Why Is Batman Fighting Superman? And Other Burning Questions

Last updated on: July 23, 2016 at 5:41 pm by DeWayne Hamby

Why Is Batman Fighting Superman? And Other Burning Questions 2016-07-23T17:41:40-04:00 DeWayne Hamby

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Last night, I finally saw the film I’ve been waiting years, even decades, to see. Finally, my two favorite superheroes, Batman and Superman, graced the screen together in an epic film setting up the next decade or so of DC Comics superhero films. I thought it was a masterful story with depth, action and plenty of drama.

Image courtesy of Warner Brother Pictures

But I’m not here to review it, because everyone else is doing that. My advice is to see if for yourself. What I do want to do is talk about a few items as a longtime comic book fan. Please stop reading if you haven’t seen the film and don’t know want to know spoilers.

Why are Batman and Superman fighting? Haven’t they always been friends? Yes, even Super Friends. 🙂 The film explains this particular reason but Batman and Superman have had several fights in modern times, probably the catalyst for many was Frank Miller’s The Dark Knight Returns, a futuristic “final” tale of Batman that pits Batman as vigilante verses Superman, the all-American government employee. This fight was one of the most brutal and was Zack Synder’s inspiration for parts of Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice.

Image courtesy of Warner Brothers Pictures

What was that desert scene? Adding fuel to Batman’s hatred of Superman in this story is what they call a “Knightmare” scene where Batman is in the desert assisting a band of rebel fighters against an army of Superman supporters. You also see “flying minions” that belong to….

Darkseid: He is an evil ruler of an alternate universe planet called Apokolips and has been a rumored villain for the Justice League film that Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice is setting up. Darkseid is somewhat similar to the Marvel villain Thanos, although Darkseid has been around longer. His eyes release deadly Omega beams, which actually killed Batman a few years ago (before he was brought back to life).

Was it a dream or vision? Who appeared in that swirl of energy warning Batman? That would be the Flash, who also appears in the surveillance footage Bruce Wayne decrypts. The Flash is using the speed-force, which allows him to travel through time. He is warning Batman of a future where Superman is being used by Darkseid because of his love for a woman. I can’t remember if the Flash mentioned Lois Lane specifically but if he didn’t, it could be that this was part of what propelled Batman to save Martha.

Besides Wonder Woman, the Flash and Aquaman, who is the robot guy? That’s Cyborg, who made his first appearance as part of the New Teen Titans in the early 80s. He is younger but has been added to the Justice League in more recent years, including the Super Powers cartoon in the late 80s where the recurring villain was Darkseid. He is basically a cyborg, half-man, half-robot, a young man reluctantly rescued by his father using technology. In the New Teen Titans, Victor was troubled by society’s reaction to his strange appearance and he could never have a secret identity because of it.

Do Bruce Wayne and Clark Kent share the same mother? No, but they are both named Martha and I never even realized it until this film. You may also find it funny to know that in the comics, several key supporting characters in Superman’s story have the initials L.L. . . Lois Lane, Lex Luthor, Lana Lang, and even Supes’ mermaid (yes) girlfriend Lori Lemaris.

Whose suit was spray painted in the Batcave? That would be Robin’s, who has obviously been killed by the time this film begins by the Joker, following a key comic storyline decided on by readers. This was Batman’s second Robin, by the name of Jason Todd. Dick Grayson, the original, gave up the sidekick role to become Nightwing, and he is rumored to appear as that hero in the new DC Cinematic Universe.

What’s next? Suicide Squad, coming in August. Suicide Squad doesn’t feature any of the heroes from this movie but Batman apparently makes a cameo in a scene where he chases the Joker. Ben Affleck was also spotted on set in his Bruce Wayne wardrobe. Suicide Squad will feature a group of villains, including the Joker and his girlfriend Harley Quinn.

Then, we’ll see Wonder Woman in summer of 2017. Wonder Woman, who makes a splash in Dawn of Justice, will get the full big-screen treatment for the first time. The movie is rumored to begin on the island of Themyscira, move to World War I, and then end in modern times. Just this week, the studio released this picture of Princess Diana with her mother and fellow Amazons. She will then help Batman “unite the seven” for Justice League Part One, which will release in November 2017.

Have any other questions or want to offer your own take? Leave me a comment or a tweet to @dewaynehamby. Thanks for reading!

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