sir, but it appears to be a call from your friend at the constabulary on the special line. The Red Farm.

The meet and greet with Gordon went well. Better than I expected. But then, I think he's grateful for any help he can get. Within reason. I mean, the per capita crime rate here is the nation's highest. Every alley a den of thieves. Every street a battleground. But you know this. Out of the car. Oh, what's this? Yesterday, man? But are you a tourist? You speak English, man? Said now.

[Narrator/Host]

Tourists.

[Nightwing/Dick Grayson]

What the. Missed the bus, guys.

[Narrator/Host]

What?

[Nightwing/Dick Grayson]

I know how it is. I'm between wheels myself.

Step off, hero. Ah, Saw that in a movie, huh? Chambering around that stubby really puts an exclamation Mark on the moment.

[Narrator/Host]

What?

[Nightwing/Dick Grayson]

Of course. You just ejected a perfectly good slug. And a piece cut this short. Probably only holds. What do you know? A lot of bullets.

Ko'D with your own gun. Oh, child's play.

You got a cell phone? I'll wait with you until Gotham's finest shows. You okay? I think I'll just move on. Okay? Not okay. It's the duty of every citizen to.

Hell. It's not this town's capacity for crime that surprises me. It's the degrees of separation. But you know, this.

First move. Hold on for dear life. I know what you're thinking. I do. Why do you put Lola in the back seat? Why not the trunk?

Cause her mother's in the trunk. Her big, fat mother. I wanted the suv. The cargo space, I said. The mileage, she said.

Thankfully, someone was watching over me the night of my big debut.

Batgirl. But you know this.

With the driver out, I just had to make sure the car came to a stop.

Without hurting anyone else.

[Narrator/Host]

Lose something? Man Wonder?

[Nightwing/Dick Grayson]

Batgirl, AKA Barbara Gordon. Or Babs. To the ones who know her best, no. Everything still seems to be attached.

[Narrator/Host]

Your edge, your street sense.

[Nightwing/Dick Grayson]

Guess so. It's not like riding a bike.

[Narrator/Host]

Speaking of, need a ride?

[Nightwing/Dick Grayson]

After that, even your driving will be welcome.

Mind if I hold onto you around here? Purely for balance.

[Narrator/Host]

Oh.

[Nightwing/Dick Grayson]

Nice.

[Narrator/Host]

You know, the costume may have changed, but the attitude's the same. Eternally optimistic. Well, at least buy me some dinner before you get fresh.

Two Belly Busters with fries and drink? Oh, yeah. Thank you. Keep the change. Thanks for visiting. Big Belly Burger.

[Nightwing/Dick Grayson]

Oh, my God.

[Narrator/Host]

That was Batgirl. Mm. And I have to pay because I'm.

[Nightwing/Dick Grayson]

A little short on operating capital at the moment. Don't forget who supplied your first Bat cycle. And the second, and the third, and so on.

[Narrator/Host]

Mm. Yeah, him.

[Nightwing/Dick Grayson]

Babs pointed out that both of us once had a benefactor in common. But you know this. And you'll understand if I leave the rest of what happened that night between Batgirl and me.

I can think of more romantic places.

[Narrator/Host]

I wanted to see where you two had your falling out. You forget that I've got a mole at police headquarters. And that I'm a pretty decent detective in my own right.

[Nightwing/Dick Grayson]

I smashed through that window on one of his snowmobiles. We fought. First us on Clayface, and then me and him arguing in the snow. And then we went home and he handed me a pink slip.

[Narrator/Host]

So where does that leave me?

[Nightwing/Dick Grayson]

You'd have to ask him that. But you should know where you stand with me.

[Narrator/Host]

And what about her? The Spice Girl?

[Nightwing/Dick Grayson]

Coriander. You mean Starfire?

[Narrator/Host]

Yeah, the tall one with the green eyes, great tan and legs up to my chin. I'm pretty sure she wouldn't stand for you taking some other super chick to Inspiration Point. So maybe you and I should keep this relationship strictly business.

[Nightwing/Dick Grayson]

All right then. Let's get down to business. I'm back in Gotham and flying solo. What's the pretty decent detective think? My first move should be some public.

[Narrator/Host]

Relations to promote the new you. Establish some of that striking fear into the criminal element by introducing your bad self.

[Nightwing/Dick Grayson]

Or reintroducing myself. Can I drop you off and borrow the scooter for a while.

Master Jason? I trust you've completed your homework. All the school I need is down there, Alfredo. Just gonna raid the fridge before recess is over.

You can commence chastising Alfred. I'll multitask. You mean that you will ignore my concerns in the usual fashion as you tinker away at some widget, Master Bruce. What's this then? A self destruct mechanism so that you can dismiss the newest Robin via remote.

[Narrator/Host]

Control when he fails to measure up.

[Nightwing/Dick Grayson]

To your impossible standards.

It's a micro beacon. With it, I can track his whereabouts at all times. I see we are working on our trust issues in addition to devising new gadgetry and paying little heed to the.

[Narrator/Host]

Protestations of the hired help.

[Nightwing/Dick Grayson]

At least you haven't yet loosed this lost boy upon the monsters of Gotham. There's no need. Right now. Most of them are in their cages.

[Narrator/Host]

If you've shopped online, it's extremely likely that you've bought from a business powered by Shopify. You know that purple shop pay button you see at checkout? The one that makes the process from think I'm ready to buy to I can't wait till it gets here. So incredibly easy. That's Shopify. And there's a reason so many businesses sell with it. Because Shopify makes it easy to start and run your business. Shopify is the commerce platform behind 10% of all e commerce in the US from household names like Mattel and Gymshark to brands just getting started. It gives you a leg up from the very beginning with hundreds of beautiful, ready to go templates to express your brand style so you don't have to spend time coding a website. Shopify allows you to tackle all the important tasks in one place. From inventory, to payments, to analytics and more. Plus they have built in marketing and email tools to help find and keep new customers so you can easily spread your brand's word. And did I mention that iconic purple shop pay button that's used by millions of businesses around the world? It's the reason why Shopify has the best converting checkout on the planet. Your customers already know it, love it, and actually use it. If you want to see less carts being abandoned, it's time for you to head over to Shopify. Sign up for your $1 per month trial and start selling today at shopify shopify.com realm go to shopify.com realm shopify.com realm.

Marshall's buyers are hustling hard to get amazing new gifts into stores right up to the last minute. Like a designer perfume for that friend who never RSVP'd wishlist topping toys for her kids who came too. Belgian chocolates for the neighborhood. A cozy scarf for your boss, and a wool jacket for your husband that you definitely did not Almost forget. Marshalls. We get the deals, you give the good stuff, even at the last minute. Phew. Find a Marshall's near you.

This episode is brought to you by State Farm. Listening to this podcast. Smart move being financially savvy. Smart move. Another smart move having State Farm help you create a competitive price when you choose to bundle home and auto bundling. Just another way to save with a personal price plan like a good neighbor State Farm is there. Prices are based on rating plans that vary by state. Coverage options are selected by the customer. Availability, amount of discounts and savings and eligibility vary by state.

[Nightwing/Dick Grayson]

Ah, you. Do you think I look good in this straight jacket? Oh, thank you. Truly. I didn't think I could pull it off.

Who's there? I see.

I see. Who?

My eyes.

You don't see nothing.

I can't believe I fell for that. Me? Yeah, you. The king of comedy. The sultan of slapstick. Hey, I know that voice. Boy blunder.

What's with the new duds? Bunky? Daddy war Bats neglect to do the wash.

Playing dress up with that purdy little batgal.

You won't be seeing Robin around anymore, Joker. But that doesn't mean the balance of power has shifted in your favor. Wait a minute.

You and Bats had a tiff, didn't ya? Oh, little birdies. Flown the belfry and flapped all the way to Arkham to tell big bad jokes. Ouch. My dog, Nightwing. Remember it? What the hell kind of name is Nightwing? This is a joke, right? Come on out, Bats. You got me.

Bats.

So who is the visitor, Joker? Don't riddle yourself, Eddie.

It was nice of Batgirl to accompany me to Arkham Asylum.

Shame he didn't come in, Babs. You miss some fun?

[Narrator/Host]

Not in the mood to play Clarice Starling tonight? You really think it's wise to taunt them like that? Giggles especially.

[Nightwing/Dick Grayson]

What's the point of locking them up if you can't screw with them?

[Narrator/Host]

The point of locking them up to pray they never get out. What's the next stop?

[Nightwing/Dick Grayson]

The rules were I get to drive and you don't ask questions. But it's a place with a lot of other women.

[Narrator/Host]

Lots of other women. Maybe we could form a book club. Or trade recipes.

[Nightwing/Dick Grayson]

Oh, now, if I told you we were coming to a strip bar.

[Narrator/Host]

You'Re right. But the place is crowded with wanted food felons. And I actually like working the Pole. But I don't think these guys like my moves.

[Nightwing/Dick Grayson]

We found a sideline for you. The tips are great and you already work nights.

[Narrator/Host]

Next stop, Hound Wonder.

My alibi.

[Nightwing/Dick Grayson]

Cute name for a bar, huh? This place is a unraveled. More than one felony case. Drinks, snacks, and a dozen people to vouch for your whereabouts during the Morrison street massacre. I'll leave Polka Dot man for the gcpd.

[Narrator/Host]

You are having too much fun. So is there more to this Misery tour than making Nightwing a household name in all the wrong households?

[Nightwing/Dick Grayson]

Gosh. Bad girl. Aren't you enjoying our first date?

[Narrator/Host]

Whoa. This is nothing like a date.

[Nightwing/Dick Grayson]

How about a really cool nightclub?

[Narrator/Host]

You didn't say it was the Iceberg Lounge.

[Nightwing/Dick Grayson]

Of course. You know I have to card the two of you. Nice to see you concerning yourself with legalities, Cobblepot. So I guess you don't know anything about the upstairs casino, the home movie studio behind the band stand, and. And the abattoir in the basement. Hmm. The gaming equipment's for my amusement. I dabble as a film auteur, and I prefer my meat.

Fresh. Tell it to the cops first. Find me a cop in Gotham. I don't own goons.

[Narrator/Host]

At nine o'. Clock.

[Nightwing/Dick Grayson]

I'll make a down payment tonight. I know a cop who has a price. Over your budget, Penguin. Ever run into Harvey Bullock?

Bullock?

No.

This is an outrage.

Nobody move. Hands where we can see him.

[Narrator/Host]

Yeah. That means you, wise guy. That's our cue, Cobblepot.

[Nightwing/Dick Grayson]

We'll see who runs this town, me or you.

[Narrator/Host]

Freaks. Ooh. Wingless. Antarctic foul. Scary.

This has to be the nightcap. Okay.

[Nightwing/Dick Grayson]

Oh, school night.

[Narrator/Host]

Funny.

[Nightwing/Dick Grayson]

So, what's up next, teach? Walking on hot coals? More meditation? Mumbo jumbo. I want you to study all the footage here.

[Narrator/Host]

Location. Arkham. Asylum.

[Nightwing/Dick Grayson]

Ouch. My dog. Iceberg Lounge. Tell it to the cops first. Find me a cop in Gotham. I don't own Bat Cycle. Batgirl Dash Cam.

[Narrator/Host]

My Alibi.

[Nightwing/Dick Grayson]

Cute name for a bar, huh? This place has unraveled more than one felony case.

Okay, and then what? And then you face the gauntlet. Your final test. Nothing fancy. Just a simple game of tag.

[Narrator/Host]

To be continued.

And now, a lifetime ago in Gotham City, young Dick Grayson is having a hard time fitting in. Whether at private school or with Batman. But today, he'll have an opportunity to prove himself as a peer to the Caped Crusader. If he's been studying, this is clay.

I can take the hits. The easy jokes.

[Nightwing/Dick Grayson]

Hey, Dick. Hey, Dick. Where's your boyfriend?

[Narrator/Host]

Bruce Wayne?

[Nightwing/Dick Grayson]

Carney trash.

[Narrator/Host]

But to these jerks, no matter what I do, I'll never be good enough.

You want to say that again? Bring it on. And part of me wonders if it's true.

[Nightwing/Dick Grayson]

Hey, break it up. Break it up. Grayson, headmaster's office. The rest of you, infirmary, now. He started it.

[Narrator/Host]

I know, I know, Alfred. Just don't tell Bruce.

[Nightwing/Dick Grayson]

Two busted noses and a broken collarbone. Of course they called me. Go to an academy is the best school in the city. I have a hard time.

[Narrator/Host]

Hard time is right. And I'm new. Fish in there. Someone had to teach those rich kids a lesson.

[Nightwing/Dick Grayson]

That's not like you, Dick.

[Narrator/Host]

How is it different from wearing a costume and scaring the crap out of people?

[Nightwing/Dick Grayson]

Is that what you think? You have to be better than them, Dick. Better than me?

[Narrator/Host]

Why?

[Nightwing/Dick Grayson]

Because you. Hold on.

[Narrator/Host]

Basil Carlo, AKA Clayface, has escaped. Suspect believed to be in the downtown Park Row area. Right. To be continued.

[Nightwing/Dick Grayson]

This is what we signed up for. What do you make of this?

[Narrator/Host]

It's time for my other uniform.

[Nightwing/Dick Grayson]

Come on.

[Narrator/Host]

Can't believe Gordon, Batman and I head to Crime Alley. Except I'm told to stay on a nearby roof while the grown ups talk. Commissioner Gordon's there with three other cops. One's a sniper.

[Nightwing/Dick Grayson]

The old Monarch Theater. The last spot in Crime Alley that Bruce Wayne hasn't turned into a chain restaurant. So we've got no cameras or security footage. Clayface had been holed up in there for a couple hours. And I lost two men in the last raid.

[Narrator/Host]

The three rank and file cops think I can't hear them, but I can read lips.

[Nightwing/Dick Grayson]

It's a joke, right? A kid, Riley and a hare ain't laughing. Disgrace is what it is. Batman, a word.

[Narrator/Host]

Gordon doesn't believe in me either.

[Nightwing/Dick Grayson]

You've heard this before. But this Is no place for a child.

[Narrator/Host]

But Bruce does, doesn't he?

[Nightwing/Dick Grayson]

Robin, with me.

Get the doors. Yes, sir.

Tell me about Clayface.

[Narrator/Host]

But you already.

[Nightwing/Dick Grayson]

I know. I want to see if you do.

[Narrator/Host]

Basil Carlo, former film star. Now a shapeshifter made of living mud.

[Nightwing/Dick Grayson]

Good. Now get in his head.

What do you see?

[Narrator/Host]

Holy smokes. He's recreated a working theater out of clay. Staff and patrons. Popcorn and everything. These are clay statues. Clayface can't control material he's left behind.

[Nightwing/Dick Grayson]

Then why make them?

[Narrator/Host]

He's an actor. He craves approval. He needs Cinema 6, an audience.

[Nightwing/Dick Grayson]

What am I to him and him to me? What a cruel joke and tragedy.

[Narrator/Host]

The rotting seat, the silent crowd. It's.

[Nightwing/Dick Grayson]

What am I to do?

[Narrator/Host]

Sadder than I expected.

[Nightwing/Dick Grayson]

To destroy him is murder. To let him live his blasphemy. Now I understand.

[Narrator/Host]

God.

[Nightwing/Dick Grayson]

Ah, the Gazette loves this one. Carlo's haunting performance elevates this hunchback to Hammer.

But these days, it's all torture and blood. My talents would be wasted on such drink. Wouldn't they, Batman? There's blood on your hands too, Carlo.

Everyone's a critic.

[Narrator/Host]

Batman follows standard Clayface protocol. The use of a chemical hardener planted deep in his chest. Quickly, before he can.

React.

[Nightwing/Dick Grayson]

Bad reviews sting, but the worst reviews, they burn.

[Narrator/Host]

It's not protocol, but a clean Batarang swipe to Clayface's head has gotta count for something. It came clean off.

[Nightwing/Dick Grayson]

Like fire in my chest.

[Narrator/Host]

Or not. Uh oh.

[Nightwing/Dick Grayson]

Is your chest burning, Batman? As I fill your lungs, Clay.

[Narrator/Host]

Showtime. I leap from the raptors clinging onto my Batworm. Usually, I'd aim for the chest, send the opponent flying with a kick. But that doesn't hurt, Playface. So I aim lower, right under his arm, which the bat rope slices clean off.

[Nightwing/Dick Grayson]

Ah, the understudy waiting in the wheels. But will you ever take the spotlight?

[Narrator/Host]

Now for a little something I learned from the big screen myself. The value of a good lasso. You've got to believe. Believe in yourself, Clayface.

[Nightwing/Dick Grayson]

Don't call me that.

[Narrator/Host]

Know in your heart that you're good enough. Because if you rely on people to build you up they can also break.

You.

[Nightwing/Dick Grayson]

My bottles.

[Narrator/Host]

My arms.

[Nightwing/Dick Grayson]

Robin, secure the head.

[Narrator/Host]

You have killed. Yeah, that's a wrap.

[Nightwing/Dick Grayson]

Batman, Robin, we'll get this cleaned up.

[Narrator/Host]

Keep this one separate from the rest.

[Nightwing/Dick Grayson]

Is this. Yes. His head. Listen, kid, this doesn't mean I.

[Narrator/Host]

You're welcome, commissioner. See you next time.

You've been listening to DC High volume. Batman, Nightwing Year One and Clay Nightwing Year One comic written by Scott Beatty and Chuck Dixon with artwork by Scott McDaniel Clay. Based on the story from Black and White 6 written and illustrated by Cliff Chang. Released in 2013. Directed by Fred Greenhalgh. Audio adaptation by Fred Greenhalgh, Roshan Singh, Sambi and Scott Lee Chua Batman created by Bob Kane. With Bill Finger. Nightwing created by Marv Wolfman and George Perez. Starring Jason Spisak as Batman and Will Friedle as Nightwing. With Shelby Young as Batgirl and Hudson Paul as Jason Todd. Also starring Louise Bermudez, Jessie Burch, Ned Donovan, Ava Esqueda, Nick Fisher, Dan Gill, Edward Gelhouse, Andrew Kwan, Eric Lang, Rebecca Mozo, Mike Pallotta, Jay Paulson, Chester Rushing, William Sawyers, Shardul Sapkota, Kevin Smith, Josh Sterling, Simon Vance and Mick Wingert. With crowd voices by Philip Hobby, Heather Irish, Tony Reilly, William Walker and Ashanti Williams. Casting by Sunday Boling Kennedy and Meg Moorman Singh Produced by Fred Greenhalgh and Roshan Singh Sambhi. Executive producers for DC Mike Pallotta and Victor Diaz Executive producers for Realm Molly Barton and Carly Milori Production manager Jordan Acconcia. Music composed by Sam Ewing and Perine Virgil Additional music by Marcus Thorne Bagala Supervising sound design and mix by Jeff Schmidt Additional sound design by Jonathan Roberts Dialogue editing by Chia Yem Chong Additional production support by Andas Productions Assistant editor Jamie Leidwinger Associate producer Andrew Kwan Production services provided by Realm Video Editor Tasha Carter. Recorded at Real Voice, LA, CityVox, the Orange Lounge and Acadia Recording Company. This podcast was recorded under a SAG AFTRA agreement based on characters from dc. The characters and events depicted in this podcast are fictional. Any similarity to any actual person, living or dead, or to any actual events, firms, places and institutions or other entities is coincidental and unintentional. This podcast is protected under the laws of the the United States and other countries and its unauthorized duplication, distribution or exhibition may result in civil liability and criminal prosecution. Copyright and trademark D.C. all rights reserved.

[Nightwing/Dick Grayson]

The holidays mean more travel, more shopping, more time online and more personal info in more places that could expose you more to identity theft. But Lifelock monitors millions of data points per second. If your identity is stolen, our US based restoration specialists will fix it, guaranteed or your money back. Don't face drained accounts, fraudulent loans or financial losses alone. Get more holiday fun and less holiday worry with LifeLock. Save up to 40% your first year. Visit LifeLock.com podcast terms apply.