Dick may seem to have succeeded where Jason failed, but in actuality was he merely better at repressing his feelings? Dick had just as bad of trauma as Jason, if not worse. Dick started life with the security of loving parents; but their deaths in such a violent manner sealed his fate toward the road to oblivion. Bruce Wayne made Dick his ward, and created the alter-ego of Robin for him, but as readers will agree, Bruce wasn't the warm, loving parent that would have been more beneficial to a kid who just watched his parents fall to their deaths. Worse, for Dick was to find that they were murdered. One cannot automatically assume that if Dick stayed with Haley's Circus he would have turned out better. Could he have functioned in an environment where around every corner were memories of his parents. Could he get back up on the high wire. Naturally, we know that he is able to function in an acrobatic medium, but that may only have been possible under the tutelage of Batman. Neither way of life; continuing in the circus, nor as Robin was better or worse for Dick. Each has its own positive and negative aspects to its lifestyle. We will never know how things would have worked out had he stayed with the circus, but we do know his history as Robin and Nightwing. Throughout his career as Batman's partner, Dick functioned quite well, and only was retired when Batman deemed it appropriate. His feelings of self-doubt began to emerge during his time with the Titans. These feelings were probably triggered by his brush with death and subsequent "forced retirement." Bruce Wayne's inadequate ability to care for Dick's emotional hardships only served to drive the spike of insecurity deeper into his mind. These self-depreciating feelings began when his parents died and grew exponentially after he joined the Titans. This can be assumed because a person with Dick's accomplishments as a young Robin would preclude a spiral into a black hole of despair. This spiral into despair was caused by an already shaky foundation. A young boy who thinks the world of his parents will probably see his world shattered if he sees a violent end to his mother and father.

Currently, as Nightwing we see the house of cards on which Dick Grayson built his soul, in an advanced state of degradation. In fact, its collapse seems imminent as we see he is still dealing with some severe emotional problems. The returning nightmares threading through the latest issues of the "Nightwing" book served to show a glimpse into Dick's psyche. Finally, the latest issue, Scarecrow's fear toxin served to draw out Dick's fears of inadequacy to a frenzied head. How could Nightwing hope to survive this, his most desperate battle? "Help me Obi Wan Kenobi. You're my only hope!" Unfortunately Old Ben is nowhere to be seen on these dark pages. But fear not, JT is here!

We've seen two times where the dead Jason Todd comes to the rescue of the living Robins. Actually one Robin and Nightwing. Both times were when they were battling the Scarecrow and their fears. The first time was with the "almost Robin" Tim Drake, during his rescue of Batman. "Just because you are afraid doesn't mean you can't act." said Jason Todd. That bit of advice coupled with a vision of the Dick Grayson Robin enabled Tim to face his fears and defeat the Scarecrow. The second time Jason made his spectral appearance was when Nightwing fought the Scarecrow's fear toxin. Once again Jason Todd was there to save our hero. This time he accomplished the task merely by telling Dick who was and cutting to the heart of Dick's fears by showing him how the two of them are very similar. This realization was the kick he needed to face his fears and ultimately defeat both them and the Scarecrow. Did Jason Todd have such strong fears that he hid from the them through recklessness and aggression? And why did he twice come through for our living heroes? A plausible reason may be because Dick, Tim and Jason are inextricably linked through Robin. Maybe there is a strength and compassion in Jason that we didn't know was there. And maybe Jason only found out about it after he died. What can be done about this revelation now that it is too late?

There is talk on the internet of somehow bringing Jason back into the Batman universe. There would appear to be no way to accomplish this without making if terribly contrived. Well, maybe there is one way, and it already has had its foundation laid. It makes sense and would fit right in with other respected members of the DC universe. What is the means by which this can be accomplished? How about in the realm of the dead? The Deadman and Spectre are members in good standing and are accepted in the Batman corner of the DC universe. It would take some creative engineering, and his appearances would have to be few and far between, but it could happen.