In a landscape of gritty, dark demeanors, DC's Nightwing has always been defined as an optimist. He has suffered much but has still kept his hope and kindness, despite it all.
Before becoming Nightwing, Dick Grayson was Batman's first Robin. He was a flash of color and joviality in Batman's solemn shadow. He kept that attitude when he grew out of Robin, and moved on to become his own hero in Bludhaven. Nightwing stands out as one of comics' most wholesome heroes, even over Superman, as he supports his family, never loses hope, and keeps moving forward, no matter what happens.
He Never Stays Down
Throughout Dick's career as a vigilante, he has been brutally injured by villains, abused by his mentor, forced to work for the enemy, lost his memory, and even died. Still, he refuses to stay down, coming back stronger than ever each time.
His ability to act with compassion seems to have only increased after his harrowing experiences.
Alfred Believes in Him
In Nightwing #78 Barbara Gordon gives Dick a letter from the recently deceased butler, Alfred. Perhaps the most clearsighted of all DC's heroes, Alfred writes, "I believe you can be one of the greatest forces for good the world have ever seen."
Alfred raised Batman and saw him fight his inner darkness at every turn. He also raised Dick, watching him fight to keep his inner light bright. If anyone's opinion is to be trusted on who is the greatest force for good, it's Alfred's.
How He Spends His Money
In the newer installments of Nightwing, writer Tom Taylor seeks to give Dick Grayson closure for Alfred's death. The late butler leaves his surprisingly vast fortune to Nightwing, catching him off guard and at a loss about what to do with his sudden wealth.
When Dick is approached by a father and son asking for spare cash, he ends up buying pizza for an entire community of hungry people. He is inspired by this event and decides to become a "safety net" for the city to honor the man who had been his safe space as a child. Dick displays his caring and compassionate nature even out of the suit, demonstrating the importance of being a hero with and without the mask.
His Family is His Greatest Ally
In times of crisis, it is important to have people to call on. Fortunately for Dick, those people are his family. In the current Nightwing story, Barbara Gordan has been assisting the hero as Oracle. When things go from bad to worse, Tim Drake, newly restored as Robin, steps up to answer the call for help. Fans also love the relationship Dick shares with Damian Wayne and Jason Todd, his other adoptive brothers.
Despite it not being his choice to pass down the Robin mantle, once Nightwing adjusted to the idea, he fully embraced the role of big brother. He mentored Tim, practically raised Damian, and did his best to mend bridges with Jason. The endless love he pours into his family is evidenced by their willingness to jump to his aide at his request.
His Hope in the Goodness of Others
Nightwing's role in his city is not only as a hero for Bludhaven, but as an inspiration to ordinary people. He freely admits his own limitations and believes in the goodness of people to step in and do the right thing. In Nightwing #81 he calls out for help, imploring citizens to use their boats and save teens trapped on a burning dock. The people live up to his hopes and expectations, saving the teens.
His relationship with the city is symbiotic. The city needs a hero to stand up for the downtrodden, but he needs them to stand up for themselves as well. His faith in their goodness gives them agency to act for themselves and builds hope that the city won't always be so corrupt. In a comic universe resigned to the inherent evil in humanity's nature, this is a refreshingly wholesome outlook to have.
Considers His Allies
Batman has always been paranoid and untrusting when it comes to his allies. He even micromanages the heroes he's mentored and trained in his ways. Every choice Bruce makes is to benefit himself and his mission to catch whichever big bad is on his radar at the moment.
Nightwing does not take that approach with his allies. He considers their needs and safety as well, trusting them to have his back in return. His newest escrima sticks are a perfect example. The sticks can be combined to create a staff, which just happens to be the signature weapon of his current helper, Tim Drake. Instead of making sure he has all the coolest gadgets for himself, Dick is looking out for his allies.
World's Greatest Problem Solver
During a time of self-doubt and introspection, Nightwing asked Oracle what the point of punching bad guys was when there were always more later. He was calling into question his training and Bruce's methods. Barbara doesn't even hesitate to reply. "Well, you are one of the world's greatest problem solvers, so I'm sure you'll figure it out."
Nightwing received his training from Batman but carries forward only the best parts of his mentor. He doesn't need to be in control all the time. Dick just uses the resources he has at hand to solve the problems facing him. Barbara is a brilliant woman and having her vote of confidence says volumes about what kind of hero Nightwing is.
He's Addressing Systemic Issues
When Superman, one of DC's first heroes, was originally written, he wasn't fighting supervillains and aliens, but corrupt politicians and systemic issues. This changed as time passed and the battles the heroes were fighting became less relatable. Nightwing is hailing back to those beginning days, choosing to change his city by fighting the systemic issues that corrupt the system.
Dick is addressing the problems that other heroes aren't, in his suit and out of it. He fights against the corruption at night, and during the day, uses his new inheritance to help with the issues poverty inflicts on the city. Nightwing is willing to admit his old methods are not working to fix his home, so he chooses to change his ways and hope for a better tomorrow.
He's Humble, Giving Credit Where it's Due
Nightwing knows his faults. He can take a good-natured ribbing and is willing to admit that he isn't perfect. He is also humble enough to admit he didn't get where is he is on his own. In considering what he would like to be to his city, Dick reflects on those who have been his safety net in the past. He acknowledges not only his parent's role in shaping him but Bruce and Alfred's as well.
Not only does he recognize those who have shaped who he is, but he can admit there are heroes better than he is. Despite being the first Robin, he claims that he may not have been the best one. This honor he gives to Tim Drake. It takes a courageous and confident person to admit that someone else has improved on his legacy.
His Weakness is Compassion
Nightwing's most recent villain, Heartless, is crafted to be a symbolic opposite of who Nightwing is. He even forces Dick to choose between stopping the villain or saving some of the teens he has been helping out. Heartless knows that Dick will always choose his compassion for innocents over catching the bad guy.
Having compassion labeled as one of his weaknesses is, in fact, a strength. Someone who lives day in and day out surrounded by the darkest of humanity and still chooses to keep his compassion and his hope intact is an extremely strong person.