The release of Batman/Superman gets closer every day, and it makes sense to explore the characters differences before the launch of the new title. Superman and Batman are very different characters as one draws power from the sun while the other draws power from the darkness in his own heart. This series explores some of the ways that Bruce Wayne is the anti-Kal-El. This addition will explore why each character fights crime.
Superman and Batman
Superman
Superman wishes to preserve the sanctity of humanity, and his goal should be expected to carry over in Batman/Superman. Since he cannot become fully human himself, he attempts to preserve what he visualizes as the innocence of humanity. He is driven to make the world a better place for others and the easiest way to do so is to eliminate crime. Of course, he has gone off the deep end such as when he wanted to rid the world of nuclear devices – but we will not discuss that at length here since I don’t want to go off on a tangent about the stupidest movie in the original series or about how sad it was that the story carried over into the printed pages.
Batman
Batman is different from Superman in that he does not simply want to preserve the sanctity and innocence of humanity. Wayne’s alter ego wants to make criminals pay for the sins which they committed. Where Superman cares more for the victim, the victim of a crime is often insignificant to the Dark Knight when compared to the inner need to make a criminal pay. Fans should hope this difference becomes a cause for friction in Batman/Superman.
Which Side Drives You?
I remember reading an essay years ago in college in which a professor believed certain aspects about a student’s personality could be discerned by finding out if he or she related more to Batman or Superman. The explanation went through the idea of people who wanted to push for peace would identify more with Superman while people who believed criminals should pay their dues the hard way would identify with Batman. If I can ever dig up the essay, I will be sure to link it here. Then you could read the upcoming issues of Batman/Superman and see where you fall.
Batman/Superman
While Batman/Superman will not be the first mixing of Superman and Batman, it will be the first in the New 52. Read about my ideas on the title by following this link.
