Why Batman is SO Much Cooler than Superman

I have always loved Batman. I had a very favorable introduction to Batman because when I was a kid I watched Batman: The Animated Series on FOX. That show was incredible. It was dark, brooding and complex. I loved the psychological elements to the stories. For example, the episode where the villain known as the Mad Hatter uses mind control to make the woman he loves his girlfriend. In the end he realizes that by controlling her mind he has gotten rid of the very woman he fell in love with.

They say the opposite of love is really indifference. In that case my feelings for Superman are the opposite of my feelings for Batman. I never watched Superman cartoons. I didn't read any of the comics. I didn't see any of the movies. I knew about Superman. I knew his backstory and his powers and his history. But I didn't CARE about him. He didn't interest me.

Back in high school I was working at Six Flags New England in the Superman store. I spent my time surrounded by Superman logos and staring at a giant Superman sculpture. I started to really think about Superman and what made him great. I then started to compare Superman to my favorite DC superhero, Batman.

Costumes
First and foremost is appearances. Now they both have the requisite spandex and cape ensemble but Batman's is so much darker and intimidating. His colors are dark and mysterious. When he spreads his cape he looks like spectre swooping down on his hapless victims and his cowl reveals nothing but cold eyes and a grim mouth. Superman goes around in bright red man panties.

Alter Egos
Batman's alter ego is Bruce Wayne, billionaire playboy. Superman's is Clark Kent, mild-mannered reporter. Bruce Wayne has confidence and finesse while Clark Kent can barely work up the courage to ask out Lois Lane. Now, I know that many have said that Clark Kent is just the mask that Superman wears. The opposite of Batman which is the mask Bruce Wayne wears. Well, in that case, Bruce Wayne's mask is cooler than Superman's.

Alfred
Batman's butler is one of his greatest resources. Alfred is Batman's doctor, confidant, and friend. Alfred is witty and intelligent. He helps Batman through all of his trials with a kindly, fatherly air. And, honestly, who among us doesn't want a butler at our beck and call?

Powers
Now you may be thinking, 'Oh, Superman is so much more powerful! He can fly, he has superstrength, etc!' Yeah, well, that's WHY Batman is cooler. Batman's powers all come from within. His strength and prowress come from years of intense training. He is a self-made man. He has worked with masters of martial arts and escape artists. He has studied and developed his range of gadgets over the years to make himself a force to be reckoned with. Also, Superman may have all those superpowers, but if he gets anywhere near Kryptonite he is brought to his knees. You can never take away Batman's powers because they don't come from an external force.

Finally, as the saying goes, Batman would beat Superman in a fight because Batman always carries Kryptonite in his utility belt.