The cinematic battle between Batman and Superman has been a long time coming, and fans of both superheroes can finally rejoice as the wait is over. On July 17th, 2017, the two iconic heroes square off against one another in the latest installment of the popular DC Comics series,’Batman vs. Superman’. The film will be released in multiplexes across the country, igniting the start of the Summer of 2017.
Ahead of the film’s release, I set out to determine which version of the Dark Knight is the best overall between Batman and Superman. The answer, surprisingly, is neither. Instead, it depends on your personal preferences.
The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly Of Both Versions
When comparing the two, it’s important to keep in mind that both Batman and Superman are worth considering. Even though they’re rivals and will eventually end up battling it out, both superheroes have good things going for them. Let’s take a quick look at the advantages and disadvantages of both versions.
The Good:
Each version of Batman and Superman exhibits excellent attributes that make them a good fit for certain play styles. First up, let’s take a quick look at which version is better suited for stealthy tactics.
As its title suggests, Batman vs. Superman is set in the present day and features a mostly contemporary setting. This permits the filmmakers to indulge in some visually compelling and innovative battles. The dark knight’s use of stealth and disguise make him an excellent choice for a tactical outing. Fans of ‘Batman: The Animated Series’ will instantly recognize the agile acrobatics and slick methods by which he operates. It’s a perfect blend of action and adventure, and lends the film a fresh and exciting vibe.
The Bad:
While the gameplay is undoubtedly appealing, it’s important to remember that Batman vs. Superman is a cinematic spectacle first and foremost. The setting is contemporary, but we don’t always get to see the action from a first-person perspective. For fans of the 1992 classic, ‘Batman: Vengeance’, it’s quite the opposite — we get to see the world through the eyes of the dark knight. This is a cinematic masterpiece and will likely remain the definitive version for many. Unfortunately, Nolan’s Superman is a little under the same category.
The Ugly:
Both Batman and Superman are widely regarded as some of the most visually stunning superheroes ever created. The contrast in styling between the two is particularly striking, with each hero’s attire evoking a different era. This is undoubtedly a result of Nolan’s influence, as it was he who helped coin the phrase ‘dad jeans’ in reference to Batman’s utility belt.
It’s difficult to compare the two directly due to their stylistic differences. Even so, it’s important not to ignore Batman’s shortcomings. While Batman vs. Superman may boast some incredible set pieces, it also has an extremely shaky grasp of logic and consistency. Inconsistencies include the presence of two separate Batmen (one being Thomas Wayne’s clone), an A.I. operating system named ‘Halo’ and, most notably, several plot holes. Despite these issues, the film is still an exciting romp that will delight both children and adult audiences. It’s just important to keep in mind that this is a flawed work that will likely divide opinion.
The verdict: Batman is excellent at what he does, but sometimes his overconfidence gets the best of him. If you want a more modern take on the Dark Knight, then check out Batman vs. Superman. However, if you want to see how things really happened, then go with the original. This is truly an exceptional piece of filmic art, and it will continue to be relevant for many years to come.