World's Finest

If I were to ask you who the two most recognized characters in the world are, what would you say? The answer: Superman and Batman. Superman alone has sold more merchandise across the globe than Mickey Mouse. Batman is the poster boy for all comic book heroes. Go anywhere in the world and people know who Superman and Batman are. I was amazed to discover on my trip to Africa that the children there could explain to me in precise detail who Superman was, but had never heard of Santa Claus. It would seem that they are in fact, the World's Finest.

I have many thoughts on Superman and Batman in regards to their upcoming film, and the most commonly asked question in the comic book world... Who would win?

Superman and Batman were the first superheroes to ever be published in comic book history. They were the first superheroes to receive television shows, movies, tin lunch pales etc. Why? Because everyone loves them! Superman is the most powerful man alive. He can lift an entire building off the ground and can move at the speed of light! He can see through walls, freeze things with his breath or melt them with his eyes. Plus, he can fly. He is everything we wish we could be. Plus, he is so humble and caring, that he would never dare to use his powers against humanity. He should be treated as a King, but he only asks to be treated as a friend. And then there is Batman...

Batman is a wonderful counterpart to Superman. He is the exact opposite. He is the peak of human intellect and strength. A master in countless forms of martial arts. This cold, calculated vigilante proves that you don't need superpowers to be a hero. Plus... He is so cool! What man alive doesn't wish he could be Batman? He rarely loses a fight, and if he does, he learns how to defeat his opponent, comes back and whoops their a-- butt.

So it makes sense that people would ask the question, "Who would win in a fight? Batman or Superman?" and to be completely honest... I HATE that question... You know what, never mind, that is a completely justified question. I hate people's responses:
"Batman obviously. All he needs is some kryptonite and he could kill Superman."
"Superman... He can just snap Batman's neck like General Zod."

A fight between Superman and Batman is not going to be settled that easily. Firstly let's take a look at Superman. In every fight in every comic and every movie, Superman holds back. He knows his power and he knows the damage it can cause, therefore he is afraid to use it. When he is fighting an enemy, rarely is he trying to destroy them... He is trying to force them to stop fighting back. However, Superman is lead by his emotions. If he was driven to a point of extreme hatred or rage, it is very possible that he could lose control and beat his enemy to death. So yes, it would seem that Superman could beat Batman in a fight... However Batman isn't like any opponent Superman has ever faced before.

Batman is the greatest tactician alive. If you ever have the opportunity to read the comic book, Batman Hush, I would encourage you to do so. In this comic book, Superman is enchanted by Poison Ivy and is forced to attack Batman and Catwoman. Batman then narrates his step by step process of defeating Superman. I've included a video of the fight below.

"I have to keep him contained so he can't fly. I yell at him to keep him distracted... Time to switch to hypersonics... Now it's about timing..."

Batman knows every move Superman will make before he makes it. But what is extremely interesting is how Batman knows with complete confidence that Superman will break free of Ivy's enchantment if they threaten Lois Lane's life. He wasn't trying to kill Superman. He was trying to help him. Which brings me to my final point... Superman and Batman are best friends.

They fight alongside each other, they trust each other, they love each other. Batman does not want to hurt Superman and Superman does not want to hurt Batman. Which is why both characters will always hold back when they are fighting one another. Sort of like two brothers in a wrestling match. The point is not to defeat, but to force the other one to submit.

The only exception to this has occurred once in the comics. Far in the future in Frank Miller's classic The
Dark Knight Returns. When Superman and Batman absolutely hate each other. It is a well fought battle with a believable ending. I've included the full fight from the animated film adaptation of the comic book below.

Now, to conclude this post I want to talk a little bit about the upcoming Batman vs. Superman film. There are two things I would like to discuss.
1. The lack of trust fans have in Director Zack Snyder, and their disappointment at the lack of Christopher Nolan
2. Their indistinguishable animosity towards Ben Affleck

Now, for those of you who are upset that Christopher Nolan will not be a part of the creative process for Batman vs. Superman and that he is now just an Executive Producer, I say this; SHUT UP. Nolan isn't God. Guess what, he was barely involved in Man of Steel. The studio basically just payed him for his name. And Nolan has made underwhelming films. Let's be honest... Man of Steel was better than The Dark Knight Rises. And he doesn't want to be a part of this series. Why place a project in the hands of someone who doesn't want it... Zack Snyder on the other hand is very passionate about these films.

For all of you comic book fans out there, don't be afraid to have faith in Snyder. Yeah, he has made bad movies (i.e. Sucker Punch, Legends of the Guardians) but he has also made great movies... 300, Watchmen.
If you are afraid that he won't be able to portray Batman adequately, go watch Watchmen. Rorschach was the highlight of that film... Very similar characteristics as Batman. I trust Zack Snyder and I think we can expect a great Batman/Superman movie from him... Maybe even Justice League?

And finally, Ben Affleck. Honestly people, get over Daredevil. That movie had a lot more flaws than Affleck. So don't throw all of the Blame on to him. He is a talented actor, a two-time Academy Award Winner and he has the perfect chin to play Batman... And it isn't like this is some difficult role to take on...Matt Damon said it best, "This isn't Macbeth, its Batman"

If you have any thoughts on the discussion of the age-old question "Who would win in a fight, Superman or Batman," or if you disagree with any of my thoughts about the upcoming film, please comment below, I would love to hear your thoughts.