Greeting,
I don't know why people are always so fascinated with the "Who Would Win in a Fight?" question, but the most popular scenario seems to be that of Batman and Superman. It's funny that this question is often posed for them, considering a lot of people think that they are friends. Of course, if you are in the mindset of someone like Frank Miller, you would believe that "these two people would not be friends". And though I have enjoyed watching them work together in Justice League and in Superman/Batman Public Enemies, where Superman actually referred to Batman as his best friend, if I'm being completely honest, I have to agree, at least somewhat, with Mr. Miller. I get that opposites attract, but I wonder if they are too opposite.
I know that at their core, both of these superheroes are good guys who want to fight the bad guys and protect all the helpless civilians, but their attitude toward doing so is very different. Superman has this mentality that humanity is basically good and there are merely occasions when a bad person can be found. He follows the Donny Osmond philosophy of life in which "one bad apple don't spoil the whole bunch . . . girl". And while that seems like a nice way to think, it is still a bit naive. Batman, on the other hand, does not hold mankind in such high regard, which is interesting since he is more a part of it than Superman. He pretty much sees the world as a place full of bad people where an occasional pure soul might creep in. I mean, it's no wonder considering his back story. It's why he goes out proactively looking for the trouble he knows is going on, as opposed to Superman, who just kind of waits around for someone to call out for help.
Now, if we look at this from a political angle, there seems to be a consensus that Superman is a Democrat and Batman is a Republican. I suppose there are many reasons to support this idea. In the beginning of Superman's creation, he was considered a reflection of the liberalism of President Roosevelt, and often was a champion for social issues. Batman has often been compared to Dirty Harry, who is clearly not a liberal. Of course, that comparison could not have been made before 1971, but he was always considered to be that type of vigilante character. Perhaps, it is this reason why I have always chosen him over Superman.
That's right. When it comes to the dilemma of Batman vs. Superman, I will always side with Batman. Perhaps, I should have mentioned this at the start, but I had to appear as being unbiased. It's not that I don't like Superman at all. I do like the movies and the way he's always happy to help. Of course, I love Smallville, which is technically pre-Superman, but it still counts. And to tell the truth, I would most likely choose Lex Luthor over the Joker when asked who my favorite villain is. Though that may have more to do with my crush on Michael Rosenbaum than anything, but I do like a character that is evil in a subtle way. And the Joker is nothing if not unsubtle.
If I am going to give Superman the upper hand on anything, it would be casting. For decades, we have had shows and films featuring both Batman and Superman, and when it comes to casting these characters, I've always thought the Superman franchise did a better job than that of Batman.
I'm not saying that the actors who have played Batman didn't do a great job. Well, except for Clooney, but what are you gonna do? The problem is that, as good as they are, you're still seeing that actor pretending to be Batman. You're just seeing Michael Keaton or Val Kilmer or George Clooney or Christian Bale As Batman, instead of simply seeing Batman. With Superman, they've always hired relative unknowns to play him. Even back to the original series with George Reeves. Though he had had a small role in Gone With the Wind, for the most part, I'm pretty sure he wasn't all that well known. No one really knew who Christopher Reeve before he was in the movies, nor did anyone know about Tom Welling before Smallville or Brandon Routh before Superman Returns. And I know they are making yet another Superman movie starring a guy about whom I know nothing. I intend to keep it that way until I see the movie. The point I'm trying to make is when we saw these guys portraying Superman we weren't seeing an actor about whom we had a preconceived notion. Nope, we all just saw Superman! Or Clark Kent, in the case of Tom Welling. Alright, everyone just saw Kal-El. How's that?
But speaking generally, I just have more of a penchant for the Batman story. Maybe I like the fact that it's a little darker and grittier, and I happen to think that it's closer to how the world truly is. Of course, the fact that he is so wounded is also something that attracts me. Remember? Project. And though I did say this is more true to life, I will not say that thing that other people tend to say about Batman. You know, the whole "He's just a regular guy without superpowers, but he's still a superhero" thing. Correct, he has no superpowers, but he does have about ten BILLION dollars, so . . . regular? Not so much.
Though most of has have chosen a side in this epic battle, I'm sure it is a debate that will continue on for generations. And while we manage to take a break from it, I suppose I can let these two guys be friends. If they can stand each other long enough.
Love and full moons,
Becky the Writer
