Again, like comparing Superman vs. Spiderman, the comparison between Superman vs. Batman is (though not as obvious) smarts vs. strength. Batman/Bruce Wayne isn't as strong as Superman, but his agility physical shape and martial arts, as well as the countless amount of "wonderful toys" (The Joker, in Michael Keaton's Batman). Batman's probably the second most cynical superhero (second, only perhaps, by the Punisher), whereas Superman always maintains a childlike innocence and naivety.

This contrast is certainly due to the trauma that Bruce Wayne lives with since the murder of his parents, which he witnessed personally.

Now in a fight between the two superheroes, I'll have to consider the "rules of engagement". For the sake of argument I'll write three different sets of rules...

In a hand-to-hand fight; meaning holds, throws, kicks, punches etc., the fight could last about half an hour or so, depending on how Batman holds up with his martial arts and physical training. But in the end of the fight, Superman would definitely win because he's got the brute force and endurance on his side.

In a boxing ring; it depends how long Batman can dodge Superman's punches. All it takes is one solid right hand upper-cut from the "man of steel", and the Dark Knight is out for the count; of an hour or two at least.

In a "use whatever toys you can bring" match; In this third type of match, Batman stands a more than decent chance. To be honest, it would be impossible to predict the results of this one because Batman is by far the craftiest of the two. Everything from the Bat-mobile to the various types of weapons give Batman more than a fair advantage on the muscles of Superman. Personally, I'd give Batman a "more than 50% chance" of winning this fight.

Now to compare the two characters, my personal favorite between the two is Batman. He's the ultimate "policeman/soldier", in the sense that the only thing he's concerned about is serving the law, though not to the extreme as "Judge Dredd" (Batman doesn't have the mentality of "I am the Law"). While Superman saves "the damsel in distress" who's falling from a tall building, Batman's too busy catching bad guys before they hurt anyone else.

In that sense, Batman's the more proactive of the two characters because he prevents the villain in question from "doing anymore harm" while Superman's just flying with Lois for a romantic flight through the city night sky. Batman's pretty much a cynical cop that keeps doing what most consider impossible by using his intellect, fighting skills, as well as physique (and no super-powers).

Long story short; take away Superman's super-powers and strength (each of which defy the laws of physics and reality), and Clark Kent is just a reporter compared to Bruce Wayne/Batman.

Learn more about this author, Alexandre Muise.
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