11 Biggest Sins Of Batman v Superman

2. Batman And Superman Are Indistinguishable

Batman v Superman Lex Luthor.jpg
Warner Bros

So let's see if I've got this straight: Batman is pissed at Superman because Superman recklessly destroyed chunks of Metropolis and has no problems with killing. But Batman routinely destroys property and kills quite casually - almost gleefully.

Superman is pissed at Batman because Batman is violent and brutalizes criminals by searing his symbol into their flesh, thus signing their death warrants in prison. But when we first see Superman, instead of disarming the terrorist threatening Lois, he slams him through several concrete walls.

Both of them spend most of the movie brooding. Both of them have no problem operating outside the law and draw scrutiny from the authorities. Both of them are covered unfavorably in the press. 

So... why are they fighting again?

The Batman/Superman conflict is an ideological one. They're both heroes, they both refuse to kill, but they go about it in different ways. Batman operates in the shadows, works outside the law, uses fear as a weapon. Superman operates in the open, cooperates with authorities, and relies on compassion and understanding. But in this movie, there is no ideological difference, because in Man of Steel, Snyder took Batman's methods and personalities and grafted them onto Superman.

Compare this to Daredevil season 2 where there is a clear ideological difference between Daredevil and the Punisher. And look at how well just that simple difference made for great conflict. None of that happens in BvS.

Contributor
Contributor

Percival Constantine is the author of several novels and short stories, including the Vanguard superhero series, and regularly writes and comments on movies, comics, and other pop culture. More information can be found at his website, PercivalConstantine.com