JoBlo

Jerk Shapiro · #1 10-17-2002, 05:55 PM

I like Batman and Superman. Word. But I got to go with Superman on this one. A man with super-powers.

I never really understood how Batman made it in the super-hero profession, without having anything "super" about him. He's just a rich guy who has gadgets and works out...a lot.

SUPERMAN on the other hand is the man. He can bend steel, hell, he is steel. He can throw big heavy stuff. So ya' know how that is.

My vote goes to the ever-powerful, hellacool SUPERMAN.

You?

areyoubeingserved · #2 10-18-2002, 01:45 AM

Batman is simply far more interesting, as well as brooding. And with his high finaces of alter ego Bruce Wayne he could most certainly import some hard arse Kriptonite from South America, and then Super Man would fall and Bruce would fuck Lois by buying her expensive jewlerry and cocaine.

Batman would have a kriptonite fuelled Bat-O-Rang which would puncture the S and Superman would explode.

James Logan · #3 10-18-2002, 12:45 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by MOVIE-Maniac 8
I like Batman and Superman. Word.

I like both of 'em, they really are the World's Finest. And I think Bats would put up a great fight and could be the perfect man to resist Supes, and maybe match him. But I'm like Bibbo Bibbowsky (hope y'all know who he is

) and Supes is my fav'rite, so I think Supes would kick Bats's ass in the end.

Jason Voorhees · #4 10-18-2002, 02:53 PM

Batman.

Goosey · #5 10-18-2002, 02:54 PM

I think it all depends, really. Superman is the most powerful, and Batman has one of the sharpest minds on the planet. So, given proir knowledge to a battle, I think Batman would win because he would have devised several plans and gadgets to exploit Superman's weaknesses(Dark Knight Returns). Otherwise, I think Superman's power would probably prevail.

Jerk Shapiro · #6 10-19-2002, 12:13 AM

If Batman doesn't go pulling out some Krypton on old Sup...Sup should have it in the bag.

MikeyB · #7 10-19-2002, 01:30 PM

I love Batman and Supes is cool too, but I'd have to go with Batman.

El Bracamonti · #8 10-24-2002, 10:54 PM

BATMAN IS THE GREATEST!!!!!!!!!!! superWOman DOESN'T STAND A CHANCE

kubotakhan01 · #9 10-25-2002, 01:20 AM

Batman would whip Superman's ass any day. He's smarter than the strongman. And a powerful brain can whip brawn anytime.

In fact, I watched an episode of "Batman Beyond" where The old batman showed the young batman exactly how to whip superman's ass, and that's exactly what he did.

Tommy Doyle · #10 11-08-2002, 11:59 PM

Superman isn't exactly a downer in the brain power dept. either. He's not NEARLY as intelligent as Bats, but he's no slouch either, I bet he aced his way through high school!

Anyway, my money's on Superman. One bat (no pun intended) of an eye lash, and Batman will be knocked flat on his ass. The only place he'll be able to go after that is six feet under.

A.J. Hakari · #11 11-09-2002, 01:32 AM

It's all a matter of superpowers:

Superman: X-ray vision, laser eyes, bulletproof skin, one weakness

Batman: smarts, gadgets, a kickass costume

In the end, Clark Kent wins this match easily.

jbuck_919 · #12 11-09-2002, 05:58 PM

Or am I confusing this with something on IMDb?

Anyway, I'll answer the question, but there was an issue of World's Finest where Superman challenges Batman to a detective duel. Batman, remember, is the world's greatest detective as Superman is the man of steel. They know each other's secret identities. So Batman bets Supie that the latter can't figure out the former's secret identity in a specified period of time. They put a Kryptonian selective amnesia inducer on Supie's head so he'll forget that Batman is Bruce Wayne, and Supie goes at it. Batman wins the bet.

I didn't make that up; in the world of comics not much is improbable. Nevertheless, Superman is my favorite. If you did follow him in the comics for many years as I did as a boy, he is as complex and interesting as Batman. And a helluva lot more superhuman.

marz · #13 11-25-2002, 07:00 AM

As powerful as supes is, batman is stronger in where it counts.
Cunning, intelligence. What batman lacks in strength, he more than makes up with his razor sharp mind. To get on an equal power level, bats will use any kind of high technology to his advantage. As well as exposing Supes' weakness in an instant. A shot of kryptonite to supes, and he's weak as a blasted kitten.
And plus it's been done twice now in the dark knight returns, and the sequel to that. Supes had his ass handed to him both times.

ilikehorror · #14 11-25-2002, 12:55 PM

Why do people still find this as a close matchup????

Face the cold hard truth...Superman can turn The Bat into guano pate any day of the week.

'NUFF SAID!!!

thebloodfeaster · #15 11-26-2002, 08:36 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by marz
As powerful as supes is, batman is stronger in where it counts.
Cunning, intelligence. What batman lacks in strength, he more than makes up with his razor sharp mind. To get on an equal power level, bats will use any kind of high technology to his advantage. As well as exposing Supes' weakness in an instant. A shot of kryptonite to supes, and he's weak as a blasted kitten.
And plus it's been done twice now in the dark knight returns, and the sequel to that. Supes had his ass handed to him both times.

Yep. Plus my friend who is a big comics fan was telling me that once in the Justice League (I think it was in the comic, but it could have been the show) it was revealed that Batman had a notebook he kept to himself where he detailed every single one of the other league member's weaknesses and had detailed plans for every possible scenario he could come up with... should he ever have to fight with them for some reason. Batman's intelligence more than makes up for his lack of super powers.

Buck Turgidson · #16 12-05-2002, 02:03 AM

That's the really intriguing thing about Batman: he's just a guy. He has advantages (power and wealth), but he's mainly just a human who is in a single-minded pursuit of a goal.

Superman is a necessary character to have around, but I'll be damned if I want to read about him much or really care what he does.

Tingles · #17 12-21-2002, 02:10 PM

i dont know if you care, but i wrote this essay for Oxford, it has some pertinant points, and some may find it interesting.

Are Odysseus and Telemachus the Direct Literary Ancestors of Batman and Robin?

There is no literal ancestral link, they are not blood relations. However, in the literary world, the characters of the respective stars, the links between each couple, the themes their literature addresses, one can draw many parallels that would imply that there is an element of literary ancestry. Also of course, epic and heroic literature in the intervening period must be considered as a possible influence behind the creation of Batman. The evolution of Heroic literature, the French chansons, romantic poetry, Paradise Lost, must be seen as a process that may influence modern western literature, rather than Bob Kane seeing the Odyssey, and inventing Batman from Odysseus.

‘The Batman’ created by Bob Kane appearing for the first time in Detective Comics #27 defined a new type of hero. Odysseus enters in an Iliadic world, just as Aeneas enters in a Homeric era of heroism. Thus Odysseus can be seen as a new, wholly mortal, not utterly martial, type of hero. 1939 saw the dominance of Superman, the world in which Batman was introduced is very much like the world of Odysseus, dominated by hugely strong, indestructible heroes that fight evil. Superman could well be paralleled to Achilles, their amazing strength and indestructible nature. Both heroes set a new precedent that was not copied in immediate literature. Batman remains unique in modern superheroes in that he isn’t by definition, ‘super’. Bruce Wayne did not get bitten by a radioactive bat, nor did Odysseus have god-granted strength.

Batman and Odysseus display tremendous tenacity that borders on obsession. Odysseus’ ‘at all costs’ mission to reach home is much the same as Batman’s almost insane vigilante behaviour. The death of parents, the promise of a wife and family, these are the things that drive Batman and Odysseus respectively to such wild extremes. Their new heroism is reliant on wit and cunning. Odysseus’ epithet “metis” may well be applied to Batman. Many are the times in which Batman has to think his way out a situation where Superman would merely knock a wall down. The prime example of this is Batman’s utility belt. The creation of such a device (or collection thereof) marks him out as a hero that thinks ahead, just as Odysseus thinks far enough ahead to bring the strongest wine to the Island of the Cyclopes, as a bribe, or gift. Batman, like Odysseus, thinks his way out of situations. In Detective Comics #662 a battered and tired Batman outwits his three foes, separating them and defeating them using his cunning, using his cloak as a lure and defeating his enemies one by one. While not the same situation, Odysseus in the Cyclopes’ cave must think his way out, killing would not be sufficient (9. 299-306). His “metis” is of course up to this task.

One can pose the question whether the two were born heroes. Bruce Wayne, orphaned son of a rich family. Would he have become the Batman if his parents had not died? If the Trojan War had not begun, would Odysseus have been anything more than the Prince of Ithaca? One can see their journeys, their wars, fights and frustrations as maturation into the heroes they become. It is certainly evident that Odysseus is a reluctant hero (24. 115-119) and the Batman certainly has times of reluctance, particularly during the ‘Knightfall’ storyline. The ‘Knightfall’ and ‘Knightsend’ storylines sees Batman encounter his own Trojan War, leading to his own Odyssey. The ‘Knightfall’ story was that of Bane's plan to release the inmates of Arkham Asylum, the home for the criminally insane. Batman wore himself out, physically and mentally, trying to recapture most of those criminals. Bane observed Batman throughout this time, learning as much as he could about him. Bane broke the Batman following an encounter at Wayne Manor.
The parallel to this is obviously Odysseus’ war at Troy, the massive struggles that he encounters. He is able to overcome many of the obstacles, as is Batman, using his “metis”. The eventual solution to the war is provided by Odysseus in the form of the Trojan Horse. What breaks Odysseus is his prevention from reaching home. I offer a comparison of Bane’s breaking of Batman to Odysseus’ involuntary imprisonment by Circe. The broken Batman passes the mantle of the bat to another, but denies Robin the chance to take on this burden; just as Telemachus is denied the possibility of redeeming his father by Athena. As Bruce Wayne, the old Batman, realises he must reclaim his old title, so does Odysseus fight for his freedom from Circe. In both their returns they face massive trials. Bruce must train his body and mind for his triumphal return; Odysseus must face many trials (Books 9-12), perhaps readying him for what awaits him upon his return. Both know that they face a battle when they return. To this end, both are disguised for their return until they are fully prepared to face their final test.

As well as the parallels of Batman to Odysseus, many can be found in their relationship to the secondary character, Robin and Telemachus respectively. Robin and Telemachus face a continual search for “Kleos”, a sense of glory and achievement vital to their maturation into heroes. Both Robin and Telemachus live in the shadow of their mentors, Batman and Odysseus respectively. The people Telemachus meets in the opening of the Odyssey always compare him to his father (4. 612 also 3. 122-125). While demeaning to a modern audience, this association clearly shows the heroic qualities of the boy especially to a Greek audience. Robin is continually denied his chances by Batman. He must strive against adversity (as Telemachus must strive against the machinations of the suitors) to prove himself to his master, and the world. The original Robin, Dick Grayson, realising he could not take the mantle of the Bat; he changes his identity to Nightwing and moves to fight crime in Blüdhaven. Nightwing is continually rebuffed by Batman, not only after Bruce Wayne is broken, but also in the recent ‘Murderer’ storyline.
Telemachus’ role in the Odyssey is much like that of Robin during Batman’s struggles in ‘Knightfall’. Robin is himself relegated by Batman to a secondary role, just as, upon Odysseus’ return, is Telemachus, fetching spears and shields for Odysseus’ defence (22. 101-103). However, this marks a vital change in the relationship of Telemachus and Odysseus. Telemachus saving Odysseus’ life from Amphinimous (22. 91-93) and becomes a team-mate. He now enjoys the same relationship that Robin has with Batman; it is significant that Telemachus is “standing by his side,” as now Telemachus is sufficiently mature to fight and kill with his father. The act itself is easily paralleled to many such events in Batman, for example the conclusion of Knightsend in Robin #9 in which Robin saves Batman from a last thug, Robin asks why he left himself wide open to attack, but Batman merely responds that he didn’t, “you were there.” Nightwing was the one who was upset and offended at the fact that the mantle was passed to Valley rather than him. Many of the villains who know he was the first Robin still act as though he plays that role. Perhaps ‘living in Bruce's shadow’ isn't appropriate phrasing for Nightwing’s relationship to Batman. Maybe it's just that Grayson is more of a son to Bruce than Drake is. Grayson is the only one who defended Bruce's name against all comers during the ‘Murderer’ story (Oracle, Batgirl, and Robin all suspected Bruce of doing the deed himself). But the best example of this occurs in ‘Prodigal’, when Nightwing does take Batman's place shortly after the events in ‘Knightfall’ are concluded: "I'd die for you, Bruce."

Just as Odysseus has his epic ‘aristeia’ (“One man’s heroic feat of arms against a series of powerful enemies.” Peter Jones), Batman faces the same troubles with the same solutions. In personal conflicts, the aristeiaic device remains in use. Book 22 of the Odyssey sees Odysseus engage upon his ‘aristeia’ in his battle against the suitors. One parallel of this in a Batman story is in Frank Miller’s ‘Dark Knight Returns’ which sees Batman battling a gang to restore order, but eventually having a climactic battle with Superman. All the attributes of such an ‘aristeia’ are there, the wounding in #3, the ‘divine’ inspiration of the new Robin throughout, the hordes of enemies building to the climax. The concept of the momentary defeat of Superman is one of great justice, brains over brawn. Another parallel is to the victory at Troy, entirely due to Odysseus’ cunning.

Parallels between the two media of comic book and ancient epic are easily drawn. Captain America, resurrected after a 50 year sleep must fight to find his place in a new time, a new world; just as Aeneas of Virgil’s Aeneid must seek his place and the place of his companions in a foreign place. I would conclude not only that the creation of Batman and Robin was directly influenced by Homer’s Odyssey and other ancient epics, but that comic books in themselves have marked the return of ancient literature into modern times. Superheroes are many, as were the heroes of old, it is hard to keep track of the number of either at times. Each has his own attribute, fantastic strength, a rubber body; these are comparable to the Greek heroes of old with their own epithets. The whole idea of amazing heroes fighting fantastical villains is born of Greek myth and legend.

bob · #18 12-21-2002, 06:28 PM

Well, Supes would beat Batman down in a fight(I mean, he is a SUPER hero), but Batman is cooler. He's darker, and he has had a cooler movies and cooler shows than superman.

Tweaky · #19 12-24-2002, 06:04 AM

i think bats would kick sup's a** any day. He's smart, cunning and he has gadgets and better agility then any man. After being hit with a kryptonite arrow(Dark knight strikes back) or an exploding kryptonite capsule, Superman is no stronger, or less, than Batman.

Plus, he's cool, dark and twisted.

Tingles · #20 12-24-2002, 06:08 AM

I would refer everyone to Dark Knight Returns #4 in which batman does beat superman...

IronedMan · #21 12-27-2002, 09:56 PM

But Batman cheated he had help from Green Arrow!

He would have got his arse beaten if he didn't have his precious Kryptonite!

marz · #22 12-28-2002, 04:51 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by IronedMan
But Batman cheated he had help from Green Arrow!

He would have got his arse beaten if he didn't have his precious Kryptonite!

That's why I think batman would beat supes
He thinks and plans ahead. To find out how a battle would work to his advantage. I don't think there is such a thing as cheap shots in a comic battle. You do what you have to, to win. If you know how to exploit your enemy's weakness, than do it.

QUENTIN · #23 12-29-2002, 09:15 PM

It's quite obvious many people need to seek serious psychological help, anyone who thinks Batman could so much as lay a harming finger on Superman is obviously completely and totally insane. Case closed....bunch of crazies 'round these parts, absolute mad men...

BTW -Even assuming Batman used his "cunning wits" and planned out the fight and was prepared with kryptonite, what would really happen? Superman would be able to see the kryptonite from a mile away with his x-ray vision, and blast the shit out of Batman's hand with the laser from his eyes, then he could beat or kill Batman with impunity as Superman is SUPER and Batman is just some guy with toys.

Dignan · #24 01-28-2003, 08:40 PM

Batman has kicked supes big blue arse once before, and he can damn welll do it again.

DaMovieMan · #25 02-11-2003, 11:39 AM

Lets get one thing straight.
Batman is way cooler becuase of his: gadgets, costume, car, realism, darkness, genius cunning and intelligent mind, chicks etc.
As a figure Batman wins.

If the two would fight .. .. it would be a close call but i think the genius mind would prevail and 'the man with tights' will go down. He is SUPER human, runs faster then a train, can fly, freezes and heats up shit with eyes, stronger than steel bla bla bla but krymtonite fucks him bad and when the Dark Knight figures out the way to stick it up his ass all he has to do is feed him an explosive krymptonite capsule and count the seconds before the super hero becomes smithereens.

DaMan

quoth_the_raven · #26 02-11-2003, 03:47 PM

come on, a better costume, a bit of darkness, some cool gadgets and a lot of brain.

its gotta be batman, but i see this one lasting till the 9th or 10th round.

but in the end its batman with kryptonite coated left.

Jimmy_K · #27 02-12-2003, 02:13 PM

I agree that superman is very powerful and all that. But then again when hes exposed to kryptonite he turns into a little girl. And Batman would obviously utilise this weakness to his advantage. so my vote goes to Batman

NDS · #28 03-02-2003, 05:47 AM

I have to go with Quentin on this one. I mean come on people, really. If Superman had to take out Batman he would knock him out in one punch with his super speed(probably take his head off too). Batman may be smart but he can't hit what he can't see. I mean he rivals Flash in speed and like Quentin said if Batman had krytonite then Supes could just fry his ass from a distance or blow him over or something like that. I think I'd give the fight a few seconds at the most.

Voodoodoll · #29 03-02-2003, 12:47 PM

Gotta be Bats - he's so paranoid he knows how to beat any of the other members of the JLA. As many others have said: Frank Miller settled this in Dark Knight Returns when Bats ruled supreme

Pootie · #30 03-02-2003, 08:05 PM

if you ask whos cooler i gotta go with batman. but if you think realisticly superman would kill him. i hate superman.

Dignan · #31 03-16-2003, 08:04 PM

Superman has always seemed like kind of a tool to me.

Invincible · #32 03-17-2003, 08:07 PM

Batman is no match for Superman, wtf are they thinking making a film about this?

SubMethod · #33 03-17-2003, 08:31 PM

Superman has super human powers, he can actually fly, he can deflect bullets, he's ultra strong, he can see through wall, Batman has a fruity sidekick, nipples on his suit, and a cool car. Superman would kill Batman easy.

Scarface98.9 · #34 03-18-2003, 07:10 PM

It's not insane to think Superman could get his ass handed to him by Batman. It has happened before, especially in Dark Knight Returns, one of my favorite stories. In the Superman/Batman case, Batman is David, Supes is Goliath, but David rules supreme over Goliath using his wits. But it's really a fight going to the 12th round

Trash Bag Man · #35 03-18-2003, 07:17 PM

APzombie · #36 03-19-2003, 04:03 PM

always the detective...

ever the boyscout...

I have to go with Batman. I love them both though.

Trash Bag Man · #37 03-19-2003, 05:32 PM

batman is better baby.

Raoul Duke · #38 03-20-2003, 03:08 PM

Batman, he has more human frailties, he's not all invinicble like Superman, i know Superman has kryptonite, but that only happens a little but of the time.