Tale of the Tape: Batman vs. Superman

How Do They Measure Up in a Clash of Comic Book Titans

The co-screenwriter of the recently announced sequel to Man of Steel, David S. Goyer,  appears to have revealed that it will be named 'Batman vs Superman' or something like that. The inference being that there will be some adversarial conflict between the two caped powerhouses. This is not new territory but it is interesting that Warner Bros., director Zack Snyder and producer Christopher Nolan have chosen to take this particular angle in the sequel. The two heroes famously battled in the classic Frank Miller graphic novel, The Dark Knight Returns, although during the announcement at the San Diego Comic-Con, Snyder made clear it would not be adapted from this material. They did introduce the announcement with a clever quote from it:

I want you to remember, Clark. In all the years to come, in your most private moments. I want you to remember my hand at your throat. I want you to remember the man who beat you. - Batman

The obvious question coming from the non-comic book community on social media is how could Batman fight Superman? I mean, it's laughable, right?  Supes would win easily. It's no contest! As those of us who know, nothing is impossible in comics, not even resurrection from death. The easy answer is Batman is incredibly intelligent and supremely paranoid. That is why his contingency plans have contingency plans. Nothing is left to chance with Batman. He attempts to plan for anything and everything. If Plan A fails he goes to Plan B-Z if necessary. Also, he finds his opponents weaknesses and uses them against them. In Superman's case it's Kryptonite that can harm and weaken him and that will help even the playing field. It's his diligence that has kept Batman alive and on top despite not
having superhuman strength, a cosmic ring or  psychic fish powers. (Not that you'd want psychic fish powers) 

Batman is also mentally cunning and could use Superman's naivety and compassion for his adopted planet and its inhabitants, namely one Lois Lane against him. He has to find a way to counter Supes extraordinary powers from super speed, strength and senses by being ruthless and smart. History tells us if anyone can do it it's Bats. We'll see how Goyer and Co. manipulate this epic battle. It should be an exciting blockbuster unlike we've seen on screen before. 

More after the jump...

Name: Superman 

                                                              

Real Name: Kal El (birth) Clark Kent (adopted)    

      

Height: 6' 3" 

                                                                      

Weight: 235 lbs

                                                                 

Place of birth: Kryptonopolis, Krypton

                        

Base of operations: Metropolis

                                   

Strengths: flight, super-strength, invulnerability to most attacks, super-speed, vision powers (including x-ray, heat-emitting, telescopic, infrared, and microscopic vision), super-hearing, super-intelligence, and super-breath.

Weaknesses: Exposure to green Kryptonite radiation nullifies Superman's powers and immobilizes him with pain and nausea; prolonged exposure will eventually kill him.

Name: Batman

Real Name: Bruce Wayne

Height:6' 2"

Weight: 210lbs

Place of birth: Gotham City

Base of operations: Gotham City

Strengths: Trained himself to intellectual and physical perfection and learning a variety of crime-fighting skills, including chemistry, criminology, forensics, martial arts, gymnastics, disguise, and escape artistry. 

Weaknesses: Batman does not possess superhuman abilities. He is susceptible to pain and injury like other mortal beings albeit with a higher threshold than most. He relies on his intellect, skills and arsenal to overcome his physical abilities especially against those with super or magical powers.