A battle between Batman and Nightwing could destroy one of the greatest legacies in comic books. As "Gotham War" heats up, a fight between two former partners threatens everything they've created together.

The solicits for DC Comics' October books are out, giving fans a look at what's ahead in the final quarter of 2023. In addition to the debut of exciting new series such as Justice League vs. Godzilla vs. Kong or Batman: City of Madness, DC has provided information for the back half of its Batman and Catwoman crossover, "Gotham War". By the looks of things, the Dark Knight is going to have more to worry about than just Selina Kyle.

Batman is on the ropes as the Gotham War heats up following a shocking betrayal! It’s father versus son, teacher versus student in the knockout fourth chapter of this brutal war. But who is really pulling the strings in this explosive event? Thousands of years have led to this moment!

The solicit for Batman #138 by Chip Zdarsky and Jorge Jiménez suggests that Batman is about to have a huge confrontation with his longtime partner Nightwing. The text mentions a "shocking betrayal" and a "father versus son" battle. Though the text doesn't explicitly name Dick Grayson, Jiménez's cover for the issue shows Batman engaged in a fight with Nightwing. Even more heartbreaking, the cover juxtaposes the intense battle with the vow Dick took when he first became Robin.

Nightwing is Getting Ready to Betray Batman

There isn't a Batman fan alive who doesn't know the long and complex relationship the Dark Knight has with Dick Grayson. Nightwing started out as Batman's very first Robin after Dick's parents were murdered by mob boss Tony Zucco. Over the years, the two have had their difficulties, including when Bruce fired Dick from the Robin role over his lack of commitment. However, the two have patched things up since then and remain quite close, with Dick even accepting Bruce as his dad.

However, "Gotham War" threatens to drive a serious wedge between the iconic heroes. It's been hinted that the storyline would fracture the Bat-Family, though it hasn't yet become clear how. Past solicitations have suggested it would be Red Hood that stabs Batman in the back. But Batman #138's information and cover make it seem like Nightwing is the one going against his former mentor. Of course, details of the crossover haven't come out yet and it's not exactly clear why the two are fighting. However, a battle between Bruce and Dick could shatter the image fans have of the heroic pair for good.

"Gotham War" May Destroy the Dynamic Duo

Batman considers Nightwing his greatest success. For all their troubles, Batman and Nightwing remain strong allies, friends, and family. But Dick turning on Bruce would be a heart-wrenching betrayal. Nightwing is supposed to be Batman's confidante, the one Bat-Family member Bruce can trust when the rest of the world is against him. What could cause Dick to stab his mentor in the back, and what effect will that have on the rest of Gotham's heroes? If Dick doesn't have a good reason for turning on Bruce, fans who loved the two as Batman and Robin may never be able to look at them the same way again. Fans can see Nightwing face off with his mentor in Batman #138, on sale October 3rd.