Batman, Superman and FaithMuch like the Beatles or Rolling Stones argument, the McDonal's or Burger King argument, and the Pepsi or Coca-Cola argument, comic book fans have an age old conversation piece that never dies. In the D.C. Universe you can like Superman and Batman, but you gotta choose one to be the ultimate representative of the American super hero.
There are many similarities between the two but the differences are the reason an argument stands. Bruce Wayne (Batman) is motivated by the death of his parents. Clark Kent (Kal-El / Superman) is motivated by the death of his home planet. Superman is powered by the earth's sun. Batman is empowered by the cover of shadows. They both believe in justice and neither believe in killing, but each handles these topics in their own way. Superman won't kill simply because it is too easy for a man with near-Godlike powers to smite his enemies completely. Batman won't kill because the very thing he is rebelling against as a hero is murder.
Superman motivates us, helps us contemplate betterment because he champions the good things about humanity. Batman helps us contemplate how easily we can give into darkness because he mocks and chastises our darker halves.
Although Batman and Superman are both enjoyed by men and women of different cultures and religions including those who denounce culture and religion, they cannot be refused their right as fictional personifications of faith. Batman and Superman have both been written and drawn by Atheists, Agnostics, Christians, those of the Jewish faith, and other faiths. Yet no matter how these characters are taken and no matter who is taking them to wherever they go, neither character can escape their very profound commentary on spiritual humanity.
A perfect example of this is in how the D.C. Universe dealt with the end of both Batman and Superman.
There is no single comic book as important or well known, nor as massively printed as Superman #75, also known as "The Death of Superman." D.C. sent a character, aptly named Doomsday to kill Superman and crush the will of Metropolis. Not long after Bane broke Batman's back crippling the hope of Gotham City. In those very different approaches to ridding the world of these characters (temporarily) the contrast of how these characters tackle faith is clearly revealed.
Why kill Superman and merely break Batman's back? This in of itself is a precise metaphor.
Superman has been compared through the years as a Christ-like figure. He is the last Son of Krypton who comes to earth to champion justice and to save its people all the while powered by yellow sun, which in natural terms provides our planet with life itself. The sun is a beacon or light, as is Superman. To kill a God is to bring a populace to its knees. This is what happened when Superman died. Many came to take his place, each individual was corrupt in his own way. Possessing near God-like powers in the hands of humanity is corruptible. Remember absolute power corrupts absolutely. In Superman's absence the world sought a replacement. This again, an example of how humanity handles faith. In our darkest and most hopeless hours many of us turn to God. On the other hand, so many will look for replacements if God's time isn't in sync with our watches.
Batman much like Superman is also a beacon of light. Batman's light is however surrounded by and dwelling within the darkness. In comparison to the Christian faith Batman is much like what only our minds can imagine was Christ's time in the abyss. In this moment Christ is forsaken, and in death abandoned by his father. This is the story of Bruce Wayne and comparisons of Gotham and Hell seem quite appropriate.
Batman's back was broken to break the will of the people. This left someone to take his place, Batman wasn't so much martyred as his intention that anyone could carry the symbol for good, was fulfilled. The people of Gotham were forced to rise above their weaknesses and stand for the good that Batman represented.
In turn Superman's death and Batman's handicap became motivators for people to live up to the good these heroes represented.
It isn't in all fiction that faith is represented whether accidentally or intentionally but when it occurs one is remiss to not notice. D.C. author Geoff Johns, who is perhaps one of the most prolific comic writers of the modern age, was questioned about a few panels to tackle the faith of heroes in what I feel is one of his lesser works, "Infinite Crisis." He suggested that not only was faith an important and essential tool to humanity's history and culture but that even heroes needed faith, because at times there was no other answer.
I won't take senseless time attempting to dissect Johns' comments. What I will suggest is that if heroes can have faith, if something as secular as the comic book industry can acknowledge faith, what would we be without it? If we can be inspired by fictional characters such as Superman and Batman, and if indeed their efforts reflect the better angels of our nature, shouldn't we all give faith in something above ourselves a chance?
Under the Hat is an opinion column exclusive to Bibblogger. It is not to be regarded as a news report. The opinions therein are the thoughts and opinions of its author Daniel L. Bamberg and do not necessarily reflect those of the Centreville Press or it's affiliates.
