Batman is often considered a polar opposite of Superman. Even though both fight for good, they go about doing so in opposite ways. Some even consider Dark Knight is the anti-Kal-El. The differences between the two can sometimes be as apparent as night and day. You could easily explain Batman and Superman as the Yin and the Yang of the DC Universe.
Superman and Batman
Superman’s Power
While the residents of Krypton are smarter than humans, the benefits of the now-dead civilization end at technology. Once Kal-El arrived on Earth, he was granted superpowers by the rays of our yellow sun. During instances in which he has left our plane of existence, he has lost the majority of his strength and superpowers.
This symbolizes how Superman is a hero of the light and has led to analogies between the character and messiah-like characters throughout human mythology. The sun is a life-giver to the Earth and it would make sense that a messiah character from the comics would gain “new life” through the power of the sun’s light.
Batman’s Power
Batman cannot fly on his own will and he cannot create tornadoes while running. He does not have super strength and does not have laser-shooting eyes. He is a man who can create interesting tools to help him avenge victims of crime. Instead of being a child of the sun, he is the son or darkness.
The shadows of Gotham match the darkness in Bruce Wayne’s heart. Just like his costume, Batman wears the darkness like a cloak. The darkness reminds criminals that the Dark Knight might be hiding around the next corner.
The Yin and the Yang
Superman is mostly good, but has displayed a dark side when Lois Lane or any other character he cares about is in trouble. Bruce Wayne is mostly a dark character but has a bit of light in his heart. It would be an easy analogy to state that the two characters are the Yin and the Yang of DC Comics. The two comics constantly balance the other with one being a positive story about bringing criminals to justice and the other being a darker story about giving criminals the beatings they deserve. At times, the two characters find themselves working together, but know it should never be a permanent endeavor.
