Robin, Nightwing, Birds of Prey to End in February

[Gay Titan]

While fans are still up in the air about whether or not Batman will actually die at the end of Grant Morrison’s “Batman: R.I.P.” arc, DC has confirmed three other casualties.

According to the publisher, the February-shipping issues of Robin, Nightwing and Birds of Prey will be the final issues of the respective series.

As well as being the final issues, Robin #183, Nightwing #153 and Birds of Prey #127 will end eras for Batman-related titles, as each stretches back at least nine years.

Birds of Prey (which debuted in 1999) is currently written by Tony Bedard and follows the adventures of Barbra Gordon, the former Batgirl (now “Oracle”), Black canary and a rotating cast of DC’s female heroes; Nightwing (which debuted in 1996) is written by Peter Tomasi, and Robin (which debuted in 1994) is currently written by Fabian Nicieza.

The three series – coincidentally all originally written by Chuck Dixon, fleshed out the world of Batman in the comics, showcasing the original Robin, Dick Grayson, as Nightwing, Tim Drake as Robin and Barbra Gordon in Birds of Prey.

The three titles were roughly in the middle of DC’s lineup, sales-wise, with Nightwing seeing sales of over 50,000 copies to comic shops for September, while Robin and Birds of Prey saw sales of 32,000 and 21,000 copies, respectively.

DC declined to say if the series’ cancellations were due to sales, or if the three titles would be replaced by three new titles in 2009.

[Gray Lensman]

This is a real shame. Robin has been consistently enjoyable between Dixon and Nicieza. Nightwing has been better under Tomasi than it's been in years, though admittedly not as good as it could be.

I've mixed feelings on BoP, though... it's been an enjoyable book for a while, but I'm not sure this title has worked so well since Black Canary was moved to the JLA. It might be just as well that BoP is going away.

Then again... I suspect this is more a Bat-relaunch in the works, not so much a cancellation. These characters are all too major to be out of circulation for too long. Might be they're preparing to start these titles again with different teams... I guess we'll see.

[Gay Titan]

Maybe DC will come back with the Batman Family series.
It was a short run series in the late 70's.

[Gay Titan]

Nightwing #153

Written by Peter J. Tomasi, Art and cover by Don Kramer & Jay Leisten

It’s the fateful, final “Batman” Last Rites” issue featuring an “Origins and Omens” backup! As Robin, Dick Grayson fought alongside Batman as part of the dynamic duo, the greatest crime-fighting team in history. As Nightwing, he teamed up with his peers to combat injustice in the Titans and the Outsiders. Now, Dick Grayson faces the most important battle of his life. Batman is dead. The Mantle of the Bat must be passed, but it will require all of Dick’s training and skills to carry out the last wishes of Bruce Wayne and protect Gotham City. Will it be enough to protect himself from the dangers that await him? Or is this the last the world will see of Nightwing?
FINAL ISSUE • On sale February 4th


Robin #183

Written by Fabian Nicieza, Art and cover by Freddie E. Williams II

A “Batman: Last Rites” tie-in and featuring an “Origins and Omens” backup story! Gotham City has found a new hero and his name is Robin – but with a battle for Batman's cowl looming, is Tim Drake ready to become something more? Guest-starring Jason Todd and Lady Shiva. And don’t worry, this final issue doesn’t mark the end of Robin – it’s just the start of an all-new beginning!
FINAL ISSUE • On sale February 18th


Birds of Prey #127

Written by Tony Bedard, Art by Claude St. Aubin & John Floyd, Cover by Stephane Roux

Featuring an “Origins and Omens” backup story! Oracle calls on Batgirl to investigate her newest operative, Infinity, to find out what she's made of. The answer is a lot more disconcerting to the team than they’d expect in this series finale!
FINAL ISSUE • On sale February 18

[Gay Titan]

Last week's DC Nation had a few great teaser images.
I will see if I can post them.

[Gay Titan]