Batman vs Superman

From WikiVS, the open comparison website

One is a being capable of fantastic feats and possesses spectacular powers, fighting for truth. The other is a dark man relying on technology and martial arts, fighting for justice. Both are superhuman in their own regard. It's pointless to argue whether one could beat the other in a fight, as it would be almost completely contingent on whether Batman had access to kryptonite, Superman's only weakness. And whether one could defeat the other in a one-on-one battle, that still doesn't answer the important question: who is the better superhero?

Contents 1 Origins and Alter Egos 2 Location 3 Attitudes 4 Fighting Ability 5 Sidekicks

[edit] Origins and Alter Egos

Batman's alter-ego is the millionaire playboy Bruce Wayne. When he was a child his parents were killed by a criminal, resulting in Bruce Wayne's desire to bring justice to those who break the law.

Superman's original name was Kal-El, the son of extra-terrestrial scientists Jor-El and Lara Lor-Van. When Jor-El discovered that their home world, Krypton, was going to die he sent his son away aboard a small spacecraft destined for Earth. On Earth Kal-El was raised as Clark Kent by human adoptive parents in rural Kansas. Superman's respect for law and authority likely came from his traditional, rural upbringing.

[edit] Location

Batman operates from within the fictional Gotham City. Gotham City is often portrayed as a dark, politically-corrupt, dirty, industrial city.

Batman's secret base of operations is the Bat Cave, and underground facility located under his alter-ego's mansion. The Bat Cave features workshops, computer equipment, and garage facilities for Batman's various vehicles.

Superman operates from the fictional city of Metropolis. Metropolis is typically portrayed as a bright, modern city, lacking in much of the political corruption that plagues Gotham.

Superman's secret base of operations is the Fortress of Solitude, a Kryptonian fortress located in the Arctic (though various comics have placed this fortress in the mountains outside Metrolopis, in the Antarctic, or even in the Amazon jungle). The structure is typically portrayed as crystalline in nature, and is equipped with highly-advanced alien technologies.

[edit] Attitudes

Batman is typically portrayed as an angst-ridden anti-hero. His methods often differ little from those of the criminals he pursues; he will often employ violence to achieve his goals, frequently resulting in the death of those he is attempting to apprehend. Batman's motivations tend to be personal, stemming from the death of his parents at the hands of a criminal he was too young and frightened to fight.

Superman by contrast is typically portrayed as a morally-unambiguous hero. He does the right thing because it is right, not because of personal demons. While Superman does employ violence on occasion he is typically careful to avoid collateral damage and death.

Law-enforcement and political authority figures have very different relationships with Batman and Superman. Batman is generally seen as an illegal vigilante, and his methods often draw the ire of Gotham City's police force. Superman is generally looked up to as the epitome of a good and just society. Metropolis' law-enforcement community frequently works along-side Superman, both being appreciative of the help of the other.

[edit] Fighting Ability

It is extremely difficult to compare the fighting abilities of Superman and Batman, as Superman could instantly vaporize any unarmored human, while Batman must still must fight in hand-to-hand combat or use his many gadgets. But when subtlety is required, Batman's style has a clear advantage in that he is accustomed to staying to the shadows and dispatching enemies one at a time. As Superman is invulnerable to most forms of damage, this is not necessary.

[edit] Sidekicks

Throughout the multiple character development cycles that exist as different stories, Superman and Batman will often have different sidekicks. Batman has his sidekick Robin. Superman has a wide variety of sidekicks, including Jimmy Olsen and Supergirl. It's ironic that it's Batman, who's more commonly percieved as a loner, that is the one that more consistently has a sidekick. Although, when there are multiple superheroes teaming up, it's often that Batman assumes a position of leadership.