It’s hard being aNightwingandStarfireshipper, especially now that DC has moved away from this iconic pairing and fully committed to Dick Grayson’s relationship with Barbara“Batgirl”Gordon. That’s why the last thing I expected while browsing DC’s latest solicitations was aTitanscover that would make any NightFire fan sit up and take notice.
Dick isn’t looking at Garfield like he’s the hottest thing since sliced bread. No, that look is entirely reserved for Starfire…
While I’m a little late to the game, I finally got around to checking out DC’s upcoming solicitations for September and during my scroll,I practically snapped my neck doing a double take at Jonboy Meyers’s“Pumpkin Spicy Variant”coverfor John Layman’sTitans#27, set to release on August 11, 2025.
While there’s nothing outright scandalous about the cover, there’s no denying that Nightwing is looking at Starfire like she hung the moon and stars. And all I’m saying is, if my boyfriend looked at another girl like that, I’d definitely have a problem.
Could DC Be Teasing a New Nightwing & Starfire Romance?
Titans#27 by John Layman & Max Raynor Releases May 26, 2025
While variant covers should always be taken with a grain of salt and don’t always reflect the actual content or direction of the comic they’re attached to, I can’t help but find it a little odd that DC is releasing aStarfire and Nightwing variantfor one of their main titles. Don’t get me wrong, I absolutely love the NightFire content, butI also feel like it’s giving me false hope at this point.
I honestly can’t remember the last time Dick and Kori were an item in mainstream continuity, but I do know it has been far too long for my shipper heart. I’ll admit that I might be reading too much into this cover, especially sinceDC has spent years solidifying Dick and Barbara’s relationship, making it stronger than ever without any signs of strain.
Dan Watters and Dexter Soy’s ongoingNightwingrunhas picked up where Tom Taylor left off, continuing to showDick and Barbara’s relationship in near-perfect harmony, with no indication of discontent, which is why I can’t help but wonder what inspired Jonboy Meyers to bring Nightwing and Starfire back into the spotlight with this variant.
There’s a strong chance Meyers is simply a fan of their dynamic and, like me, missed it enough to dedicate a variant cover to the two exes. However, there’s also the slim (extremely slim, if I’m being honest) possibility that Meyers knows something fans haven’t been told yet. Andit’s that small glimmer of hope that I’ll be clinging to.
Starfire & Nightwing Might Not Be Together in Continuity, But They Sure Are in This Variant Cover
Some may argue that there’s nothing romantic or“shippy”about Meyers’ variant cover, especially since Beast Boy, in his squirrel form, is also featured in the artwork. However, I’d like to point out thatDick isn’t looking at Garfield like he’s the hottest thing since sliced bread. No, that look is entirely reserved for Kori, and she’s definitely returning the energy.
While easy to miss at first glance, one of Starfire’s arms is raised and bent at the elbow. That alone gives her an undeniably seductive pose, especially with Dick standing directly behind her. But the most telling detail is revealed on closer inspection. Kori’s hand is positioned behind Dick’s head, angled in a way that suggestsshe’s gripping the soft tufts of his hair and pulling him closer.
It’s this pose, combined with the way Dick is looking at Kori, that makes it clear this variant is showing them as more than just teammates or friends, even with Garfield included in the scene. All I know is thatif I were Batgirl and saw my boyfriend posing like this with his ex, I wouldn’t be thrilled.
Do Batgirl & Nightwing Deserve To Be Endgame?
Someone Please Explain the Appeal of Dick Grayson x Barbara Gordon to Me
I will never hate on a ship, even when it stands as a major obstacle to my own favorite pairings becoming canon. That said, I’ve never really understood the appeal of Nightwing and Batgirl. Originally,Barbara was closer in age to Bruce than to Dick, and there was never a romantic connection between Batgirl and Robin in their early appearances.
Because of that, I’ve never been able to buy into the idea that the two have so much“history”together. And more importantly, I’ve just never seen any chemistry between Dick and Barbara. To me, they’re too different to naturally click, but also too similar for the opposites-attract angle to feel convincing. So I’m genuinely asking fans of theNightwingandBatgirlpairing, what makes Barbara a better match for him thanStarfire?
TITANS #27is available July 16, 2025, from DC Comics!
Nightwing
Nightwing is the superhero moniker taken up by Dick Grayson, upon his aging out of the Robin role and becoming a superhero of his own. Inspired by the original Kryptonian hero of the same name, Grayson has risen to comic book immortality with the identity, earning respect as one of the greatest leaders in the DC Universe.
Starfire
Starfire, also known as Princess Koriand’r, is a key member of theTeen Titansand originates from the planet Tamaran. With her bright, energetic personality, she is known for her fierce loyalty, optimism, and strength in battle. Starfire is one of the most powerful Titans, possessing the ability to fly and shoot energy blasts from her hands.
