The question was put to me recently, one which is guaranteed to spark spirited debate among a particular subset of society. (Read: Geeky types.)
Batman? Or Superman?
There’s no doubt that Batman is cooler. His character is the result of being able to throw vast amounts of cash and dedicated physical training and a keen intellect at any given problem. His operating mode is to gather evidence, plan carefully, and prepare for contingencies. Then, to go forth and kick copious amounts of ass.
So, yes, he’s cooler.
But.
I still have a soft spot for ol’ Supes. Growing up, I dreamed of being that kind of superhero, the invincible Boy Scout. For all that I engage in the flagrant disregard for certain societal norms, I have a deeply ingrained belief that there’s a Certain Way Things Should Be. (And I try not to let that get away from me too often, because it can be a tedious thing to be around… nobody’s perfect, wot?) Not that my Way Things Should Be necessarily matches most other folks, I suppose, but hey. And Superman is the truth-and-justice guy. (Batman lives in much more of a grey area.)
Of course, then there’s the feeling like you’re not quite like everyone else around you. You look like them, but you’re just a bit “off.” Not better, just… different. So I identify with that a bit, too.
I guess it boils down to, I think Batman’s cooler but I like Superman more.
Let the flamewar commence, I suppose…
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3 responses to “Batman or Superman?”
Batman. Because he’s a better character than Supes. He’s a normal human being… amazingly well-trained and well-equipped, but still a guy. The Big Blue Boyscout, on the other hand, is… well, Superman. Impossible to hurt, Doomsday not withstanding, can do anything any other superhero can do, but better, basically he’s a storybreaker.
Batman is also insane. Bruce Wayne is his alter-ego, not the other way around. And his enemies are even more (pardon the pun) batshite insane than he is. I’d much rather read a Batman story than a Supes.
And yes, he’s cooler.
It’s a tough call in some aspects. If you limit yourself to their world-view, you really have to wonder about this Superman – not only does he know full well how crazy Bats is, he lets him continue working. The Boy Scout turns a blind eye on Batman, and lets him conduct his personal war on the psychopaths he has created.
And then Supes gave Bats the means with which to destroy Superman.
Which one is crazier?
The only Batman vs. Superman question I have will most likely be answered next week when I’m at Six Flags Great America, where they have The Dark Knight (world’s first inverted, outside-looping coaster) and Superman: Ultimate Flight (where the ride hangs you facing the ground so you’re supposed to get the vantage point of Superman flying — yay!). Rollercoasters FTW!