Top 10 Reasons Why Batman Is Better Than Superman
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VOICE OVER: Dan Paradis
Shane O'Gorman
When it comes to DC comics' two most popular superheroes, only one can truly reign supreme (pssst, we think it's the dude dressed in black). Welcome to WatchMojo.com and today we'll be counting down our picks for the Top 10 Reasons why Batman is Better than Superman.
For this list, we're comparing Gotham's protector to the last son of Krypton to determine what it is that makes Batman a more compelling character overall than Superman.
When it comes to DC comics' two most popular superheroes, only one can truly reign supreme (pssst, we think it's the dude dressed in black). Welcome to WatchMojo.com and today we'll be counting down our picks for the Top 10 Reasons why Batman is Better than Superman.
For this list, we're comparing Gotham's protector to the last son of Krypton to determine what it is that makes Batman a more compelling character overall than Superman.
When it comes to DC comics’ two most popular superheroes, only one can truly reign supreme (pssst, we think it’s the dude dressed in black). Welcome to WatchMojo.com and today we’ll be counting down our picks for the Top 10 Reasons why Batman is Better than Superman.
For this list, we’re comparing Gotham’s protector to the last son of Krypton to determine what it is that makes Batman a more compelling character overall than Superman.
#10: He’s a Deeper Character
Fighting for truth, justice and the American way; all in all, Superman is a pretty likeable guy. He does what’s right and always fights the good fight. While that is admirable and all, it doesn’t leave the Man of Steel with nearly as much room for dramatic depth as Batman. Always walking along that grey area between right and wrong, with the choices he makes and consequences he faces, Batman is a morally complex figure. Furthermore, behind all his wealth and bat-gadgets, he’s a pretty troubled guy, having experienced painful loss and traumatic events more times than any one person should. Basically… Supes is awesome, but Batman is just more interesting.
#9: Bruce Wayne Is Cooler Than Clark Kent
In order to protect his identity, Kal-El lives day-to-day as mild-mannered reporter Clark Kent. It makes sense - few people would stop to consider the fact that this unassuming man bears a striking resemblance to Superman. Albeit effective, it costs Supes more than a few cool points when compared to Batman’s alias: Bruce Wayne. When not defending his city, Bats is able to return to a comfortable lifestyle as a respected, philanthropic public figure. Don’t get us wrong, journalism is super-respectable… but if you were to live as one of the two alter egos for a day, which would you choose? The journalist or the billionaire playboy? On that note...
#8: He’s Got Sexier Lady Friends
It would seem that women gravitate towards the mysterious bad boy after all. Superman has a solid thing going with Lois Lane, which is totally nice and everything… but Batman is a real ladykiller. Vicki Vale and Silver St. Cloud are just two standouts in a long list of beautiful romantic interests. What’s perhaps most interesting however, are the female supervillains in his little black book. Talia Al Ghul may be one of his deadliest foes, but the two have shared some seriously steamy moments in various continuities. Of course, Batman’s on again/off again relationship with sexy villain turned antihero Catwoman single-handedly trumps any of Superman’s romantic interests.
#7: The Batmobile
Need we go beyond the title on this one? The Batmobile is a force to be reckoned with. Heck, the vehicle is decked out with so many gadgets and gizmos that, were Batman feeling particularly lazy one night, he could very well fight crime from inside his car. The Batmobile is nearly as iconic as Batman himself, with most interpretations from over the years bringing something new and exciting to this historic ride. If anybody tells you their dream car is a Camaro, Mustang or Ferrari…they’re totally lying. Everyone wants the Batmobile. As for the Supermobile… well, the less said about that, the better.
#6: He Has a Better Secret Lair
We get it, being a superhero must be exhausting and sometimes you just want a little time to yourself. But, c’mon… The fortress of ‘solitude’? Isn’t that a little on the nose, Clark? Not only is the location remote (and unbearably chilly), but…the interior is in desperate need of an update. It’s…just glass and ice. We’re not saying a cave is any more glamorous, but just look at all the cool stuff Batman surrounds himself with! A supercomputer, a wardrobe of situation specific Bat-costumes - even a home gym! To top it off, the term ‘bat-cave’ just rolls off the tongue better. It’s like a man-cave, but for a BATMAN!
#5: He’s Got the Bat Family
Batman may have the whole brooding loner image to preserve, but he’s amassed quite the extended family over the years. While many an eyebrow has been raised at his habit of taking young boys under his cape, there’s no denying that these various young vigilantes have all contributed to his overall appeal. Each new Robin has brought something new to the table, evolving into the likes of Nightwing, Red Hood and Red Robin. Then you’ve got the various Batgirls, Batwoman, Huntress and so on. And last, but - certainly not least, Alfred! Meanwhile, over at the Fortress of Solitude, Superman has…a dog, a cousin and a clone. Not bad… but certainly no competition for the Batfamily.
#4: He Has a Better Origin Story
Here’s a condensed version of Superman’s origin: after his home world goes kablooie, his parents send him to our planet and he becomes our protector. Now let’s take a gander at Batman: After seeing his parents shot to death in a back alley, Bruce Wayne dedicates his life to striking fear into the hearts of criminals everywhere. So, we ask you, of these two gentlemen, whose backstory interests you more? Whose reason for protecting the innocent is more appealing? The guy who does it because he can? Or the one who transformed himself into the ultimate crime fighter because they wanted to? Superman’s origin story is still better than most superheroes, but Batman’s truly defines him.
#3: He Has a Better Rogues Gallery
Not much explanation needed here, but let’s give a quick highlights reel from Batman’s plethora of villains. Ready? The Joker, Two-Face, Mr. Freeze, Penguin, Catwoman, Ra’s Al Ghul, Bane, Riddler, Scarecrow, Killer Croc, Hugo Strange…shall we continue? Each of these characters seem to play off Batman’s strengths and weaknesses in their own way, ensuring satisfying confrontations every single time. Superman’s got General Zod, Brainiac and Lex Luthor, three truly formidable foes to be sure... but the list goes downhill fast from there. In terms of both quantity and quality, Batman’s list of villains just knocks it out of the park. No contest here.
#2: He Can Beat Superman
If Superman were watching this, he’d likely be a little ticked off. But we stand by the point. Sure, Superman is faster than a speeding bullet and all that jazz, but give Batman a little time to formulate a plan of attack and even godlike beings such as Superman can be taken down. You see, Batman has just as much brains as he does brawn, and by human standards... he’s got a whole lotta brawn. Superman can move as many mountains as he wants, but if ol’ Batsy finds a weakness he can exploit, you’d better believe that he will. And Supes…? He’s already got more than one contingency plan waiting for you.
#1: He Doesn’t Need Superpowers
When you take away the cape and cowl, Batman is just a regular guy. Sure, he’s a regular guy that knows tons of martial arts and has a bunch of expensive technology at his disposal but... we digress. Superman is functionally invincible, so of course he can do what he does. Batman is only human. He can bleed. He can die. He saw what was wrong with the world and willingly chose to push himself well beyond his limits in order to make it better. It grounds him closer to reality and thus closer to the rest of us. He is someone relatable, who, despite being fictional, pushes us to better ourselves.
For this list, we’re comparing Gotham’s protector to the last son of Krypton to determine what it is that makes Batman a more compelling character overall than Superman.
#10: He’s a Deeper Character
Fighting for truth, justice and the American way; all in all, Superman is a pretty likeable guy. He does what’s right and always fights the good fight. While that is admirable and all, it doesn’t leave the Man of Steel with nearly as much room for dramatic depth as Batman. Always walking along that grey area between right and wrong, with the choices he makes and consequences he faces, Batman is a morally complex figure. Furthermore, behind all his wealth and bat-gadgets, he’s a pretty troubled guy, having experienced painful loss and traumatic events more times than any one person should. Basically… Supes is awesome, but Batman is just more interesting.
#9: Bruce Wayne Is Cooler Than Clark Kent
In order to protect his identity, Kal-El lives day-to-day as mild-mannered reporter Clark Kent. It makes sense - few people would stop to consider the fact that this unassuming man bears a striking resemblance to Superman. Albeit effective, it costs Supes more than a few cool points when compared to Batman’s alias: Bruce Wayne. When not defending his city, Bats is able to return to a comfortable lifestyle as a respected, philanthropic public figure. Don’t get us wrong, journalism is super-respectable… but if you were to live as one of the two alter egos for a day, which would you choose? The journalist or the billionaire playboy? On that note...
#8: He’s Got Sexier Lady Friends
It would seem that women gravitate towards the mysterious bad boy after all. Superman has a solid thing going with Lois Lane, which is totally nice and everything… but Batman is a real ladykiller. Vicki Vale and Silver St. Cloud are just two standouts in a long list of beautiful romantic interests. What’s perhaps most interesting however, are the female supervillains in his little black book. Talia Al Ghul may be one of his deadliest foes, but the two have shared some seriously steamy moments in various continuities. Of course, Batman’s on again/off again relationship with sexy villain turned antihero Catwoman single-handedly trumps any of Superman’s romantic interests.
#7: The Batmobile
Need we go beyond the title on this one? The Batmobile is a force to be reckoned with. Heck, the vehicle is decked out with so many gadgets and gizmos that, were Batman feeling particularly lazy one night, he could very well fight crime from inside his car. The Batmobile is nearly as iconic as Batman himself, with most interpretations from over the years bringing something new and exciting to this historic ride. If anybody tells you their dream car is a Camaro, Mustang or Ferrari…they’re totally lying. Everyone wants the Batmobile. As for the Supermobile… well, the less said about that, the better.
#6: He Has a Better Secret Lair
We get it, being a superhero must be exhausting and sometimes you just want a little time to yourself. But, c’mon… The fortress of ‘solitude’? Isn’t that a little on the nose, Clark? Not only is the location remote (and unbearably chilly), but…the interior is in desperate need of an update. It’s…just glass and ice. We’re not saying a cave is any more glamorous, but just look at all the cool stuff Batman surrounds himself with! A supercomputer, a wardrobe of situation specific Bat-costumes - even a home gym! To top it off, the term ‘bat-cave’ just rolls off the tongue better. It’s like a man-cave, but for a BATMAN!
#5: He’s Got the Bat Family
Batman may have the whole brooding loner image to preserve, but he’s amassed quite the extended family over the years. While many an eyebrow has been raised at his habit of taking young boys under his cape, there’s no denying that these various young vigilantes have all contributed to his overall appeal. Each new Robin has brought something new to the table, evolving into the likes of Nightwing, Red Hood and Red Robin. Then you’ve got the various Batgirls, Batwoman, Huntress and so on. And last, but - certainly not least, Alfred! Meanwhile, over at the Fortress of Solitude, Superman has…a dog, a cousin and a clone. Not bad… but certainly no competition for the Batfamily.
#4: He Has a Better Origin Story
Here’s a condensed version of Superman’s origin: after his home world goes kablooie, his parents send him to our planet and he becomes our protector. Now let’s take a gander at Batman: After seeing his parents shot to death in a back alley, Bruce Wayne dedicates his life to striking fear into the hearts of criminals everywhere. So, we ask you, of these two gentlemen, whose backstory interests you more? Whose reason for protecting the innocent is more appealing? The guy who does it because he can? Or the one who transformed himself into the ultimate crime fighter because they wanted to? Superman’s origin story is still better than most superheroes, but Batman’s truly defines him.
#3: He Has a Better Rogues Gallery
Not much explanation needed here, but let’s give a quick highlights reel from Batman’s plethora of villains. Ready? The Joker, Two-Face, Mr. Freeze, Penguin, Catwoman, Ra’s Al Ghul, Bane, Riddler, Scarecrow, Killer Croc, Hugo Strange…shall we continue? Each of these characters seem to play off Batman’s strengths and weaknesses in their own way, ensuring satisfying confrontations every single time. Superman’s got General Zod, Brainiac and Lex Luthor, three truly formidable foes to be sure... but the list goes downhill fast from there. In terms of both quantity and quality, Batman’s list of villains just knocks it out of the park. No contest here.
#2: He Can Beat Superman
If Superman were watching this, he’d likely be a little ticked off. But we stand by the point. Sure, Superman is faster than a speeding bullet and all that jazz, but give Batman a little time to formulate a plan of attack and even godlike beings such as Superman can be taken down. You see, Batman has just as much brains as he does brawn, and by human standards... he’s got a whole lotta brawn. Superman can move as many mountains as he wants, but if ol’ Batsy finds a weakness he can exploit, you’d better believe that he will. And Supes…? He’s already got more than one contingency plan waiting for you.
#1: He Doesn’t Need Superpowers
When you take away the cape and cowl, Batman is just a regular guy. Sure, he’s a regular guy that knows tons of martial arts and has a bunch of expensive technology at his disposal but... we digress. Superman is functionally invincible, so of course he can do what he does. Batman is only human. He can bleed. He can die. He saw what was wrong with the world and willingly chose to push himself well beyond his limits in order to make it better. It grounds him closer to reality and thus closer to the rest of us. He is someone relatable, who, despite being fictional, pushes us to better ourselves.
