Summary
- Superman's lack of action in times of conflict negatively impacts Batman's perspective on their friendship in Batman: The Dark Age #2.
- Batman's drive to end the war leads him to see Superman as a potential solution and challenges Superman's choices.
- Despite their differences, history has shown that Superman and Batman will ultimately reconcile and remain allies.
Warning: contains spoilers for Batman: The Dark Age #2!
First impressions count, and in an alternate timeline, Superman puts their entire friendship in jeopardy. Batman: The Dark Age, a true “from the ground up” reinvention of the Dark Knight’s origin, has presented some cool twists to the lore. In issue two, Superman debuts, but his responses (or lack thereof) immediately puts him at odds with the Man of Steel.
Batman: The Dark Age #2 is written by Mark Russell and drawn by Mike Allred. Bruce Wayne, a convict in Blackgate Prison, is shipped to Vietnam, where he trains with Ras Al Ghul in a special forces unit. One night, Bruce and Ollie Queen are listening to a radio broadcast, announcing Superman’s arrival. Upon learning of Superman’s powers, one of Bruce’s comrades hopes the Man of Steel will soon end the conflict.
However, in the days and weeks later, he never shows up.
Superman never lifts a finger to help, rubbing Bruce Wayne the wrong way.
Batman and Superman's Friendship Is One of Comics' Greatest
Despite Differences in Methods, Superman and Batman Respect Each Other
The friendship between Superman and Batman has grown and evolved over their 80+ year histories. Depicted as jovial buddies in the Golden and Silver Ages, their friendship was overhauled in the modern era shortly after Crisis on Infinite Earths. At first, the two were at odds with each other, with Superman not initially approving of Batman’s methods. Their respect for each other grew throughout the years. Superman trusted Batman to the point where he gave the Dark Knight a chunk of Kryptonite to use if he ever went rogue. They remain friends to this day.
Superman and Batman first met each other in 1941's All-Star Comics #7, but the actual story of how they met in-universe has changed many times.
Yet in Batman: The Dark Age, the Caped Crusader has a much different perspective. Without having witnessed his parent’s murder, Bruce lacked the drive that would shape him into Batman. This has given Bruce a different relationship with power and those who wield it. Bruce sees Superman as the perfect way to end the war in Vietnam and save countless lives. Bruce likens Superman’s arrival to the invention of the atomic bomb, and what a profound impact it had on society. Superman could have the same impact, in Bruce’s eyes, but he chooses not to.
Batman Mastering Superman's Powers Just Got Even More Impressive
Batman is likely the most famous example of a superhero without powers, but recently he proved that if he did get powers, he'd master them easily.
Will Superman and Batman Reconcile Their Differences?
History Has Shown Superman and Batman Will Always Be Allies
Superman’s unwillingness to solve the world’s conflicts is central to his character, yet this version of Bruce Wayne cannot see that. This negative impression will color Batman’s perception of the Man of Steel whenever they first meet. Assuming Superman is the same in The Dark Age as he is elsewhere, then he and Batman will one day become friends. However, Superman’s lack of response to the conflict in Vietnam, or anywhere else in the world, has left a bad taste in Batman’s mouth, putting a huge stumbling block to their friendship.
Batman: The Dark Age #2 is on sale now from DC Comics!
Batman: The Dark Age #2 (2024) |
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