Despite their differences, it's important to remember that for much of the characters' shared history they were good friends. The "World's Finest" series depicted the two teaming up for wacky misadventures - albeit with Robin tagging along. Not to mention their mutual memberships in the Justice Society and the Justice League. And why wouldn't these two be friends? Superman is the Man of Tomorrow; he's what we could be in the future. For him, someone like Batman - the current pinnacle of humanity - would be someone he'd look at as kin. In the "Superman/Batman" comic series, Supes acknowledges that: "Sometimes, I admit, I think of Bruce as a man in a costume. Then, with some gadget from his utility belt, he reminds me that he has an extraordinarily inventive mind. And how lucky I am to be able to call on him". While Bruce might not have as fuzzy feelings towards Clark, a man of his discipline would admire someone who's able to use such great power with such rigid morals. Batman also remarks in Superman/Batman about his friend: "It is a remarkable dichotomy. In many ways, Clark is the most human of us all. Then... he shoots fire from the skies and it is difficult not to think of him as a god. And how fortunate we all are that it does not occur to him". It's possible the battle between the two isn't due to animosity, but respectful rivalry. Why wouldn't the two most powerful men in the world want to test each other's abilities? One such example is in the "World's Finest" animated episode, where Superman x-rays Batman's mask only for Supes to go home and discover that Batman has uncovered HIS secret identity. Batman is the only guy who's wits can challenge Superman's power and vice versa. At the risk of sounding cliche, they're a match made in heaven.
I'm a nice dude, with some nice dreams
See these ice cubes, see these Ice Creams?
Go to http://blackcomicguy.wordpress.com/ to read some of my thoughts on comics, film and television.
