LogFAQs > #947390967

I want to add in here, I think Superman and Batman represent two aspects of the 'perfect character' problem when written poorly.

With Superman a lot of people focus entirely on his external powers. I.E. finding a foe who can go toe-to-toe with him. This results in a problem because of his power level being so high that it means little can actually challenge him. Yet when you look at his best stories they're the ones that don't actually bother with his power level at all. In Red Son the challenge is to his character and showing how even someone as good and kind as Superman can fall into the same traps and pitfalls of 'good intentions' and what-not. That's when Superman is at his best, when his character is being tested, not his might.

Conversely with Batman you have a character who, effectively, could be killed by a random mook with a knife. Sure, he's got devices and stuff to stop that from happening, but he's mortal through and through. He may be strong but he's not about to bench press a bently. However a lot of times writers tend to write his character as perfect and to never be even considered FOR testing. I.E. he's the ideal standard of all heroes, the perfect fighter, could beat everyone given enough planning time, etc. This results in him becoming a sue because, well, not only is he effectively assumed to triumph over every external threat because he's Bat tzu, but his character is assumed to be perfect. That results in an irritating character who is a sue through and through.

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I am the gentle hand who heals, the happy smile who shields, and the foot that will kick your ***! - White Mage