Kyle Shepard was only an eight year-old boy when his family had the misfortune of being captured by the Joker. He furiously rushes to their location to save them even defeating scores of thugs in his way to save them. However, the room detonated before he could free them. When in mourning, Bruce Wayne offers to take him in. In Batman: Dark Victory,he as well as Grayson are frustated at Bruce's lack of attention and his anger for his parents death. Though instead of joining Grayson , he instead assists Alfred in his chores. He is unshocked to learn Bruce Wayne is Batman, having figured it out before hand. Later, Batman offers Kyle to become one of his crime-fighting sidekicks due to his impatience and unhoned skill. He accepts and names himself Dreadwing.