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At first glance, comparing Superman and Batman is a lot like comparing apples to oranges. They are so different that it seems like an impossible task to even consider.

But they have similarities as well. Both are published by the same comic book company, so their relationship has been the subject of many stories. Many of those stories have focused on which one is better.

Superman was born on another planet. He came to Earth and was adopted by a loving couple and grew up on a farm, where he learned morals and how to acclimate himself to this world, eventually discovering that he had powers far beyond his peers. It seems he had it all: four parents that loved him unconditionally, a happy childhood, a solid moral foundation and then you add in those powers. How could he not be a great hero. From his origins, there is nothing else he could really have become.

But Batman had a much more tragic beginning. He watched his parents being gunned down at a young age by a criminal that simply wanted his mother's pearls. One act of violence and his life was shattered forever. Sure, he had incredible wealth that he inherited from him, but he could just as easily have used that money to became a vapid playboy. But he chose a different path. In addition, he has no unearthly abilities. His powers are self-taught: great detective skills, fighting prowess and an ability to strategize against even the most powerful foe.

Batman had a much more difficult road to become a hero, and to me, that makes him better. If Superman had been raised under similar circumstances, would he have turned out as well as he did? We will never know. But to me a true hero rises from adversity, and that's exactly what Bruce Wayne did.

Learn more about this author, Matt Crider.
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