WARNING: This article contains spoilers for Nightwing #83, on sale now from DC Comics.
Dick Grayson has been a lot of things over his life: acrobat, superhero, cop, spy and even dog owner. But after regaining his memories and being left a billion-dollar inheritance, he is stepping into his most public-facing role yet as DC's new Bruce Wayne.
Nightwing #83 by Tom Taylor, Bruno Redondo, Adriano Lucas and Wes Abbot, Dick Grayson chose to expand his world-saving ventures from superheroics to philanthropy by establishing the Alfred Pennyworth Foundation. He established the organization in memory of the longtime Wayne family butler and one of his surrogate father figures, Alfred Pennyworth. Using his newly inherited billions left to him by Alfred in Nightwing #78, Dick established a philanthropic foundation to help the disenfranchised people of Bludhaven. At a time when Bruce Wayne could not be further from the spotlight, Dick's decision launched him to billionaire celebrity status with only one press conference.
While Bruce Wayne spends most of his time as the Dark Knight of Gotham, he spends at least an eighth of his time as Gotham city's favorite billionaire philanthropist and playboy. Bruce has used his considerable wealth to fund hundreds of charities that are meant to end the crime and poverty in Gotham. The most famous of these is the "Martha Wayne Foundation," established in his mother's honor. To help guide his charitable organization, Bruce often requests the help of longtime allies Dr. Leslie Thompkins and Lucius Fox. Introduced in Detective Comics #457, Dr. Thompkins was a close friend of Thomas Wayne who comforted Bruce right after the death of his parents. Using her skills, she runs a free medical clinic for the less fortunate in Gotham. First seen in Batman #307, Lucius Fox manages Bruce's considerable wealth and business interests, often unknowingly funneling money into maintaining Batman's arsenal. The two have been longtime allies to both sides of Bruce Wayne's life, so it makes complete sense that Dick would seek their advice when it came to starting his charity to help the people of Bludhaven.
Even though he's Batman's adopted son, Dick has zero notions that he can save the world alone. He started by seeking out Dr. Thompkins at her clinic because he knew she devoted her life to helping people outside the system. She responds positively, clearly willing to help. Afterwards, he went to see the Titans, who gave them their enthusiastic support. When he visited Wayne Enterprises, Lucius told Dick that it would take some time but that he would start putting everything in motion. Lastly, Dick went to see Superman. Dick has always looked up to Superman, even taking the name of "Nightwing" from a story Superman told him when Dick was still Robin. The two met on the rooftop of the Daily Planet and talked until the sun rose. Superman reassured Dick that his idea could work and that if it worked, it could serve as a model for the rest of the world. Resolute in his mission, Dick returned to Bludhaven, where he had arranged a press conference to announce the Alfred Pennyworth Foundation.
Nightwing has always had deep connections in the superhero world. But Dick Grayson has remained a relatively minor celebrity for the adopted son of one of the world's richest men. Just like Bruce before him, Dick established the Alfred Pennyworth Foundation to honor the memory of his parental figure. At a time when Bruce is miles away from the limelight, Dick's public announcement has catapulted him into celebrity status. While he's no stranger to trying to help the disenfranchised, this is the first time Dick is doing it without a uniform. The combination of the billion-dollar bank account, the philantropy and the snazzy suit mean that Dick Grayson has officially become DC's new Bruce Wayne.