EDITORIAL: Who is Marvel's Batman?

EDITORIAL: Who is Marvel's Batman?

This is a question that is commonly asked among comics fans: Who is Marvel's Batman? In this article, I explore the possibilities.

Editorial Opinion
By GuardianDevil - Mar 21, 2013 12:03 PM EST
Filed Under: Comics
Source: Fenix122

Hello friends, this a commonly asked question among us. Batman is among the most popular superheroes of all time. We all like Batman to some extent (many more than others) and while everyone loves Batman, the question still pokes at our minds from time to time. We wonder who Marvel's equivalent of Batman really is, and why he would be. In this article I am going to explore the different possibilities of Marvel's Batman, and why they are listed. Please read and enjoy, let's get started.


Who is Marvel's Batman?







Iron Man



Iron Man, he is usually the top answer when this question is asked among fans. It makes sense that he would be, there are quite a few similarities between the two. The first (and most important) of which is the brains. Both are geniuses and billionaires who use their vast knowledge and skill to help make the world a better place. Although it is up for debate as to which one is smarter, Iron Man is at least equally as smart or arguably smarter than Batman. They have both developed some pretty insane technology, and both are masters of scientific knowledge and engineering. Batman even has a few Iron Man-esque suits of his own and tons of gadgets as well. The second similarity between the two is their lifestyle when not acting as a superhero, both are huge billionaires with tons of money and no trouble financially. Both have interesting butlers who are also their good friends (Alfred and Jarvis). But I think the biggest similarity here is their indulgence (sometimes overly so) in women and also alcohol. Iron Man is an alcoholic, Batman isn't one but he does drink quite a bit. Also, they both have slept with more women than we could count. While there are differences, Iron Man isn't as driven as Batman. Nor does he feel bound to his work as much as Batman does. Also, another big difference between Batman and Iron Man is the level of technology, they both have advanced technology but Iron Man's is far more advanced that Batman's. You also have to look at the fact that without his tech, Batman is also a highly skilled fighter, while Iron Man is not. Through and through, these two are quite similar, both have built their crime fighting tools and techniques using only their own ingenuity and brains. There are many similarities between these characters, and Iron Man could very well be Marvel's Batman.








Captain America


Captain America, another popular answer that comes up when asked who is Marvel's Batman. There are more similarities between these two than you might think, I'll name a few. First off is the skill, you have to admit that these two are almost equally skilled. Both are said to be masters of most of the martial arts in the world. They both have a very similar fighting style, blending various martial arts together in a perfect way that works on the battlefield. The other big similarity here is the fact that both of these guys are one of, if not THE best strategic mind on the planet. They've both had a ton of combat experience, and both are tacticians greater than most in the world and rivaled by few. Both seem to have the ability to solve almost problem they come across. Lastly, both are the fearless, courageous, brave and brilliant leaders of their respective teams the Justice League of America, and The Avengers. Overall, these two have many similarities but differences as well. Batman is dark and grim, while Cap has positive outlook on life and everything that happens. Batman has a far darker personality while Cap is more optimistic and light hearted. Overall, there are a great many similarities between these two, and Captain America is a serious possibility when thinking of Marvel's Batman.








Black Panther


Black Panther, he sure seems like he should be Marvel's Batman. But let's take a closer look shall we? First off the appearance, this one is the most obvious. They are both mostly black and sometimes gray, and both have little pointy ears that stick up from their heads (hehe). They are quite similar in appearance this isn't the only similarity between them. Next is the brains, T'Challa has a genius level mind around Stark-level. Batman is also very close to that, they're both total geniuses scientifically. Next is tactical skill, as with Captain America, Panther is one of the world's finest tactical and strategic minds, as is Batman. Again, same as Cap, they're both fearless warriors and superb leaders. Lastly, skill-level. They're very close to each other in this department, both are stated to be masters of most fighting styles in the world, and both use a very similar fighting technique. However, a big difference between these two is that Panther is a king, while Batman is more of a vigilante. The Black Panther seems like he should be the obvious choice, but let's look into the last two.








Moon Knight


Moon Knight, not the most popular of all characters I admit but he's actually very similar to the Batman. His skill-level and fighting style is very similar to Batman's just like with Captain America and Black Panther, however unlike those two he isn't anywhere near as skilled as the Bat. He seems like should be, but based off of his feats and his shown skills he just isn't although the style is quite similar. Next is his looks, just like with Black Panther, Moon Knight's resembles that of Batman very much, the major difference there is the white and black. Next is the insanity, Batman is actually insane he does what he does out of a seemingly "religious" devotion to his crime fighting and it seems to affect everyone around him. Moon Knight is similar to this except that he actually IS a religious zealot, unlike with Batman where it just seems that way. Moon Knight serves Khonsu in his quest for vengeance and feels that he is bound to serve him as his avatar the vigilante. Batman is similar, he feels as if he is bound to his crime-fighting and he feels the need to keep at it no matter who it might affect. The biggest similarity, I feel is that both have a somewhat psychotic drive to keep at it, no matter what the cost is they are both driven and unstoppable. I'd say the biggest difference between these two, is Moon Knight's willingness to take life. Moon Knight will kill and he does so very often, Batman refrains from killing.
In the end, Moon Knight isn't a very popular character but he is very similar to Batman.








Daredevil


Daredevil, this is my personal favorite for the title. Daredevil has many similarities to Batman and I'll name a few. Obviously skill-level, but I've already elaborated on that in the previous paragraphs. Daredevil is fighter on par with Batman, he has fought and defeated some of the world's top tier martial artists like Iron Fist and Wolverine. Aside from skill-level, Daredevil and Batman both fight crime with the same methods. Fear and intimidation, they've both chosen a dark and terrifying symbol used to strike fear into the hearts of their enemies. Batman has chosen a bat as his symbol of fear, while obviously chose a devil. They both will use some unorthodox methods of crime fighting, like torture for example. Although both have a strong moral code against killing, and Daredevil has only broken this code once. Lastly, is their femme fatale love interests. Batman has had love interests in his enemies/allies like Catwoman, while Daredevil has had the same with the likes of Elektra and Black Widow. In my opinion, the greatest similarity here is the vigilante gig, and who they are under the mask. The others I've mentioned (besides Moon Knight) are all fighting on a big scale like Captain America and Iron Man. Batman is a street vigilante, and that's what I feel is one of his greatest similarities to Daredevil is. Daredevil is one of the top choices for the title of Marvel's Batman. I had planned to write one for the Punisher as well, but it would've said basically everything this one said. Except that his symbol of fear is a skull, not a devil or a bat.






These are the top choices for the title of Marvel's Batman, sound off in the comments about who you think is Marvel's Batman. I'd love to hear some feedback about my article as well.
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WorstUserNameEver
WorstUserNameEver - 3/21/2013, 12:39 PM
As far as the MCU and the more recent comics go I'd say Nick Fury sort of fits the Batman psychology best.

Manipulative, single minded and willing to make the hard decisions at the expense of his peers.

Ironman obviously has the money/intellect, Panther has the intellect/athleticism/resources (similar(ish) suit also), Moon Knight and DD the gritty, brooding does not take BS attitude...

None have the whole package though and that is why it has always been a debate I guess.
Spideyguy94
Spideyguy94 - 3/21/2013, 1:13 PM
@LEVITIKUZ Captain America is a very different character from superman. The only thing he's got in common with superman is that they are both the ones everyone looks up to and they lead the main superhero team and that's it.
Spideyguy94
Spideyguy94 - 3/21/2013, 1:19 PM
None of them really. Daredevil is the closest but even then he's not a thing like him. The only daredevil shares with batman is the tone,but even that's been changed with for DD with mark waids run going in a more light hearted direction.
MrReese
MrReese - 3/21/2013, 1:43 PM
Double D XD
marvel72
marvel72 - 3/21/2013, 2:05 PM
tony stark sort of mirrors bruce wayne.

daredevil & batman are probably more alike due to being no powers street level characters.
r3negade
r3negade - 3/21/2013, 2:08 PM
Probably Daredevil.
GuardianDevil
GuardianDevil - 3/21/2013, 2:19 PM
@marvel72
Daredevil does have a few powers, super senses and a radar sense.

@LEVITIKUZ
I agree somewhat about Captain America, I'd say Captain America is Superman's personality and morals combined with Batman's skill-set and abilities.
Hellsing
Hellsing - 3/21/2013, 2:21 PM
There is no Batman of Marvel, same as there is no Spider-Man of DC. The article written very well but it's kinda pointless in my view no offence to your article or anything its clear that you've put thought in to it. But for me there is no equivalent, sure theres characteristic that they all share but thats just a given.

Daredevil is wholly different character when compared to Batman, same with the rest. Not gonna deny that there's certain similarities but again to me personally its kinda pointless trying to figure out who's the equivalent of who.
calin88
calin88 - 3/21/2013, 2:29 PM
Batman is
Spiderman - most popular character, also big rogue gallery
Ironman - most popular movie character
Moonight - very similar in look
Black Panther - invisible predator moves
Cap - incorruptible good guy
Banner/Pym - very smart
Daredevil - human
GuardianDevil
GuardianDevil - 3/21/2013, 2:31 PM
@Spiderguy
DD and Bats share alot more than the tone, skill-level is roughly equal. Both have chosen a terrifying symbol to strike fear into the hearts of their enemies. There are many similarities between them...
BritishKnight
BritishKnight - 3/21/2013, 2:34 PM
Daredevil.
TheSuperguy
TheSuperguy - 3/21/2013, 3:19 PM
What about Punisher? He comes to mind, but my pick for Marvel's Batman is Daredevil.
GuardianDevil
GuardianDevil - 3/21/2013, 3:42 PM
@SUPERGUY15
I mentioned Punisher in DD's section of the article. It would've basically said everything that the Daredevil one said, except a skull instead of a bat.
Spideyguy94
Spideyguy94 - 3/21/2013, 3:45 PM
@fenix22 True, but in terms of character they are nothing alike.
johnblake
johnblake - 3/21/2013, 3:50 PM
i would say Daredevil
GuardianDevil
GuardianDevil - 3/21/2013, 4:17 PM
@Dellamorte
Moon Knight has super powers, depending on the phases of the moon he can lift 1-3 tons, which puts at superhuman level strength.
GuardianDevil
GuardianDevil - 3/21/2013, 4:21 PM
Btw, DD also knows an incalculable amount of martial arts and fighting skills just like Batman. Bats and DD are out of MK's league in terms of skill.

MK's best feats to date are stalemating Punisher and beating Nick Fury. He is a master martial artist but not as good as DD or Bats.
marvel72
marvel72 - 3/21/2013, 4:23 PM
@ Fenix122

okay he has heighten senses but he isn't super strong or got heat vision,that's what i class as super powers.
Tainted87
Tainted87 - 3/21/2013, 4:25 PM
Definitely not Moon Knight.

Marc is an ultra-violent schizo who used to kill for a living, and now kills/maims criminals for a god he believes to exist. Or at least, that was the spin that I liked the most (Charlie Huston is a favorite of mine). Yes, he alienated his friends. Yes, he has gadgets, shurikens, even a Mooncopter... but his principles are not even CLOSE to the standard Batman sets.
---

Closest thing to Batman is Daredevil. Trademark brooding (more than most), trademark anti-heroes, trademark no-killing, and more than once they've had their arch nemesis in their hands and failed to "do what must be done". Daredevil protects Hell's Kitchen, and his secret identity is just as important as Matt Murdock.
GuardianDevil
GuardianDevil - 3/21/2013, 4:34 PM
@dellamorte
Yeah, but youve got to admit that DD is a fighter on par with Batman. Or at LEAST close...he's got the feats for it too. That's a huge similarity right there, also that they're terrifying night vigilantes with a symbol of fear. There are quite a few similarities between DD and Bats.
GuardianDevil
GuardianDevil - 3/21/2013, 4:36 PM
@marvel72
True, but DD's senses are far beyond the reach of any human senses. They work on a superhuman level, a level that no human could ever reach.

IMO, that's a super power.
kong
kong - 3/21/2013, 4:41 PM
Moon Knight was a billionaire also. I say Moon Knight or Daredevil. I can see Daredevil and Moon Knight being in a film by Chris Nolan (that's not why i picked them though.
Tainted87
Tainted87 - 3/21/2013, 4:42 PM
Moon Knight partners up with Frank....

I'd be scared too.
Tainted87
Tainted87 - 3/21/2013, 4:49 PM
Moon Knight isn't a genius proficient in just about every form of engineering known to man - he has the training of a mercenary. He [had] Frenchie do all the work for him.

Batman's THE DETECTIVE. Marc is a soldier.
Tainted87
Tainted87 - 3/21/2013, 4:51 PM
Marc policing NYC isn't exclusive to his personality - so does Tony (well, when he's in town and feeling like it), so does Cap, so does Spider-man, so does Luke Cage (not just Harlem). Gotham is a fictional city....
Tainted87
Tainted87 - 3/21/2013, 4:54 PM
Matt and Natasha - Bruce and Selina...
Tainted87
Tainted87 - 3/21/2013, 4:55 PM
or Elektra....

Truth is, Batman is his own unique character, and Marvel doesn't actually have an equivalent.
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