Who do you think is supreme?

It's been a while. Sorry.


Today at work there was a heated debate over which superhero deserves the title of "Best Superhero". I felt the choice was obvious with Batman. One group felt that Spiderman was to reign supreme. Yet another felt Superman was indeed "THE" Super Hero. There was a small contingency rooting for Green Lantern, but their power was weak, much like Green Lantern (ooohhh Burn!). Most everyone was arguing against my claim that Batman is the best. I got arguments like "He's just an angst ridden guy with no superpowers" and "If it wasn't for Alfred he would be nothing." Well - Yeah. That's the point of Batman; he is a normal guy who decided to change his life in a drastic way because of the circumstances of his life. He is angst ridden to be sure. That is what makes him a morally compelling superhero. He is constantly battling choosing and bending the lines between what is good and bad, moral and immoral. Superman is always flying straight as an arrow, except in superman III when personality, as it were, is split in two. But even then, he is all bad and all good, no moral gray area.

If it weren't for Alfred, of course he would be nothing. Batman is about the importance of a good friend. Most superheros are alienated in some way; some more than others. Wolverine is a good example of a truly alienated hero. His powers have made him an outcast which in turn makes him angry at the world and disallows him the ability to make good friends. He has been betrayed so many times, it is hard for him to commit to a friendship. What about Spiderman. This superhero has it pretty sweet. Sure "With great power come great responsibility," but if you are looking at the comic books, he eventually marries Mary Jane, he makes pretty good money shooting photos, everything is turning up Peter Parker. He may have his problems here and there, but nothing like Bruce Wayne. He is angry, confused and mostly friendless, except for Alfred, his long-time, loyal friend. This friend is what helps Batman and Bruce Wayne find some sort of balance in life.

Now let's not overlook the awesomeness of Batman being able to beat any bad guy out there with his own, human powered brawn and brain. He doesn't need the Earth's yellow sun to give him power. He worked hard for his strength and agility and studied hard to be smart enough to outsmart the trickiest villain of all - The Riddler.

Superman's powers are cool, Spiderman's powers are cool, but I find the psychological and moral aspects of Batman's character far more compelling. Superman and Spiderman seem so lightweight in comparison to the emotional and mental weight of Batman's story.

Toblog's picture: I was tried to find a picture of my Halloween homage costume to Batman but I don't seem to have a copy. So instead is a nice bum shot of me acting like Batman.