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| Superman | 63% | 767 votes | Total: 1208 votes | |
| Spiderman | 37% | 441 votes |
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Add to FavoritesThe question of Superman vs. Spiderman boils down to a comparison of power vs. cunning. Superman goes faster than a speeding bullet, is more powerful than a locomotive, so on and so forth. Spiderman can swing off buildings with web, has a beautiful lady who actually knows his secret, and has a cooler suit. Which superhero is better? My nod goes to Superman.
Ever since we learned the secrets of Clark Kent, a mild-mannered reporter, audiences have been awed by his superhuman strength, breakneck speed, and great heart. He flies, has x-ray vision (to the jealousy of many men), and can bend steel. His comic books have been printed since the Great Depression and represent what man wishes they could be. Who doesn't want to achieve some of the feats that the Man of Steel can perform with ease? His one weakness, kryptonite, represents the classic fatal flaw of a hero in literary history. A green element creates an element of humanity in the nearly-perfect good-doer. A sense of imperfection that almost lets the reader relate to him as we all have our weaknesses that need to be fought and overcome. Superman does such that.
Spiderman represents the modern cool hero. Dorky Peter Parker receives his power almost by sheer luck and becomes a symbol of an anti-hero: a crusader that doesn't fit the mold. Petey faces the ire of his boss, has a normal family, and struggles with the responsibilities that come with being a superhero. He is realer yet not superior. Although Spiderman injects a practicality into the comic-book world, his powers are somewhat substandard. His main form of transportation is a webbed string which is inferior to the ability to fly. Spidey can hang from walls, jump really high, and narrowly escape danger but he wins battles on the sake of might and will instead of power and ability. These traits would be admirable in a debate of heart but not a direct comparison of two superheroes.
In the end, Superman, with his superior strength, speed, and symbolism, wins the battle versus the sleeker, practical, human super hero Peter Parker. Each character will draw his own fans, however, without Superman, would Spiderman even exist?
Learn more about this author, Tim Carson.
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Spiderman
It has always been my believe that strength is not the definitive factor in choosing a better superhero. You side beside a superhero because there is some part of you that is constantly rooting for him, whether he be right or wrong, because you know in your heart that he'll still be good.
I cannot say that Superman isn't a good superhero. In fact, he's one of the best. He has the strength, and the will, to save people and will give his all to do that. Spider-man has that very same drive and powers, though they are on a different level. The different between them, in my eyes, is that Spider-man is a person that I can find a deeper connection to on a human level.
Peter Parker is, in ever sense, just a regular guy. He was a nerd in high school, shunned by those that were bigger and stronger than him. He knows what it felt like to be the underdog. He didn't have the time as a young man to slowly find out that he had superpowers. Instead, they were suddenly thrust upon him and, though a horrid twist of fate that took one of only a handful of people he considered close to him, he was faced with the decision to fight for right or wrong not because he was obligated but because of what he felt in his heart. So, he chose the side of good.
Though he may seem cocky at times it isn't because he's completely full of himself (at least not all the time). It's because when you're fighting against something that could possibly kill you if you make the wrong move you can't afford to be unsure of yourself. Your enemy can see your weaknesses and there's no time for hesitation. His corny humor and bad puns help him stay calm during the worse of times and if bad jokes are the easiest way to blind your target with frustration and anger then I say bring on the quips!
And if many haven't noticed already, Peter Parker is not good with women. Keeping your secret identity from those you care about the most is difficult enough, but having someone so close to you die just because you believe in truth and justice is something that many will never experience. He's lost many women he's cared about because of his alias and though there were times when he put aside his mask and suit because he didn't want to lost them a part of his conscience eventually get through.
My love for Spider-man isn't because he has cool powers, he's strong, flexible, and is funny. He doesn't have laser or x-ray vision, he can't fly, and he certainly can't leap clear over a building without using up a lot of webbing; he got the tar beat out of him in a fight against Juggernaut; and sometimes his jokes are so bad that I just end up laughing at the fact that he bothered to say them at all.
I love Spider-man because no matter how hard he's hit he'll get right back, and compared to Super-man I'm sure he takes a lot more damage.
Learn more about this author, Mooky.
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