Appeal of Batman Versus Superman

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Recommended: compare and contrast superman and batman

Why are audiences so obsessed with Batman? Film critics Robert Ebert and Christopher Orr dive deeper into what makes superheroes movies like The Dark Knight and Man of Steel so compelling. Joey Esposito analyzes the reasons behind the fascination of the Dark Knight and how he appeals to our inner desire to use the pain in our lives for good. Audiences often have an easier time relating to Batman while they have difficulty relating to Superman. Batman’s tragic past and human traits make him more relatable to audiences of current superhero films than superman who was born with his godlike abilities.

The caped crusader, guarding Gotham’s streets and citizens, is in reality just a man-the “Optimum Man” as Grant Morrison has pointed out in his six year study of the character(Esposito). Batman has the resources and abilities to do what is necessary to fight injustice; even with no superpowers he uses self-motivation to become the solution to every problem (Esposito). Batman is the secret identity of Bruce Wayne who, as a child, witnessed his parents murder right before his eyes. In Nolan’s film Batman Begins the mob boss Falcone tells a young Bruce “You think because your mommy and your daddy got shot, you know about the ugly side of life but you don’t. You’ve never tasted desperate.” This leads Bruce to face a turning point in his life were he now realizes his purpose and has the drive to restore Gotham from its crime filled state.

Audiences of current batman films can easily deduce from Batman’s actions and behavior that his past was one of tragedy and loss. Batman poses a more complex puzzle than most other superheros because he can accept the criticisms and distrust of the citizens of Gotham City who call him a vigilante, and s...

... middle of paper ...

...xperience. If asked who you better relate to Batman or Superman which would you choose?

Works Cited

Ebert, Roger. "The Dark Knight." All Content. N.p., 16 July 2008. Web. 20 Dec. 2013.

Ellis, Jessica. "Lopez Lomong: From War Child to U.S. Olympics Star." CNN. Cable News Network, 09 Aug. 2012. Web. 08 Jan. 2014.

Esposito, Joey. "Hero Worship: Why Do We Love Batman?" IGN. N.p., 27 Jan. 2012. Web. 17 Dec. 2013.

McMillan, Graeme. "Why Superman Deserves More Respect." Entertainment Why Superman Deserves More Respect Comments. TIME Magazine, 21 Feb. 2013. Web. 20 Dec. 2013.

Orr, Christopher. "The Atlantic." The Atlantic. The Atlantic, 14 June 2013. Web. 20 Dec. 2013.

"Superman | DC Comics." DC Comics. DC Comics, n.d. Web. 08 Jan. 2014.

Wenzel, John. "The Many Faces of the Dark Knight." Denver Post. 21 Oct 2012: E1. SIRS Renaissance. Web. 17 Dec 2013.

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