WIth recent news that Ben Affleck's Batman will be returning for Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, fans have gotten hopeful for a return of Henry Cavill's Superman to the DCEU. Although not well received initially, Affleck and Cavill have become synonymous with Batman and Superman for a newer generation.Batman and Superman always seemed to have a love-hate bromance type of friendship. They would argue, fight, or poke fun at the other's expense. When danger loomed, however, they were always side by side, ready to save Earth. There are numerous memes that help describe the type of friendship Batman and Superman share.
Bruce Knows That Clark Has Humanity
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Many superheroes have tragic backstories that often involve the death of a loved one, and both Batman and Superman have lost their parents. Batman witnessed his parents' murder in Crime Alley, and Superman lost both his biological parents and his adoptive father.
Once Batman learned that Superman's biological parents had died, he realized that this humanized Clark. Clark became more than just an alien and Bruce no longer wanted to fight. In 2017's Justice League, Bruce tells Alfred that Clark is "more human than I am". He elaborates by saying that despite all that power, Clark chose to lead a normal life.
Batman Is Jealous Of Superman's Powers
The Justice League is one of the best superhero teams ever, and a big reason is due to the powers that each hero has. Batman is the exception even though he's one of DC's best heroes without superpowers. Batman even responds with "I'm rich" when Flash asks him what his power is.
Superman is the foil for Batman in terms of powers. Batman is a man in a suit and Superman has almost every power imaginable. The fact that Batman can hold his own against otherworldly forces without superpowers is nothing short of impressive. The meme is a great analogy for Batman's jealousy, yet he does have the Batplane to fly in.
They Have Different Approaches To Fighting Justice
Although both Batman and Superman have devoted their lives to fighting for those who can't fight for themselves, they each go about it in different ways.
This meme is inspired by a scene in Man of Steel where Superman turns himself in, and he is talking with Lois Lane. She asks what the "S" on his chest stands for and Superman replies by saying that it means hope on Krypton. That is exactly what Superman himself stands for. Batman is the exact opposite approach to fighting justice, as he instills fear into his enemies. Both methods are equally effective, as both crime fighters are among the most popular superheroes.
Batman Is More Popular
Superman is one of the most popular and recognizable superheroes to date, yet this meme sheds light on how much more popular Batman is, as shown by his movie earnings.
It's based on the Swole Doge vs. Cheems meme which is used to compare two things. In this instance, the demand and over-saturation of Batman is far greater than that of his counterpart. Matt Reeves is working on another Batman series of movies (which will probably result in tie-in video games) whereas Superman fans are waiting for a single Superman game. To be fair, Justice League is arguably a Man of Steel sequel as Superman's resurrection is a major plot point, and he is the cause of Steppenwolf's defeat.
Batman Is Constantly Bringing Superman Back Down To Earth
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This meme is so effective because it points out various characteristics of Batman and Superman that juxtapose each other, respectively.
First, it's pointing out what each hero relies on. Superman relies on his superior strength and abilities to get the job done. As the world's greatest detective, Batman relies on his intellect and technology as he doesn't possess superpowers. Second, the meme highlights their respective problem-solving skills. Because of his powers, Superman believes he can do the impossible (and sometimes does). Batman is much more methodical and patient, which sometimes makes him more dangerous than Superman.
They Argue
Batman and Superman's relationship is similar to that of Iron Man and Captain America from the MCU. That is why this meme is so apt. In The Avengers, Steve argues that Tony is nothing without his Iron Man suit and Tony retorts by saying that Steve isn't a "true" hero.
The same dialogue (with a minor change) is used here. Bruce and Clark aren't afraid to point out each other's flaws. There is a kernel of truth to their claims, which sparks anger. However, arguments can fester between the best of friends. Much like Steve and Tony, Clark and Bruce constantly express their views towards each other, although each turns out to be much more than they're being accused of, and they know it.
They Fight
In addition to having disagreements, Batman and Superman have had many physical fights on screen, yet they still have respect for one another.
The one shown here is pulled from the animated film Batman: The Dark Knight Returns where Superman is brought in to quell an aging Batman's vigilantism. This movie heavily inspired Zack Snyder's Batman V. Superman: Dawn of Justice. Both Batman portrayals are more brutal, egotistical, and less forgiving than usual. Batman could've killed Superman in both, but out of relatability (Dawn of Justice) and a "heart attack" (The Dark Knight Returns) he didn't. They have respect for each other, especially Superman who angrily tells soldiers to stand down as he holds Batman's body in the latter.
They Joke At Each Other's Expense
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A defining part of Batman and Superman's friendship is their ability to make fun of one another. The jokes work so well because Batman is the antithesis of Superman. Batman is more guarded and serious when compared to Superman's optimistic and carefree attitude.
Superman tries to break Batman's tough exterior with jokes. Unfortunately, Batman always aims to get the upper hand, especially if that means getting the last word. Here, Batman's last word makes Superman look foolish when Superman was trying to make Batman look foolish in the first place. Just because Batman is the most serious member of the Justice League doesn't mean that he can't get in a clever zinger here and there.
One Name Unifies Them
One of the biggest critiques of Batman V. Superman was that Batman and Superman suddenly became friends after nearly killing each other when they learn that Martha is the name both of their mothers share.
This is obviously silly and doesn't make any sense. The meme is poking fun at that aspect using the Justice League's most formidable foe, Darkseid. It's simply showing that no matter how evil or dangerous one might be, Batman and Superman would put aside their dislike of them and help them in their time of need.
They Are Secretly Best Friends
Batman V. Superman was all about the fight between Batman and Superman. However, this meme takes that idea and goes in the completely opposite direction.
The meme is a little extreme, but the point remains. There always seemed to be a bromance between Batman and Superman. Although they didn't always show it, their arguments and fights brought them closer as friends. The Dark Knight and the Son of Krypton have faced too many obstacles and defeated too many foes together to be enemies.