There are an endless number of reasons why Batman is one of the best heroes from theDC Universe, and there are many reasons as to why he can be compared to his super-best bud Superman to decide which of the two is superior when it comes to their ongoing fight in their respective cities. Since Batman and Superman are paired together as the World’s Finest, it’s a good time to look at some of the things Batman can do that Superman can’t.
Whether it’s due to Superman’s powers or his aspiring hope, there are so many sharp differences and contrasts between the two characters to show how different they are, and to showcase how even without powers, Batman holds his own as a hero who canachieve what Superman never could.
8Create a Weapon out of Fear
Batman Terrifies, Whereas Superman Inspires
One of the most respectable aspects of Superman is how colorful he is. Superman is the epitome of hope, a symbol for all to look up to and aspire to follow as he saves the day with a smile and a bright colored costume for the kids to cheer at.Superman is righteous, all good, and all powerful, which is almost everything that Batman isn’t.
In Gotham City, Batman uses fear as a tool, a weapon. Batman dresses as a bat, so that his enemies can share his dread, whereas Superman dresses in bright colors to show how optimistic he is for humanity’s future. While Superman can put a good scare on a criminal, he never wants his city to fear him the way Batman does.
7Use Vast Wealth to Help His City
A Journalist Is Not Going Band-for-Band with a Billionaire
As a farm boy from Smallville, it’s no surprise that Superman isn’t the wealthiest man out there. Even his humble job as a reporter at the Daily Planet is just to pay the bills, and he never exceeds in wealth, not like Bruce Wayne. Bruce’s wealth may have come at the cost of losing his parents, but he’s still got the top people running Wayne Enterprise in Gotham, and he funds more than his fair share of projects to help advance research and science to solve diseases, disabilities, and even homelessness.
While Superman relies on hisgood spirit and heroic deedsto protect Metropolis, Batman works behind the scenes to ensure he’s a good benefactor and philanthropist for Gotham City, providing the city with not just a vigilante, but a wealthy man that can use his billions to save the city.
6Refuse to Abide by Law and Government Restrictions
Superman Stands for the American Way, Whereas Batman Stands for His Own Way
As an alien, Superman has a high level of respect for law enforcement and government officials, and has often, although sometimes infamously, been seenworking with political figuresin the best interest of America. While things have changed as of late, and Superman fights more for the world than for the United States of America, Batman has never been so patriotic as to obey by the laws that bind Superman.
There have been many instances where Batman has worked outside of the law, and even when vigilantism was illegal and the U.S. government sent Superman to put a stop to Batman, Batman still resisted and refused to bend the knee or be a government lapdog. He fights for his city on his terms, no one else’s.
5Have a Family of Those With Similar Goals
Superman’s Super Family Isn’t As Mission-Oriented as the Bat-Family
Superman’s circle is loving, but small. There’s obviously Superman, his wife Lois, his super-powered son, Jon, and a mix of other heroes like Supergirl and Steel. However, Superman doesn’t exactly need a big family to take care of Metropolis when he is faster than a speeding bullet. Then there’s Batman, who has his own lengthy, dedicated Bat-Family of vigilantes and kids whom he is raising as his own to create a brighter Gotham.
Bruce has many wards that he’s given a home and a better childhood, whileinspiring them to become crime fighterslike him so that perhaps one day they can move on past their trauma, where he cannot. Batman’s family consisting of the likes of Nightwing, Robin, Batwoman, and the Batgirls shows the complexity of his growing family tree and his allies within it.
4Solve Intense Detective Cases
Batman’s the World’s Greatest Detective, a Title Not Fit for Superman
Batman isn’t often referred to as the World’s Greatest Detective for nothing, and his work alongside Commissioner Gordon and his own research in the Batcave proves just how great he is at the detective work he tasks himself with. Whether it’s uncovering the secret cabal of the Court of Owls or even figuring out the true killer that stalks Gotham City,Batman’s detective skillsare essential to his character, and it’s something Superman doesn’t really have.
Sure, Superman has a keen eye for details thanks to his super hearing, super sight, and X-Ray vision, but he’s not as clued in as Batman when it comes to understanding chemical compounds, tracking enemies, and solving cases alongside the GCPD like Batman can.
3Physical and Mental Training to Become the Perfect Fighter
Superman’s Strength is Reliant on Powers, Whereas Batman Has Trained with the Very Best
One of the reasons thatLex Luthor detests Supermanisn’t just because he is from another world and represents all that is good within humanity, but because he has natural gifts that Luthor deems unfair. Superman’s physique and his powers are enhanced by the yellow sun of our solar system, and Luthor views that as despicable, which is why Batman gets certain layers of respect.
Batman didn’t just put on a cape and a cowl and have his powers. Batman had to train for years to master martial arts, gadgets, and other techniques that would see him win a battle as both a fighter and a tactician. Batman has a superior mind to Superman, along with the fighting styles that prove he can handle himself without super strength, whereas the same cannot be said about Superman.
2Understanding the Human Condition
The Last Son of Krypton Will Never Truly Fit In With Humanity
Superman is the Last Son of Krypton, and he has always understood that it’s hard for him to fit into human life, even if he loves humanity. Despite losing his entire planet, Superman was raised as a boy thanks to Jon and Martha Kent, so he always treated those two as his real parents even with the understanding of his Kryptonian heritage. Despite insurmountable grief and the fact he’s the last of his kind, it never affects what Superman does for humanity.
When one looks at Batman, it’s impossible not to see a scared and traumatized boy hiding behind a scowling cowl, as Batman used his own grief as a weapon, a catalyst to bring good into Gotham City as its vigilante. Batman understands all too well what it means to grieve and to be human, whereas Superman can move on.
1Have the Willpower to Betray Those Closest to Him
Batman Will Create Contingency Plans for Anyone Who Could Become a Threat in the Future
One of the most controversial aspects of Batman’s character is his blatant mistrust of anyone he meets. Any hero who meets Batman will immediately be studied by him, in an effort to discover their weaknesses should they go rogue. Batman keeps private files on members of the Justice League, his closest friends, just in case they go down a path of villainy.
Batman’s contingency plans for his friends show his deep mistrust and his willingness to betray those closest to him should the situation arise. Meanwhile, Superman is full of love and trust and wouldn’t dare create a plan to defeat Batman if he went rogue.
