When I posted my new version of Neon Spider, a long discussion about the stupidity of most superhero costumes- capes, underwear and lots of skin visible. My favorite superhero of all time, Nightwing, is one of the few heroes whose costume is not only sexy and cool, it's practical.

Nightwing was the reason I came back to American comics- specifically DC. Having grown up with Batman, Nightwing was everything I loved about superheroes with a sense of reality. He wasn't a rich bastard- and he'd been trained as a gymnast and acrobat since probably before he could walk. His feats were realistic, and his costume worked better than even Batman's- instead of a belt that once gone, you were screwed, he has his tools at every limb. He's smart, but not absurdly so, and he was funny when he needs to be. And most importantly, he had a steady love that understood him and works with him, and stuggles with figuring out how to make it work. He's someone who in the stagnant time of comics actually grew up and matured.

And he's got the cutest butt in latex EVER.

Nightwing, Dick Grayson, (c) DC Comics.