While Superman and Batman have one of the most famous friendships in all comics, one thing that could tear the iconic partnership apart is the presence of Robin, as the Man of Steel's first meeting with Shazam proves he would disapprove of the Boy Wonder.
Many have called into question Batman's tendency to recruit children to help fight his war on crime. Each of these children has suffered tragedy in their own way, and while Bruce is usually trying to give these children a positive outlet for their trauma, sending children up against serial killers may not be the best choice. And while other heroes may have taken issue with how Batman tends to pick sidekicks, Superman has stated which Robin is his favorite. However, this doesn't exactly line up with Superman's earlier opinions on child heroes.
Readers got to see exactly what Superman think of child superheroes in Judd Winick and Joshua Middleton's 2006 miniseries Superman/Shazam: First Thunder, which shows the first time ever that Superman and Shazam teamed up. The two heroes are extremely similar, sporting similar attitudes and somewhat similar power sets, and they get along amazingly well. Superman even almost gives away his identity when telling a story about his childhood, due to how comfortable he is around Shazam. Despite the fact that fans like to debate over who would win in a fight between Superman and Shazam, the two really do get along famously, at least until Shazam reveals himself as Billy Batson. Superman's reaction to finding out that Shazam, the hero Superman thought was a middle-aged man, is actually just a 12-year-old boy, is absolutely heartbreaking, but completely in character as well.
Superman Doesn't Think Kids Should Fight Crime
Superman's reaction to the reveal that Billy Batson is actually Shazam, is complete contempt for whoever put this responsibility on Billy's shoulders. Superman even goes and talks to the Wizard, the man responsible for giving Billy his powers. While talking to the Wizard, Superman yells at him, "What is wrong with you? He's a child! His life shouldn't be about this. Little Boys go to school, play with their friends and go to bed at night." This is a perfectly reasonable and well-intentioned statement from Superman. The only problem is that this statement can also directly apply to Robin.
Superman should take equal issue with Robin going out and fighting crime at night instead of staying in bed and attending school. Although some Robins would certainly fight Superman over this opinion, Clark isn't wrong to have it, and it's odd that this conflict hasn't ever really been brought up before. Superman and Batman have had plenty of arguments in the past, but none of them have centered around Batman's continual habit of putting literal children in the line of fire.
Batman and Superman are the greatest duo in comic books, and when they team up there isn't a single problem that they can't solve. However, as this encounter with Shazam shows, Superman would likely hate the fact that his best friend puts Robin in danger every night, and it's a wonder this hasn't caused the iconic duo to go their separate ways.
