There has been an ongoing debate both in the news room (against my counterpart William usually) and among most comic book lovers: who would win in a fight, the Dark Knight of Gotham or the Boy Scout of Metropolis? Even though I respect and love both characters, I have to go with Supes on this. I know all Batman lovers are probably cursing me right now or better yet aiming their batterangs at a picture of me, but logically, Superman would win nine times out of ten.

Being a Batman fan too, I could probably guess what most would say to prove the previous statement wrong. Batman could use his intellect, strategic and inventing skills to beat Superman. Okay, first off, this reason only proves my point further. It means Batman needs prep time to even oppose Superman. What if there was no prep time? Despite how amazing Batman is, he is still human and could not prevent a random, out-of-the-blue attack from the Kryptonian, especially when his intention is to kill. 

Secondly, let’s say there was this prep time, that Batman was aware of the impending battle. This would mean Superman would have the same amount of prep time, meaning he would probably use one of the many Kryptonian weapons he has lying around in his Fortress of Solitude –cough, cough, Phantom Zone Projector, cough, cough. 

However, there is also an equally formable weapon Batman can utilize, which many fans bring up frequently, kryptonite, the irritating green rock that seems to pop up conveniently, especially during fights. Superman has a lead suit that was used throughout comics whenever kryptonite was involved. I’m pretty sure he would think about putting it on when facing off with Batman, whom he gave the kryptonite to in the first place. Or, the fact that Superman has gone up against countless opponents that had used the very same piece of rock against him: Lex Luther, Metallo and even Kryptonite Man, a villain made out of kryptonite. 

Either way you look at it, Superman is going to win because his powers are beyond human. There is a reason why he is the leader of the Justice League. Even Batman, himself, sees Superman as an equal. 

Lastly, my favorite argument, “well, if Superman didn’t have his powers, Batman would be better and would win.” Well, duh. That’s true, but Superman wouldn’t be Superman without his powers, just like how Batman wouldn’t be Batman if you took away his martial arts training, money and intellect.  So, this whole argument is ridiculous because if you are going to take one’s abilities away, take the other’s abilities too. Also, fun fact, Superman is trained in fighting techniques as well and is practically a genius due to his mind being alien. It’s not all about the powers for this guy.

Like I said before, Superman and Batman are both amazing and iconic. They both represent the same values but in different ways, and they are both equals. This is why a lot of comics pair them up so much because they are such powerful forces, especially together, but in a fair fight where both of them are going at it with intentions to harm or kill, it would be Superman most of the time. Now, I’m not saying all of the time, but what I’m saying is victory would be in favor of our red-caped crusader. 

Editor’s Note: The Editor in Chief and Opinions Editor hold different views on the battle between Superman and Batman; however both editors agree that “Batman v Superman: Dawn of the Justice” movie   
coming out next semester will not do justice for either character. The previews show that Superman is willing to destroy entire cities which take away from his original nature, and the character of Batman will be 
poorly portrayed along with the issue of trying to jam too many characters in one movie, even if they are trying to take the Justice League route.