Why Zack Snyder's Wrong About Batman

2. Taking A Cynical Approach To Comics Isn't Interesting

One of the biggest misconceptions regarding the dichotomy between Marvel and DC is that the former puts forth a 'lighter' version of the superhero genre, while the latter dwells on its darkest aspects. This isn't actually all that accurate however, and the only reason fans tend to label either company as 'light' or 'dark' stems from the fact that, for the past decade, DC on film has been completely miserable.

In truth, Marvel and DC both put out about the same in terms of lighter and darker content - at least when it comes to their respective comics. There isn't just one 'take it or leave it' tone for either company, because people who read comics are comprised of a range of tastes, ages and backgrounds, and that ultimately leaves each publisher in a healthier position. The more diverse the content, the better choice there is for the consumer, with both the Marvel and DC universes being home to characters cheery and not so much.

It is, quite literally, a fantasy world.

The fundamental error Snyder made with the DCEU was that he mistook his own cynical attitude toward that source material as being somewhat transgressive. He also mistook that same kind of cynicism and the bleak tone of his own films as though it would result in a mature depiction of DC's books, when really, it was just the opposite.

In truth, Batman V Superman is a very childish film. It takes the easy road in order to avoid broaching the ethical quandaries of Batman's ideology, and tries to mash two comics together (TDKR and the Death of Superman) in some sort of distorted 'best of' compilation that foregoes any sense of drama to maintain a hamfisted attempt at world-building. Ultimately, it is much easier to position an irredeemable character in an ostensibly irredeemable setting than it is to position a hopeful one in that same environment, especially when Batman has made such a habit of overcoming the odds throughout his career.