Spiderman vs Superman
Looking at Spiderman and Superman next to each other, it is easy to see their similarities, and it is natural to question which one is the superior superhero. Both are heroes, both have powers beyond any normal human being, and both know the value and importance of using that power responsibly. In order to answer the question of which is the superior superhero we must examine each hero, paying attention to what makes them a hero-what drives them-and what their abilities are.
Spiderman is no stranger to tragedy. His parents died when he was young so he went to live with his unlce Ben and his aunt May. Shortly after Spiderman got his powers he chose not to stop a thief, a decision that would haunt him for the rest of his days; the thief killed uncle Ben. With Ben's death, Spiderman learns the value of using his powers responsibly and to help those in need. He feels that if he had made the right decision, his uncle would still be alive. Another tragedy in Spiderman's life is the death of his girlfriend Gwen Stacy at the hands of the Green Goblin-Spidey's arch nemesis. Again Spiderman blames himself, thinking that Gwen only died because the Goblin knew she was dating Spiderman. Despite all of this tragedy, though, Spiderman keeps up the good fight. He goes out every day and fights crime, often taking a beating in the process-it's no secret that Spiderman is not the world's best martial artist-, not because he has to, but because he chooses to. He knows there is evil in the world, and he also knows that he can do something to bring a little good to the world. Spiderman is a noble superhero.
His abilities include climbing walls, super strength, spider-senses, fast reflexes, high endurance for pain, and homemade webbing that he uses to swing through the city and nab bad guys. Also, he talks a lot, ofter causing frustration and annoyance in his opponents. All of these are impressive abilities, and they serve Spiderman well in his daily encounters with thugs and villains like the Vulture and Kraven the Hunter, but Spiderman is not save the world material. Don't get me wrong, if Spiderman had the ability to save the world from being destroyed, or conquered, or whatever, he would. The fact of the matter, though, is he does not have that kind of power.
The story of Superman shares similarities to Spiderman's, but it really is a different story altogether. Superman is the single survivor of his homeworld, the planet Krypton. Krypton's sun exploded, destroying the galaxy, but before it did, Superman's Kryptonina Father, Jor-El launched his son into space. Superman, still a baby at this point, crashed into a field in Kansas. Johnathan and Martha Kent discovered the wreckage and the baby inside. The kindly couple adopts the young boy and soon learn that Earth's yellow sun gives him powers beyond any mere human. Upon seeing what their boy can do, the Kents instill in Superman the importance of using his powers with restraint. Knowing the kind of damage he can cause, the Kents tell their adopted son that he has to protect people in need, and they he should use his powers for the good of humanity, even though he towers above them.
Unlike Spiderman, Superman does not learn firsthand what it means to use his power responsibly. Superman was told at a young age to use his powers with respect and to protect those in need; this was something Spiderman had to learn. Because Superman was indoctrinated with mid-west American values at such a young age he has not choice but to be a hero. He was taught that he had powers to use for the good of humankind, so that is what he does. Superman is not the noblest of superheroes, though he always does what is right.
Superman has many powers that set him apart from almost all other superheroes. He can fly, has heat vision, freeze breath, superspeed, is invulnerable, has superhearing, superstrength, and x-ray vision. He can survives the vastness of space without any equipment, and he can dive to the bottom of the deepest ocean without difficulty. His superhearing allows him to hear a pin drop in Bolivia when he is walking on the moon, and his superspeed ensures that he can get to that pin before it has bounced. Simply put, Superman is armed with an arsenal of abilities that allow him to not only thwart muggers and drug dealers, but to stop rampaging monsters and creatures from other worlds all in the span of a few hours. Superman can save the world, and does so all the time. He is the most powerful of all superheroes, and he knows to use that power to help those in need.
While Spiderman is a more relate-able character, and a nobler hero, I have to say that Superman is the superior superhero. His abilities are too many and too useful in his line of work. He can cover the continental United States in the time it takes Spiderman to swing through Manhattan. Don't get me wrong, I prefer Spiderman as a character, but as far as superhero superiority goes I have to bet on Superman. After all, he doesn't have super in his name for nothing.
--- Anothers thoughs ----
Superman is more than Nieztche's ideal man, he's also the originator of the entire superhero culture. Before there was Batman's motivation to avenge his parents, and before Spiderman let guilt enslave him to sacrificing his time, education, sleep, and even girlfriend, there was Superman - doing what was right simply because it was RIGHT.
In order to compare Superman to other superheroes, you must first define how you are to judge the battle: will brute strength be your factor, or will character? For this argument, I'm going to say that a superhero is more than a strongman using a supernatural gift, as it can be shown that even villains can be difficult to stop or kill (for example, that killer of supermen himself, Doomsday). No, if we were to define the best "superhero" as simply being the best warrior, even the most villainous brute would qualify - so, ostensibly, prowess in battle cannot be used to validate Superman's reign as the better hero.
The key word here, then, must be "hero," rather than "super." And what's the most important aspect of a hero? Image. Heroes are bestowed with awards and medals, monuments and statues - Spider-man is a hero, right? He saves people every day! But he gets no glory. New York thought he was a menace for a good part of his career, and the Daily Bugle, Spider-man's own place of employment, slanders him every week, often right after he's saved dozens of people! Then you've got the heroes who abuse their position, like Iron Man in the recent "Civil War" story-arc. No one would think of Iron Man as a hero right now, and why? Image. A hero's most formidable weapon is his (or her) public image.
Superman has tons of image. He's the American icon. He stands for truth and justice. He was so inspiring that every other hero that followed in his footsteps followed his formula (cape, silly tights, bright colors). There are tons of other heroes who are stronger than Superman (I believe the the Hulk may be), or have better powers than Superman, but Superman always emerges triumphant.
The image is fostered mostly in his appearance: he is unmasked, as opposed to most other heroes, including the aforementioned spiderman. A concealed face naturally causes one to wonder what the concealed his hiding. What is he so worried about? we might ask. It gives off a subconcious feeling that the hero is not 100% confident, that he doesn't think he's doing right (because he's afraid that he may be arrested if his true identity is known) or that he may be unable to protect his loved ones (if someone comes looking for revenge). That doesn't make for a confident citizenry. And Superman knows this: Superman hides nothing, he appears friendly, confident, and so at ease that he can show his entire face to the world. You can TRUST him. Remember that old saying, "Can you trust a face like that?" Well, how can we trust a faceless man? Superman is far from faceless, his is the face of justice and freedom.
This would also help future Superheroes once Superman is gone: we can trust the men in tights, because we could trust Superman. Without the son of Jor-El paving the way, laying the foundations for the brightly-colored saviors of today, the public would never completely trust or tolerate any other "hero." There would be no "Justice League," if we can't trust one masked vigilante, how do you expect us to trust a whole gang of them, and never mind giving them a giant space laser to play with.
No, Superman has always been, and always will be, the world's greatest superhero, even if he loses all of his powers. His true power is hidden in his symbol.
Another's Thoughts -----
It has always been my believe that strength is not the definitive factor in choosing a better superhero. You side beside a superhero because there is some part of you that is constantly rooting for him, whether he be right or wrong, because you know in your heart that he'll still be good.
I cannot say that Superman isn't a good superhero. In fact, he's one of the best. He has the strength, and the will, to save people and will give his all to do that. Spider-man has that very same drive and powers, though they are on a different level. The different between them, in my eyes, is that Spider-man is a person that I can find a deeper connection to on a human level.
Peter Parker is, in ever sense, just a regular guy. He was a nerd in high school, shunned by those that were bigger and stronger than him. He knows what it felt like to be the underdog. He didn't have the time as a young man to slowly find out that he had superpowers. Instead, they were suddenly thrust upon him and, though a horrid twist of fate that took one of only a handful of people he considered close to him, he was faced with the decision to fight for right or wrong not because he was obligated but because of what he felt in his heart. So, he chose the side of good.
Though he may seem cocky at times it isn't because he's completely full of himself (at least not all the time). It's because when you're fighting against something that could possibly kill you if you make the wrong move you can't afford to be unsure of yourself. Your enemy can see your weaknesses and there's no time for hesitation. His corny humor and bad puns help him stay calm during the worse of times and if bad jokes are the easiest way to blind your target with frustration and anger then I say bring on the quips!
And if many haven't noticed already, Peter Parker is not good with women. Keeping your secret identity from those you care about the most is difficult enough, but having someone so close to you die just because you believe in truth and justice is something that many will never experience. He's lost many women he's cared about because of his alias and though there were times when he put aside his mask and suit because he didn't want to lost them a part of his conscience eventually get through.
My love for Spider-man isn't because he has cool powers, he's strong, flexible, and is funny. He doesn't have laser or x-ray vision, he can't fly, and he certainly can't leap clear over a building without using up a lot of webbing; he got the tar beat out of him in a fight against Juggernaut; and sometimes his jokes are so bad that I just end up laughing at the fact that he bothered to say them at all.
I love Spider-man because no matter how hard he's hit he'll get right back, and compared to Super-man I'm sure he takes a lot more damage.
Another's Thoughts ----
The question of Superman vs. Spiderman boils down to a comparison of power vs. cunning. Superman goes faster than a speeding bullet, is more powerful than a locomotive, so on and so forth. Spiderman can swing off buildings with web, has a beautiful lady who actually knows his secret, and has a cooler suit. Which superhero is better? My nod goes to Superman.
Ever since we learned the secrets of Clark Kent, a mild-mannered reporter, audiences have been awed by his superhuman strength, breakneck speed, and great heart. He flies, has x-ray vision (to the jealousy of many men), and can bend steel. His comic books have been printed since the Great Depression and represent what man wishes they could be. Who doesn't want to achieve some of the feats that the Man of Steel can perform with ease? His one weakness, kryptonite, represents the classic fatal flaw of a hero in literary history. A green element creates an element of humanity in the nearly-perfect good-doer. A sense of imperfection that almost lets the reader relate to him as we all have our weaknesses that need to be fought and overcome. Superman does such that.
Spiderman represents the modern cool hero. Dorky Peter Parker receives his power almost by sheer luck and becomes a symbol of an anti-hero: a crusader that doesn't fit the mold. Petey faces the ire of his boss, has a normal family, and struggles with the responsibilities that come with being a superhero. He is realer yet not superior. Although Spiderman injects a practicality into the comic-book world, his powers are somewhat substandard. His main form of transportation is a webbed string which is inferior to the ability to fly. Spidey can hang from walls, jump really high, and narrowly escape danger but he wins battles on the sake of might and will instead of power and ability. These traits would be admirable in a debate of heart but not a direct comparison of two superheroes.
In the end, Superman, with his superior strength, speed, and symbolism, wins the battle versus the sleeker, practical, human super hero Peter Parker. Each character will draw his own fans, however, without Superman, would Spiderman even exist?
Another's Thoughts ----
Superman may be the Man of Steel; the superhero with the superior strength of all in the comic book universe. However, your friendly neighborhood Spiderman is more amazing. Spiderman has a combination of strength, intellect and superhuman ability that makes him a formidable member of the costumed heroes. But, what makes him more superior as a character is that he's more human with many weakness - as well as strengths - that he must learn to overcome. He's a character that relatable to his fellow human beings, whereas Superman is merely propped up as an ideal image that seems to have the inability to relate to others.
Superman is a model of perfection. He can do almost anything and come out nearly unscathed. On top of that, he was born with his powers (although some comic book enthusiasts may argue that he got his strength from the sun when he came to Earth as a baby). His alter ego is Clark Kent, a mild-mannered reporter that no one would assume to have greatness imposed upon him. Yet, the alter ego is more of a costume. It's Superman, not Clark Kent, who is hiding and acting like a normal human being.
Peter Parker (a.k.a. Spiderman) was not born with his powers. He got it by accident. And, when he received it, he had no idea how to use it. He was the least likely person to be a hero. Skinny, nerdy and a social outcast at his high school, Peter was more suited to be a victim than a hero. Of course, this changes when he's accidentally bitten by a radioactive spider. And, from that moment, he becomes a representation of a normal, awkward human being who is suddenly possessed with amazing strengths and abilities.
Still, that superpower didn’t transform him into an ideal superhero over night. He struggled with it, tried to find ways to raise money with it. It wasn’t until tragedy struck that the man with superpower started to become the superhero. It took the murder of his beloved uncle before he realized he couldn’t be selfish with the powers he had inherited.
This description of Spiderman may him make sound weaker than Superman. And, in many respect, Superman is probably a lot stronger than Spiderman. However, this doesn't make the Man of Steel more supreme to the web slinger. Spiderman had something to build upon; it was his character. Superman doesn't have to do this. As he progresses through the pages of various comic books adventures (and the movies, as well), Spiderman grows as a person. Superman doesn't.
Superman knew he had powers and quite naturally used it to fight crimes. As impressive as that sounds, there was little time for growth as a person. He stands for truth, justice and the American way but rarely, if ever, questions these morals. In Superman’s world, Good guys are good, and bad guys are bad.
Sometimes, in Spiderman’s world, the good guys are not always good and the bad guys are not always bad. In some cases, his enemies are his friends. Hobgoblin is one example. He was his best friend as a teen before circumstances made them enemies.
Either way, Spiderman always finds himself in a dilemma where he has to make tough choices. These are choices that Superman – in his one dimensional moral views – would have a tough time dealing with. This is the one strength that Spiderman has over Superman.
Another advantage Spiderman has over Superman is their disguise. Spiderman is always Peter Parker In disguise. Peter is the real person under the costume, and it shows. Even when he's fighting crime he's constantly thinking about the mundane things such as dating Mary Jane or getting the next lead photo.
Not Superman: sometimes it feels like Superman is just there, sometimes expressing his human qualities in the guise of Clark Kent. But, Clark Kent is a disguise. He may act like a wimp or like an ordinary person, but there's always a little wink to the audience letting them know that the Man of Steel was just playing.
Spiderman is an “every-person’s” superhero. He's someone that readers can relate because he is, in all sense, a human-being with extraordinary powers. He manages to make his audience feel for him and wonder if they could handle the type of great responsibility if it was ever bestowed on them.
What about Superman? He is perfect, too perfect. He's more of an ideal, a savior from the evils of this world and beyond. But, he’s stranger, unlike Spiderman, and that's what makes him a much more superior superhero.
