Who is the most beloved character in the DC Universe? Some might say that it’s Superman, Wonder Woman or Batman, and while those characters are great, none of them can hold a candle to Haley aka Bitewing aka the bestest girl in the whole wide DCU.
Look, no slight to the Trinity, but Dick Grayson’s dog might be the most loveable character in DC history. She’s such a good girl. In fact, she’s the goodest girl. The best doggo. And if you think I’m exaggerating, here are eight facts about Haley that will make you go, “Awwwwwwww.”
She got her name from the DC Community
After Bitewing’s introduction, fans were given the opportunity to give Dick’s new dog a civilian name. The DC Community (in the pre-Discord era) launched a poll, inviting members to vote on Haley’s name. The choices were Haley, Blue, Shadow and Hope. Haley took the lead with 50%, while Blue earned 25%, Shadow earned 15% and Hope earned 10%.
After the poll concluded, Dick told Tim and Barbara that he was naming the dog Haley (2021’s Nightwing #81). The name is a tribute to Haly’s Circus, the big top where Dick grew up.
She was temporarily given powers (and the ability to speak!)
Lassie can rescue children from wells and Air Bud can play basketball, but they don’t have anything on Haley! A fifth dimensional imp known as Nite-Mite once enchanted Haley with powers (2022’s Nightwing #98). This gave Haley the ability to fight off demons and for a moment, Bitewing wasn’t just a nickname, it was a heroic identity.
The enchantment also gave Haley the ability to talk and her dialogue was as adorable as you’d imagine. (Assuming you spend your time imagining that fictional dog side characters can talk—hey, no judgment here!) Sadly, the enchantment was only temporary, but maybe Nite-Mite can give her another dose one day.
She loves all humans—even villains
When Dick first met Haley, she was distrustful of all humans (2021’s Nightwing #78). However, a few months of living with Dick Grayson and Barbara Gordon has given Haley a new perspective on humanity. Now she loves ALL humans…even the villains.
When Haley came across a baddie known as the Menagerie Man, she sat on his lap and gave him some affectionate kisses (Super-Pets Special: Bitedentity Crisis #1). Of course, she still helped the Super-Pets defeat him (more on that later), but she made sure he had some cuddles first. Imagine if Batman or Nightwing behaved this way when they fought Darkseid.
She and Dick bond through dancing
Whenever a musical act is on television, Dick and Haley burn off their energy by dancing together (Batman: Urban Legends #22). And they’re not bad! In fact, Babs thinks the two should take their act on one of those reality dancing competition shows. I don’t know if they’d win, but it would sure get me to watch. Though I’m sure Damian would have plenty to say the minute he saw Dick in a spray tan.
She raises the bar when it comes to canine loyalty
Dogs are known for their loyalty, but Haley takes things to a whole new level. If you’ve been reading Tom Taylor and Bruno Redondo’s “Fallen Grayson” storyline, then you know that Dick has recently embarked on a pilgrimage to Nanda Parbat. It was a long journey that required days of walking through the snowy Himalayas, and all throughout it, Haley never left Dick’s side.
Don’t forget, Haley only has three legs. Yet, despite this handicap, she was able to keep up with Nightwing during this long treacherous journey (Nightwing #116). That’s what I call loyalty!
She chews up Dick’s furniture, but the reason why is sooooo cute
This might be hard to believe, but Haley isn’t perfect. Bitewing has some bad habits, such as chewing up all of Dick’s furniture. However, you won’t be able to stay mad at her once you discover the reason why. Every night, Haley dreams of fighting crime in her own Bitewing costume and being celebrated as the world’s best doggo (Nightwing 2022 Annual #1). Silly girl, you already are!
The dreams also include International Cat Day being outlawed. Unfortunately, Haley often bites in her dreams, which leads to Dick’s furniture being destroyed. Honestly, Haley deserves all the best dreams, so let her bite. Dick is a billionaire now. He can afford more furniture.
All her babysitters adore her (and so do we)
While Haley has joined Dick on patrol from time to time (2021’s Wonder Girl #1), there are some missions which aren’t appropriate for a canine. For situations like this, Nightwing and Oracle leave Haley with pet-sitters. Luckily, there is no shortage of them.
Haley’s roster of pet-sitters includes Bridget Clancy and her kids (2021’s Nightwing #84), Wally West and his kids (2022’s Nightwing #90) and Jonathan and Martha Kent (Super-Pets Special: Bitedentity Crisis #1). Honestly, she has the entire DC Universe wrapped around her paw.
She is a member of one of DC’s most elite super teams
Haley’s reputation as a good girl has traveled far. As a result, DC’s greatest super team went on to recruit her. I’m not talking about the Justice League or the Titans—I’m talking about the Legion of Super-Pets! Ace the Bat-Hound and Krypto personally recruited Blüdhaven’s most loveable resident for one of the group’s most important missions (Super-Pets Special: Bitedentity Crisis #1).
How did the mission go? Well, let’s just say Haley can be unconventional, but she gets the job done. You should read the issue for yourself to find out!
Super-Pets Special: Bitedentity Crisis #1 is now available in print and as a digital comic book. And read about Haley’s further adventures each month in Nightwing!
Joshua Lapin-Bertone writes about TV, movies and comics for DC.com, is a regular contributor to the Couch Club and writes our monthly Batman column, “Gotham Gazette.” Follow him on Twitter at @TBUJosh.
NOTE: The views and opinions expressed in this feature are solely those of Joshua Lapin-Bertone and do not necessarily reflect those of DC or Warner Bros. Discovery, nor should they be read as confirmation or denial of future DC plans.
Some might say DC’s most beloved character is Superman, Wonder Woman or Batman, and while they’re great, none of them can hold a candle to Haley aka Bitewing aka the bestest girl in the whole wide DCU. Read More