Ok, so one of my favorite things is how even though he is
The BatmanTM and therefore is supposed to be super analytical and
emotionally removed (even to the point of being a jerk), the minute Nightwing
is in danger he becomes a hot, emotional mess. Because, yes Nightwing is capable and very much an adult and Bruce even says—
Gotham Knights #17
—Bruce is full of
it because he worries about Nightwing all the time, lmao. Consider:
JLA/Titans #2
One time, Nightwing and most of the Teen Titans are kidnapped, and Batman immediately assembles the entire Justice League to save the person who has great personal significance to him. And then when he finally gets to where everyone is being held…
JLA/Titans #2
Bruce freaks out when Nightwing is still podded and apparently in danger (though Dick is really in there because he is noble and went back in to get the others out). He is so strung out about it that he starts taking off people’s heads and Flash is like please turn down the Daddy Bats a few decibels Jesus. Batman spends the rest of the time until Dick gets out of the pod staring longingly at Nightwing hoping that everything is ok. My heart.
Just look at this concerned parent.
Gotham Knights #17
Nightwing #140
Nightwing #15
Batman #650
Bruce was so worried for Dick after Bludhaven exploded that he was pretty much willing to bail on catching the Joker (his number one concern most of the time) and Jason (who also holds a complex but immense place in Bruce’s heart). He can barely speak he is so relieved that Nightwing is alright.
Infinite Crisis #6
Batman has been in thousands of high-stress situations and has stayed calm and collected, but he is so worried about his favorite Dick that he is sweating here!
Forever Evil #7
Even Luthor is moved by Bat Dad. I just love it when Bruce’s facade as Batman cracks and he is just concerned for the ones he loves. It’s a completely different side of him and its just super interesting to see, and I feel like Nightwing brings it on very easily. What a great relationship.
“Dick is different from Bruce. In the way he fights. In the way he thinks. And the way he feels. And he gets angry. Really angry. That anger, it’d make him a great Batman, if he’d let it. But he won’t. He’s trying too much to be like him. The good son. Man, I hate him.”
Daintyfire 