Although Nightwing is commonly associated with Batman, the title and concept have origins in classic
Superman stories. The original Nightwing was an identity assumed by
Superman when stranded on the
Kryptonian city of
Kandor with
Jimmy Olsen. Drawing inspiration from Batman and Robin, the two protect Kandor as the superheroes Nightwing and
Flamebird. Following the
Crisis on Infinite Earths and
Zero Hour: Crisis in Time! continuity reboots in 1985 and 1994, respectively, Nightwing was reimagined as a legendary vigilante from Krypton whose story inspires Dick Grayson's choice of name when he leaves behind his Robin identity.
Other stories set among the
Batman family of characters have seen acquaintances and friends of Grayson briefly assume the title, including his fellow Robin alumnus
Jason Todd. Meanwhile,
Superman stories have seen Superman's adopted son
Chris Kent and
Power Girl take up the name for brief turns as Nightwing. Various other characters have taken the name in stories set outside DC's main continuity as well.