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| Superman | 63% | 756 votes | Total: 1192 votes | |
| Spiderman | 37% | 436 votes |
Superman
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Add to FavoritesThere is simply no comparison. Superman is THE original superhero. He is the one that started the whole comic book superhero craze. Even in the Marvel universe, there is a special place for Superman, as witnessed by the many superman-like characters that intentionally are made to pay homage to the big guy. (For example, Gladiator is in every way just like Superman, right down to a similar looking outfit.)
All Superheroes must pay their dues and show their deference to Superman. They wouldn't exist without him. (DC Comics even went so far as to declare him the very first superhero in their universe to show this deference.)
Spider-man is awesome, to be sure. Like other Marvel Superheroes he's likable because of his flaws. He screws up saving his uncle and spends the rest of his life just doing the best he can. He wasn't prepared from birth to possess godlike superpowers, as was the last son of Krypton (Superman).
In a fight, there is no doubt of Superman's superiority. Superman is faster, stronger, and utterly invulnerable. Spider-man couldn't even make Superman wince.
When working together in an actual comic book team up, Spider-man was forced to watch helplessly as Superman fought the Hulk. (Yes, Superman beat the Hulk the strongest character in the Marvel Universe in every fight they've had.) Spider-man finally quips about how useless he is compared to Superman.
The problem is that Spider-man really is one of the best superheroes ever created. But none can compare to Superman.
On the other hand, both heroes managed to get married to beautiful women, so they are pretty equal in that department. But let's face it, Lois could kick Mary Jane's tail, so I still think Superman gets the nod on this one.
And finally, it just comes down to iconic status. Superman is the single best known fictional character across the world. You can go to any country in the world and people know who Superman is. He's mega popular in places like China. Top that Spider-boy!
Learn more about this author, BryanN.
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Spiderman
When you turn towards flagship characters, the two big S names come to mind. The Man of Tomorrow, Superman, and the Amazing Spider-Man. But who could possibly be the best?
I've always been a HUGE Spider-Man fan, and who wouldn't be? He's a character who is easily related to, for starters. Money problems, crushes on women far out of his league, and a long running string of pure bad luck. If you were to wake up tomorrow and be a superhero, chances are you'd be more like Spider-Man.
But its more than that. He has a believable origin that could just as easily be seen in your newspaper as in your comic book. No, not the radioactive spider elements; that's a bit far fetched. I'm talking about the needless death of his beloved Uncle Ben, murdered by the very thief that Spider-Man had allowed to escape him earlier that night. Driven by his Uncle's death, Spider-Man is a character motivated to atone for a grand sin that he can never really atone for. Several writers have referred to Spider-Man as the ultimate "lapsed Catholic" for this argument.
And then there's the style. The bright, red and blue costume with webs and giant eyes not only looks cool as hell, it gives off a bug-like appearance. The web shooters are a great offense and defense, and genuinely look like fun toys to have for yourself. And who wouldn't want to swing around the New York City skyline at night?
He's also boasting a far more impressive Rogues Gallery than the Man of Steel. Venom, Doctor Octopus, and the Green Goblin (just to name a few) are far more threatening in that they also have knowledge of, or some relationship to, Peter Parker just as much as Spider-Man. Not only can they physically attack and harm Spider-Man, but they also can destroy him emotionally. Its only his willpower and never ending desire to succeed that allow him to overcome such grand challenges.
In short, while Superman is a great character, Spider-Man will always be far superior to myself and other comic fans not because of his powers and stories, but because of his shortcomings. No other hero is capable of facing such odds and overcoming them, even if the odds are just bad writer/artist teams. The greatest superhero is Spider-Man, because he reminds us all that beyond the superhero is just an ordinary man who only seeks to do right.
Learn more about this author, J. Christopher Baggett.
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