Since the beginning of our relationship, we have been on opposite sides of the fence over an important issue. Sure, people joke about it and make light of it, but what keeps us up at night is the critical question of who is better… Batman or Superman? In honor of the movie, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, that was released on March 25, we decided to acknowledge the elephant in the room for the entertainment of our peers… then we’ll have to see if our relationship survives the movie.
She Says… Batman
To start with the obvious, Batman has no “special powers.” Everything he does as a superhero is based on strength, technology, martial arts training, and intelligence. He works to be at the peak of his merely human condition and intelligence, and always has a plan in place (including one to take out Superman).
On the other side, Superman rolls out of bed and says, “I woke up like this, #flawless.” Superman doesn’t even have to try. With super strength, flight, and super speed (to name a few) … he was written to basically be the most powerful superhero in the DC Universe. Where’s the fun in that? With his overloaded skill set, all he’s fit for is protector of the world.
Like the trust fund baby aspiring to take over daddy’s practice when he grows up, Superman has no originality. Where is the fun in being virtually unbeatable – it’s like watching a fight you know is rigged. Even though he staggers when his opponent brings out the kryptonite, somehow you know he’s going to come out on top. And if he doesn’t? Oh well, just turn back time!
Image Credit: Pixabay
For Batman to even be in the same playing field (as a human no less!), is testimony to his superior superhero status. What he lacks in #bornthisway powers, he makes up for in determination and intelligence. Guaranteed he’ll science his way into being a worthy match for Superman. Add a little bit of kryptonite (since it seems fairly easy to get ahold of) and it’ll be a fair fight.
In his off time, he’s Bruce Wayne: millionaire, playboy, philanthropist – an attractive combination indeed (and played by Ben Affleck? I don’t know about him as the Batman, but he’s not bad to look at). So even when he’s not saving Gotham, Batman is still being a hero in ordinary ways!
Superman, the alien farm boy, is just a nerdy reporter pining after Lois Lane. If the DC World was high school, Superman would be the stereotypical quarterback: all brawn, no brains, and a closet nerd. He may be the poster boy of the Justice League, and certainly its enforcer when aliens attack, but Batman is the brains behind the operation.
He Says… Superman
While I respect any normal person who wants to make the DC world a better place, Batman would be far better off using his wealth and influence as Bruce Wayne to create change, rather than beating up mental patients while wearing a mask.
Superman is a Kryptonian and the villains he faces on a regular basis, such as Doomsday, would be far too much for any mortal human to handle.
Batman spends most of his time fighting a clown who had a bad day. A showdown between Batman and Superman is akin to The Rock going to a children’s karate class and challenging a green belt to a cage match.
Batman should stay in the Gotham minor leagues where he belongs, and let Superman continue to hit home runs out of the Metropolis stadium.
Image Credit: Clipartpanda.com
Superman has god-like powers, the ability to fly anywhere in the universe, and is the most powerful person in nearly any room he walks into. What does he do with this power? He uses it to protect earthlings from those who would do us harm, and he often places himself in harm’s way in the process.
Superman shows his humility by taking on an alter ego of a simple journalist who only wants to write for a local newspaper.
Now consider Batman. He considers himself a watchful protector, but who is Batman really? Bruce Wayne is an egomaniacal billionaire who thinks himself above the laws of normal humans. When dealing with his opponents and teammates alike, he is often abrasive and abusive.
To conclude, the clear winner in this battle is Superman. Not simply for practical purposes, like the fact that he can snipe Batman from a mile in the air with his heat vision, but also because he has the clear high ground from a moral perspective.
In the upcoming Justice League movie, when Batman will ultimately be included amongst the number of other noteworthy individuals such as Aquaman, Wonder Woman, and the Green Lantern, let’s not get confused and assume that he is there based on his merit.
A more apt analogy would be when your mother insists that you take your little sister to the movie with you, and don’t forget she has to home by 8:30p.m., and don’t let your friends be mean to her either.
