by Laurie Mueller

Created on: August 15, 2008

Sorry Spidey fans there's no comparison on this one, Superman wins hands down.

Superman is faster than a speeding bullet, more powerful than a locomotive, able to leap tall buildings in a single bound, and can fly. Spiderman doesn't have that kind of speed, has to climb buildings, and webslings to get around. A race to the top of the Empire State Building would have Superman at the top while Spiderman was still loading his webshooters (Unless, of course, there happened to be Kryptonite on the building somewhere).

Superman's abilities are also all natural; he was born with them and will die with them. Spiderman's are the result of a freakish accident that could "cure" itself at some point in the future.

Superman's also bulletproof and impervious to acid, poison and every other single thing that can kill Spiderman. Superman can walk through explosions and fires, while Spiderman nearly dies in an explosion. Superman can crash to Earth, falling so hard that his body goes right through rooftops and buildings; Spiderman has to make sure to catch himself before he hits ground or he'll die. And who could forget the famous "bullet in the eye" that just bounces off Superman? That would definitely kill Spiderman. Are we noticing a pattern here? Superman just does a lot of things that would kill Spiderman.

As far as motivation? Superman fights for Truth, Justice and the American Way, while Spiderman had to be convinced to use his abilities to fight crime instead of starring in a sideshow. Superman just always knew that fighting crime was the right thing to do. I bet he never even stole a candy bar when he was little, although I would have to watch a lot of old TV to make sure.

Superman also has more movies, more Archenemies, and a longer run of comics on TV. Superman was introduced in the comics in 1938, while Spiderman had to wait until 1962.

As far as catch phrases go, Superman has a bunch associated with him. Who can hear "Faster than a speeding bullet", "Up, up, and away", or "Fighting for Truth, Justice and the American Way" without thinking of Superman. Spiderman may have witty sayings in his movies, but just comes up empty with the catch phrases.

Honestly people, Superman can change clothes in a phone booth without getting arrested; and can disguise himself with just a pair of glasses. How can anybody compete with that?

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