One is considered the "big blue boyscout". The other is "a dark knight". One is an alien instilled with the ultimate power and faith in the American way. The other is a cynical, demented man with no power just looking to better his city. Many say the former is the better hero, as well as many that say the later. And there are many logical arguements for both sides. But today I want to bring up a new point to the debate on who i think is better and why.
Batman has no powers, as many like to point out. He shouldn't even be able to wipe the ass of Superman, as many more like to point out. Both get their points across in different ways, Batman through intimidation, Superman through reasoning. And while Batman is only a man, Superman has a major weakness that not many point out, and I'm not talking about Kryptonite. Superman, unlike Batman, is corruptable.
The Man of Steel may have been raised with the American Way, but that doesn't neccessarily mean he keeps it. And sometimes he takes it too far. Batman has grown into a force made to stop Superman in recent years. Batman's mission has extended from protecting the people, to having to manage Superman.
To bring up my first point, The Dark Knight Returns. This 80's comic has an aged Batman fight a Superman corrupted by the American government. And he does this and wins (even though some call bullshit on this fight). This is because Batman knows the stakes if he loses. He knows a corrupted Superman is a horrible thing for the world.
Next, we have Kingdom Come, one of the most critically and commercially successful graphic novels to be released. Superman may be the main character, but he is corrupted, this time against the system. Superman no longer has faith in the American Way, and takes matters into his own hands. And when he asks Batman to join, Batman refuses because he see's the error in his ways, and begins to form a new plan.
Third, we have the Hush storyline in Batman. While not for long, Superman is corrupted by Poison Ivy's toxins to do her bidding, leading to an epic fight between Batman and Superman. Batman knows he may not be able to last long, but that doesn't stop him from trying.
Lastly, we have Injustice, where again, Superman becomes corrupted against the ameriacn way and fights the world. Batman then forms his own team to fight, and refuses to back down from what he knows is a ticking time bomb.
So, what's the point? The point is that there is no specific storyline where Batman become's corrupted from the Justice League, or the world. In 2002's Tower of Babel line Batman is kicked out of the Justice League for coming up with plans in the case one of the leaguers goes rogue. And so far, they could have come into use many times throughout comic book history. Batman has stayed true to his mission, and more, making him, in my eyes, the better hero.
Now, who I think would win in a fight? I think it depends on the circumstances. Batman once said "I don't want to fight you Clark, because then I would have to kill you". That means that if Batman had to truly fight him for the sake of the world, he would do what is necessary. Superman may have ultimate power, but his corruptability is what makes him weak. Now, if the roles are reversed, and Batman is the corrupted one, I do think it would be closer, leaning towards Batman. But in a regular "hey, let's just measure dick's fight" I would have to give that one to Superman.
What do you think? Am I right? Terribly wrong? Let me know below. And hit the Red Thumb to show some love if you do like my idea.