Batman vs. Superman: A Comparative Analysis of Their 1v1 Battles
Introduction
The eternal debate of Batman versus Superman has sparked intense discussions among comic enthusiasts and fans of DC Universe. While both are iconic superheroes with their unique strengths and weaknesses, many argue about who would emerge victorious in a one-on-one battle. This article explores their 1v1 matchups, categorized into non-canon, alternative universes, and the main canon. Let's delve into the specifics of each battle to determine who reigns supreme.
Non-Canon and Alternative Universes
Non-canon and alternative universes contain a variety of unique storylines and creative storytelling that influence the outcome of these battles. However, these universes are not part of the primary DC continuity, meaning that characters from the main universe can interact with them, making these battles highly speculative and subject to change.
BATMAN: The Dark Knight Returns 4 and The Dark Knight Strikes Again 1
Two significant fights involving Batman in the 'Dark Knight Returns' and 'The Dark Knight Strikes Again' series are marked as non-canon. In both instances, Batman relied on external assistance, either from Robin in 'The Dark Knight Returns' or from multiple heroes in 'The Dark Knight Strikes Again.' Such external help disqualifies these fights, so the result is listed as 'N/A.'
SUPERMAN: Superman 1987 Annual 3, Injustice vs. Masters of the Universe 1, Superman: Red Son 2, Nightwing: The New Order, Lex Luthor: Man of Steel 3, and Countdown to Final Crisis 23
Superman 1987 Annual 3: This battle is significant because it features a ring gifted by Superman himself. Despite the ring, the victor is still listed as BATMAN. Injustice vs. Masters of the Universe 1: In the final comic of the series, Superman defeats Batman. This battle could potentially change in future iterations of the storyline. Superman: Red Son 2: Given that this fight was Luthor’s strategy, it is not awarded to Batman. Nightwing: The New Order: Identifying Superman as the clear winner.Main Canon
Conversely, battles occurring in the main DC canon are more definitive in terms of outcome, as they are part of established narratives.
SUPERMAN: Red Son 2, Superman: New (2016) 42, Adventures of Superman 642, Justice League 2012 1-2, Superman/Batman 2003 23, 33, and 39-40, and Batman/Superman 2019 Annual 1
Superman: Red Son 2: Not given to Batman since it was Luthor’s plan. Superman: New (2016) 42: Superman defeats Batman; Batman is revived by Ivy but is immobilized. Adventures of Superman 642: Mind-controlled Superman vs. Batman; no additional points are given since the fight is evenly matched. Justice League 2012 1-2: Both characters receive help (Green Lantern and Flash for Batman, Superman’s power), but the outcome goes to Superman. Superman/Batman 2003 23, 33: If possessed, then Superman wins. Superman/Batman 39-40: At the last moment, Batman is saved, but the point still favors Superman. Batman/Superman 2019 Annual 1: Listed as N/A due to the nature of the story.Other Main Canon Fights
Batman 2016 42: Superman kills Batman, who is later revived, so the outcome is N/A.
Adventures of Superman 642: With Superman mind-controlled and Batman in control, the fight is considered a tie.
Justice League 2012 1-2: Batman is helped, making the outcome N/A.
Superman/Batman 2003 23, 33: If Batman is possessed, then Superman wins.
Superman/Batman 39-40: Superman is possessed but Batman's fate is uncertain, so the point goes to Superman.
Batman: The Dark Knight 2011 5: Batman is mind-controlled by Mind Hive and forced to fight Superman. Superman ultimately wins, so the outcome is N/A.
Countdown to Final Crisis 13: Batman and Superman from an alternative reality but the continuity is in the main DC universe. Superman wins.
Summary and Conclusion
After carefully analyzing all the fought scenarios, the current tally stands at 15 N/A, 14 SUPERMAN, and 5 BATMAN. If we exclude Superman/Batman Annual 1, the count shifts to 12 SUPERMAN and 4 BATMAN. Introducing the context or help received by each character changes the score significantly, resulting in 18 SUPERMAN and BATMAN 9.
The rigorous analysis indicates that, on the whole, SUPERMAN holds a slight edge over Batman in one-on-one battles. However, it's essential to note that the margin is narrow, and any significant change in the context could alter the outcome dramatically. The ongoing narratives of the DC Universe always have the potential for a new battle that could tip the scales.
References and Further Reading
For those interested in digging deeper into the battles and narratives, you can explore the numerous comic series and graphic novels mentioned above. These sources provide the most extensive library of information about these battles and offer detailed accounts that help understand the intricacies involved.
Keyword Highlights: Batman, Superman, 1v1 matchups