Why Does Batman Hate Superman in ‘Justice League’?

The intense rivalry between Batman and Superman in the movie 'Justice League' has left many viewers puzzled. In this article, we will explore the reasons behind this conflict and clarify some misconceptions about their relationship.

Unprecedented Damage and the Loss of Life

One of the primary reasons for Batman's disdain towards Superman is the destruction and loss of life caused during their encounters. Batman, like many citizens of the world, has faced the reality of Superman's actions, which often result in significant collateral damage. In the movie, Batman even states that he sees Superman as the end of humanity, revealing the depth of his fear and mistrust.

Irresponsible Vigilantism

Batman and Superman are both justice figures, but their methods and views differ drastically. Batman, as a former vigilante turned hero, is highly critical of Superman’s approach to crime and justice. He often deems Superman's actions as reckless and irresponsible, leading to unnecessary harm to innocent lives. In one scene, Batman questions whether Superman truly understands the consequences of his actions, emphasizing his distress about this disconnect.

Misunderstandings and Paranoia

Beyond their external differences, there is also a deep-seated mistrust and lack of knowledge about each other. Batman is a paranoiac, and his past experiences have made him wary of others, especially someone with immense power like Superman. For instance, in 'Justice League', Batman is suspicious of Superman's involvement with Zod and the subsequent destruction of the Stryker’s Island prison. This paranoia causes him to question Superman's intentions and actions.

Additionally, Batman is haunted by the memories of his friends like Robin and relatives like Jason Todd. His experiences with the Joker have also made him cynical about the nature of good and evil. As a result, he is skeptical of Superman's true self and uncertain whether he should trust him.

Contrived Relationships and Friendships

While Batman and Superman are presented as brothers in certain post-Crisis comics, their relationship in 'Justice League' is far from a lasting friendship. Although Batman appears to be one of Superman's best friends in the DC Universe, their interactions in 'Justice League' suggest a more adversarial dynamic. In fact, Batman's suspicions and actions often put a strain on their relationship, indicating that true trust is lacking.

Character Development and Trust Issues

Beyond the immediate conflict in 'Justice League', Batman's skepticism and mistrust run deep. In the comics, especially in the Frank Miller run, there are moments where Batman, despite his dislike for Superman, is portrayed as a reluctant ally. This dynamic is further explored in the prequel 'Batwing', where Batman becomes suspicious of Superman and even puts a virus on Martian Manhunter to ensure he doesn't turn bad.

Batman's perception of Superman is influenced by his own fear of power and uncertainty about why certain individuals are good. In 'Justice League', his cynical outlook and fear of the unknown make it hard for him to trust those who are too powerful, a trait that causes friction with Superman, who is seen as a potential threat to human existence.

In conclusion, Batman's hatred towards Superman in 'Justice League' stems from a mix of fear, suspicion, and past experiences. While they may represent two sides of a similar coin, their contrasting methods and mistrust create a complex and often hostile relationship that drives much of their interactions in the film.

Keywords

Batman Superman Justice League