6 Times Batman Beat Superman in the Comics (& 9 Times Superman Beat Batman)

Batman and Superman are legendary figures in the world of comics. Their dynamic has always fascinated us, whether they’re allies or adversaries. Sometimes, Batman’s cunning and preparation allow him to overcome Superman’s incredible strength. Other times, Superman’s raw power and resilience prove too much for Batman. Let’s dive into the epic battles between these two iconic heroes and see how each one unfolded.

Batman Defeats Superman

Batman has outsmarted and overpowered Superman several times in the comics. Each of these encounters shows Batman’s incredible intellect, preparation, and determination to stand against one of the most powerful beings on Earth. Here are some notable instances where Batman came out on top.

JLA: Tower of Babel

In ‘JLA: Tower of Babel,’ Batman’s secret plans to defeat the Justice League are stolen and used against them. Superman is infected with synthetic red kryptonite created by Batman, making his skin transparent and weakening his cellular structure. This doesn’t kill Superman, but it leaves him crippled for a moment, showcasing Batman’s meticulous preparation.

Superman/Batman: The Trust

In ‘Superman/Batman: The Trust,’ Superman is under Brainiac’s control and rampaging through Metropolis. Batman stops him with a Kryptonite dart, which Superman had given him for such emergencies. This action highlights the deep trust and friendship between them, even as Batman uses a weapon to save his friend.

Batman: The Devastator

‘Batman: The Devastator’ shows a dark alternate universe where Batman infects himself with the Doomsday Virus to stop an evil Superman. With Doomsday’s strength and Batman’s intelligence, he easily kills Superman. This tragic tale shows the lengths Batman will go to in order to save humanity.

The Dark Knight Returns

In ‘The Dark Knight Returns,’ an older Batman faces Superman, who is sent by the government to bring him in. Batman uses a powered suit, Gotham’s electrical grid, and a kryptonite arrow to weaken Superman. Despite Superman’s power, Batman’s strategic mind and gadgets give him the upper hand, leading to a dramatic victory.

Batman: Hush

‘Batman: Hush’ has Poison Ivy controlling Superman and sending him to kill Batman. Batman, with the help of Catwoman, throws Lois Lane off a building to snap Superman out of Ivy’s control. Batman’s quick thinking and knowledge of Superman’s psyche allow him to win without a full-on fight.

Batman: Endgame

In ‘Batman: Endgame,’ Batman uses a Justice Buster suit to fight a Jokerized Superman. The suit has red suns in the knuckles and plasma shields to counter Superman’s powers. Batman spits kryptonite-laced gum into Superman’s face, weakening him enough to draw the battle. This inventive tactic showcases Batman’s relentless ingenuity.

Superman Defeats Batman

Superman has also proven his dominance over Batman on numerous occasions. His immense strength, speed, and resilience often leave Batman struggling to keep up. Here are some times when Superman emerged victorious.

Batman #612 (2003)

In ‘Batman #612,’ Poison Ivy controls Superman and sends him to attack Batman. Although Batman uses various gadgets and a Kryptonite ring, Superman overpowers him. Only the threat to Lois Lane stops Superman, showing that Batman’s efforts alone aren’t enough to win.

Superman: Red Son (2003)

In ‘Superman: Red Son,’ an alternate version of Batman traps Superman with red sun lamps, making him powerless. However, Superman manages to break free with Wonder Woman’s help and defeats Batman. This story illustrates Superman’s resilience even when stripped of his powers.

Action Comics #829 (2005)

‘Action Comics #829’ features Maxwell Lord making Superman believe he’s fighting Darkseid, but he’s actually attacking Batman. Superman hits Batman hard and burns him with heat vision, leaving Batman severely injured. The illusion makes Superman’s victory brutal and quick.

Superman/Batman #23 (2005)

In ‘Superman/Batman #23,’ Batman is possessed by the Kryptonite Man, becoming a living weapon against Superman. Despite the overwhelming odds, Superman uses pressure points to paralyze Batman and encases him in a lead shell, forcing the Kryptonite Man to leave. Superman’s quick thinking ensures his victory.

Lex Luthor: Man of Steel (2005)

In ‘Lex Luthor: Man of Steel,’ Batman confronts Superman with a piece of Kryptonite given by Lex Luthor. Superman easily disarms Batman with his super breath and drags him through the air, demonstrating his overwhelming superiority and restraint in not seriously harming Batman.

Superman/Batman #33 (2007)

In ‘Superman/Batman #33,’ Batman is controlled by the alien Blackrock, gaining super-strength and flight. Even so, Superman beats him by exploiting Batman’s unwillingness to remain under control, eventually freeing him from Blackrock’s influence. Superman’s deep understanding of Batman leads to his victory.

Justice League #2 (2011)

In ‘Justice League #2,’ Batman and Green Lantern confront Superman, mistaking him for an enemy. Superman quickly incapacitates Green Lantern and overwhelms Batman. The Flash intervenes to stop the fight, but it’s clear that Superman was far stronger and faster than Batman.

Batman: The Dark Knight #5 (2012)

‘Batman: The Dark Knight #5’ shows Batman, enhanced by Scarecrow’s fear toxin mixed with Bane’s venom, attacking Superman. Despite Batman’s increased strength, Superman ends the fight with a single punch, emphasizing the vast difference in their power levels.

Injustice: Gods Among Us #35 (2013)

In ‘Injustice: Gods Among Us #35,’ a grief-stricken Superman believes Batman is responsible for Lois Lane’s death. He attacks Batman in the Batcave, breaking his back. Superman’s rage and strength leave Batman utterly defeated, showcasing the devastating consequences of Superman’s emotional loss.

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