Superman and Batman are as opposite as two crime fighters could possibly be. This series has explored some of the various ways in which the two characters differ in their perspectives on life. This article continues the series by exploring Superman’s view of humanity and comparing it to Batman’s view.
Superman and Batman
Superman’s View of Humanity
Kal-El believes humanity is a state of purity in the universe. He fights crime in order to preserve the innocence and ideal of humanity. His love for humanity has progressed to the point in which he has wished himself to be human. There have been a few instances in which he has obtained humanity for a short time only to realize his place in the universe is to preserve and to save humanity and not to every fully become part of it.
Batman’s View of Humanity
Batman tries to hide his own humanity under the caul of his batsuit. Humanness is a sign of weakness since humans feel pain and other emotions which get in the way of any goal. A bat does not feel love or sadness, it survives. Bruce Wayne pushes others aside because he does not want to intertwine with someone else’s humanity. It has been said that the night is not the place for a person. He strives in an environment which average people would shun. The darkness symbolizes a lack of humanity so it is the perfect place for the Dark Knight.
Superman sees humanity and humanness as a strength and as something which should be preserved for as long as possible. Batman sees humanity and humanness as something which should be shunned and avoided as much as possible. Complete opposites for sure. We should all expect this difference to be exploited in Batman/Superman when it comes out later this year.
