Warning! Spoilers ahead for Dark Crisis #2
In the latest issue of DC's Dark Crisis crossover event, Deathstroke knows that killing Nightwing would make the biggest waves (in the DC Universe and real-life). In recent years, Dick Grayson has been positioned as one of the greatest second-generation heroes (the original sidekicks who've grown up to become their own adult heroes). As such, the first Robin-turned-protector of Blüdhaven has a massive following, something Slade Wilson hopes to take advantage of in this new issue.
Previously in the DC Universe, Deathstroke has become the new King of the Supervillains, leading a legion of foes known as the Secret Society. He was also resurrected via a cursed Lazarus Pit following his murder at the hands of Talia al Ghul during DC's Shadow War. Now, Slade is under the influence of the Great Darkness which has arisen in the wake of the Justice League's collective death. Having begun an assault on Titans Tower in the first issue of Dark Crisis from Joshua Williamson and Daniel Sampere, Deathstroke is gunning for Nightwing (having already shot Beast Boy).
As seen in the new Dark Crisis #2, Deathstroke reveals that he could easily kill every single teacher and student at the Titans Academy...but no one would care. However, that same can't be said for Nightwing and Slade knows it: "But you, Richard. The Prodigal Son. The Chosen One. They'd care." In a move that has to be intentional on Williamson's part, Deathstroke's words are incredibly meta. Nightwing's death would be a huge deal for fans in real life and would likely create a massive amount of controversy (more than any other hero present in the Tower). As such, it makes the following one-on-one duel between Dick and Slade even more intense in this new issue.
While Nightwing ended up winning the sparring session with Deathstroke, Dick thankfully had Jon Kent's Superman to back him up when Slade decided to pull a gun on him. However, the Great Darkness then ordered Slade and his army to leave and let the heroes live as it was apparently not their time to die (yet). In any case, this issue serves to be a dynamic commentary about Nightwing and his special status in the DC Universe while also highlighting the potential risks that come with it.
When it was rumored that Nightwing was going to die in 2005's Infinite Crisis, fans lost their minds. Furthermore, that was all before Nightwing was shot in the head a few years ago, resulting in Dick having amnesia for much longer than fans would have liked. As a result, killing Nightwing now when he's finally back to his old self with an ongoing series that continues to be incredibly exciting and popular would be a major tragedy and borderline crime. Case in point, it all serves to prove Deathstroke right about Nightwing being DC's "Chosen One".
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