Warning: Spoilers for Nightwing #90 ahead!
Everyone knows most superheroes don't take the job for the glory, but some of DC and Marvel's greatest, Nightwing and Spider-Man, show that being hated might actually make for a better hero. Since taking the mantle Nightwing and adopting Blüdhaven as his home, Dick Grayson has made it his mission to make his city a better, safer place. Similarly, since donning his iconic red mask, Spider-Man has put it all on the line to keep everyone safe, whether it be the people of New York or the entire universe. Despite their efforts, both heroes face constant wrath from the same people they've sworn to protect.
In Nightwing #90, by Tom Taylor and Geraldo Borges, Dick saves everyone in his apartment from an attack by the mob boss Blockbuster, getting everyone to safety even before his best buddy, The Flash, can make it to the scene. In the process of saving the tenants, Dick breaks into the home of Maurice, a deaf man who took exception to Nightwing's barging in — even though he saved his life. Maurice insists that The Flash, as a Justice League member, deliver justice to Nightwing for his actions. Dick takes it in stride, even admitting the situation looks like it's his fault.
Spider-Man, while arguably being Marvel's fan-favorite hero, is possibly the most hated hero in New York. Starting with J. Jonah Jameson marking Spider-Man a menace shortly after their debut in the '60s, Peter Parker has spent most of his days reviled by law enforcement, the media, and much of the public at large. Despite the consistent opposition, Spider-Man has never relented in working to save the people of New York, and the Marvel Universe as a whole.
The endless torment and disdain are what make Nightwing and Spider-Man great heroes. Unlike Superman or Captain America, who tend to garner more praise than criticism, Spidey and Nightwing don't have public support to justify their actions. Instead, they have to push back, committing acts of heroism despite being deemed a menace. Ironically, this rocky relationship gives them the room to make tough decisions without having to worry about public opinion. While this freedom could be lead to an abuse of power by some, both Nightwing and Spider-Man hold themselves to such high standards those moments are far and few between.
While both heroes would certainly welcome a warmer reception, they also recognize that their tenuous relationship is part of being a hero. While Spider-Man is constantly frustrated by his relationship with Jameson and The Daily Bugle, Jameson has even admitted that he finds Spider-Man heroic. In the Amazing Spider-Man #365 story “How I Created Spider-Man” by David Michelinie and Aaron Lopresti, Jameson admits in secret that Spider-Man is a good hero, while simultaneously taking credit for Spidey becoming a hero instead of a pro-wrestler. Similarly, Nightwing has found himself being targeted as a hero and civilian, with Dick garnering the ire of the crime community (and by extension, the legal system) while he invests his new fortune to improve life for the poorest people in Blüdhaven.
While there is a lot of things that make for a great hero, adversity is near the top of the list. What is often overlooked, however, is the adversity that comes from the very people you protect. Spider-Man and Nightwing have both shown that adoration not only isn't why they are heroes, but pushback from the public has made them into better heroes than they might have been otherwise. So, while Nightwing and Spider-Man aren't likely to win any popularity contests with the locals, fans will likely always see them among their universe's greatest despite the adversity they face.