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Why Batman Beats Superman in the NBA

Written by on 04/12/2010 in Editorials, News - 18 Comments

To begin this debate we will start with my personal favorite, Batman. Batman is a super hero that isn’t, as he possesses no abnormal powers or abilities. He is in every sense of the word, a man. However, his mental quest for what he deems is right in unmistakable, and his brain ticks differently than anybody else’s. His quest for vengeance comes from within, and this drives him to make an impact on the world. His determination allowed him to turn his otherwise normal body into a weapon. His relentless drive forces him to work harder than his opposition, so when his enemies are at the end of their rope he is just getting started. In his enemies mind, he is much more than a man, and this edge is created purely by the Dark Knight’s mind.

Superman is a completely different animal, almost literally. He is from a different planet and is immune to the perils that all humans face. He isuntouchable in every aspect of the word, and other than small fragments of his home planet known as kryptonite, he is invincible. Supermanpossesses physical attributes that no other human comes close to, and is able to defeat his enemies with brute strength and overwhelming power. While I am not calling him a dumb brute, the fact is that Superman doesn’t have to use knowledge or excessive mental activity to defeat his enemies due to his overwhelming physical presence. This is not to say that he is unable of such a feat, it is just unnecessary.

So, the differences between each character are what make them so great, and in the end are the reason they are loved. In a fight between the two it is impossible to say who would win, because each has such different areas of expertise. While you might argue that Superman could pick up Batman and snap him into little pieces, I would quickly counter with the fact that the Caped Crusader carries pieces of kryptonite in his utility belt and would be able to thwart Superman within seconds.

So where does the allegiance lie?

Next: Why do we favor one or the other?
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About the Author

Daniel is the editor-in-chief for Lakers Nation. He's always doing his best to keep you informed and entertained. Follow Daniel on Twitter - @DanielBuerge_LA.

Comments

comments

  • http://LakersNation.com Jeff

    The Superman/LeBron – Batman/Kobe analogies are awesome, but there is one thing I think you didn’t touch on: public perception.

    With Superman, it seemed that all of Metropolis loved him and expected him to save the day. Whereas with Batman, half of Gotham City saw him as a menace and the other half thought he was a savior.

    You can make the case that LeBron is again Superman, the NBA superstar everyone loves to love. Writers fawn over him, announcers kiss the ground he walks on, fans worship him. Even though he’s from a different planet, he understands how to interact with people better than most of his earth-born counterparts. He is the Man of Steel.

    Then you have Kobe, the most polarizing figure in all of sports. Love him or hate him, you definitely have an opinion of him. He has both friends and enemies in the press, he doesn’t know how to fit in with his peers, he has been known to rub fans the wrong way. He’s a misunderstood hero. He is the Dark Knight.

    So who is the greater superhero? I guess that’s in the eye of the beholder.

    Great article, bud. Well done.

  • http://LakersNation.com Jeff

    The Superman/LeBron – Batman/Kobe analogies are awesome, but there is one thing I think you didn’t touch on: public perception.

    With Superman, it seemed that all of Metropolis loved him and expected him to save the day. Whereas with Batman, half of Gotham City saw him as a menace and the other half thought he was a savior.

    You can make the case that LeBron is again Superman, the NBA superstar everyone loves to love. Writers fawn over him, announcers kiss the ground he walks on, fans worship him. Even though he’s from a different planet, he understands how to interact with people better than most of his earth-born counterparts. He is the Man of Steel.

    Then you have Kobe, the most polarizing figure in all of sports. Love him or hate him, you definitely have an opinion of him. He has both friends and enemies in the press, he doesn’t know how to fit in with his peers, he has been known to rub fans the wrong way. He’s a misunderstood hero. He is the Dark Knight.

    So who is the greater superhero? I guess that’s in the eye of the beholder.

    Great article, bud. Well done.

  • http://twitter.com/Viol8torMode James

    I need that Batman / Superman pic in wallpaper size NOW PLEASE!!!!!!

    Oh yeah, Dark Knight >>> Sups, Anyday.

  • http://twitter.com/Viol8torMode James

    I need that Batman / Superman pic in wallpaper size NOW PLEASE!!!!!!

    Oh yeah, Dark Knight >>> Sups, Anyday.

  • Marcus

    Jeff you really touched on that well. I had the same thinking about public perception. Great article and great video too. Oh and just saying, in a couple comics, Batman does indeed defeat Superman ;)

  • Marcus

    Jeff you really touched on that well. I had the same thinking about public perception. Great article and great video too. Oh and just saying, in a couple comics, Batman does indeed defeat Superman ;)

  • Jay Reimenschneider

    i thought this was amazing… the first video you posted was exceptionally professional. The extensive reaches into the similarities of the 4 make this article simply incredible; the amount of time and research you put into making this is quite evident.

  • Jay Reimenschneider

    i thought this was amazing… the first video you posted was exceptionally professional. The extensive reaches into the similarities of the 4 make this article simply incredible; the amount of time and research you put into making this is quite evident.

  • Pac

    Who said Batman(Kobe) will play Superman(Shaq), the Finals will be Batman vs Celtics,Shaq need to retire .

  • Pac

    Who said Batman(Kobe) will play Superman(Shaq), the Finals will be Batman vs Celtics,Shaq need to retire .

  • Brittney

    Lakernation always hits a subject right on target but what I don’t understand is that its always the lakers fans or Lakers blogs that always make the unbiased arguments cause maybe I have missed it but I have never seen cavs fans or cavs blogs making unbiased arguments between the two stars. Besides that good piece of writing.

  • Brittney

    Lakernation always hits a subject right on target but what I don’t understand is that its always the lakers fans or Lakers blogs that always make the unbiased arguments cause maybe I have missed it but I have never seen cavs fans or cavs blogs making unbiased arguments between the two stars. Besides that good piece of writing.

  • Jose

    Great article. I thought the analogy between Batman and Superman were terrific. Hopefully the media will recognize that Batman is way better than Superman. At the end of Kobe’s career, he will be known as the greatest basketball player that ever played.

  • Jose

    Great article. I thought the analogy between Batman and Superman were terrific. Hopefully the media will recognize that Batman is way better than Superman. At the end of Kobe’s career, he will be known as the greatest basketball player that ever played.

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  • http://www.belrus.org Kevin Vlasick

    LOL! That was an odd viewpoint. I am sure I disagree.

  • http://www.belrus.org Kevin Vlasick

    LOL! That was an odd viewpoint. I am sure I disagree.