Why Batman is not a super hero

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  • su·per·he·ro   [soo-per-heer-oh] noun, plural -roes.
    a hero, especially in children's comic books and television cartoons, possessing extraordinary, often magical powers.
  • _Ben
    _Ben Posts: 1,608 Member
    As i said, the quote I posted is right from DC and Marvel.
  • lacroyx
    lacroyx Posts: 5,754 Member
    here's Webster's own definition:
    http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/super hero
    a fictional hero having extraordinary or superhuman powers; also : an exceptionally skillful or successful person
  • Here it is from the source. DC and Marvel actually have a copyright on the word Superhero (which I never knew):

    "A superhero (also known as a super hero) is a fictional character "of unprecedented physical prowess dedicated to acts of derring-do in the public interest". Since the debut of the prototypal superhero Superman in 1938, stories of superheroes — ranging from brief episodic adventures to continuing years-long sagas — have dominated American comic books and crossed over into other media. A female superhero is sometimes called a superheroine or super heroine.
    By most definitions, characters need not have actual superhuman powers to be deemed superheroes, not, although sometimes terms such as costumed crimefighters are used to refer to those without such powers who have many other common traits of superheroes.
    The two-word version of the term is a trademark co-owned by DC Comics and Marvel Comics."

    http://superhero.askdefine.com/

    So it's settled, batman is a superhero. /thread

    Phoenix-wright-objection.jpg

    I beg to differ. He doesn't have "unprecedented physical prowess", because he earned all of his physical skills from other martial artists.

    In conclusion: that definition does not fit Batman.
  • su·per·he·ro   [soo-per-heer-oh] noun, plural -roes.
    a hero, especially in children's comic books and television cartoons, possessing extraordinary, often magical powers.

    We've established this. He is not super; therefore, this definition is not suiting either.
  • here's Webster's own definition:
    http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/super hero
    a fictional hero having extraordinary or superhuman powers; also : an exceptionally skillful or successful person

    Oxford Dictionary labels a superhero as "a benevolent fictional character with superhuman powers."

    He has no supernatural powers.
  • I rest my case. /thread



    >_>
  • So then iron man and the punisher aren't superhero's either?



    This argument is special...

    The Punisher, Iron Man, Batman, Robin/Nightwing, ...All super hero's....

    Oh one last thing,

    We've established Robin and Frank Castle to NOT be superheroes as well. Robin is just his lackey and Frank Castle is undoubtedly a vigilante (as is Batman). Iron Man; however, is a super hero. Tony Stark is arguable to be just a hero.
  • lacroyx
    lacroyx Posts: 5,754 Member
    Oxford Dictionary does not even have "comic book(s)" as a word listed
    http://oxforddictionaries.com/spellcheck/?region=us&q=comic+book

    No exact results found for comic book in the dictionary.

    utter blasphemy I say! while Websters......

    http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/comic books
    a magazine containing sequences of comic strips —usually hyphenated in attributive use

    thus we have to say Oxford has lost all credibility
  • Mama_CAEI
    Mama_CAEI Posts: 235
    So then iron man and the punisher aren't superhero's either?



    This argument is special...

    The Punisher, Iron Man, Batman, Robin/Nightwing, ...All super hero's....

    Oh one last thing,

    We've established Robin and Frank Castle to NOT be superheroes as well. Robin is just his lackey and Frank Castle is undoubtedly a vigilante (as is Batman). Iron Man; however, is a super hero. Tony Stark is arguable to be just a hero.

    So I told my husband (Deadpool. lol) about this thread and asked his opinion on the topic: he says the difference between Batman and Frank Castle is that Batman will not cross the line to killing anyone. Secondly, he says what makes Batman a superhero is that despite not having any special powers, he still throws himself headlong into defending society from evil, at the risk of his own safety. That selflessness in and of itself makes him a superhero.
  • Oxford Dictionary does not even have "comic book(s)" as a word listed
    http://oxforddictionaries.com/spellcheck/?region=us&q=comic+book

    No exact results found for comic book in the dictionary.

    utter blasphemy I say! while Websters......

    http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/comic books
    a magazine containing sequences of comic strips —usually hyphenated in attributive use

    thus we have to say Oxford has lost all credibility

    Comic books isn't even a word. Your argument is invalid :O
  • So then iron man and the punisher aren't superhero's either?



    This argument is special...

    The Punisher, Iron Man, Batman, Robin/Nightwing, ...All super hero's....

    Oh one last thing,

    We've established Robin and Frank Castle to NOT be superheroes as well. Robin is just his lackey and Frank Castle is undoubtedly a vigilante (as is Batman). Iron Man; however, is a super hero. Tony Stark is arguable to be just a hero.

    So I told my husband (Deadpool. lol) about this thread and asked his opinion on the topic: he says the difference between Batman and Frank Castle is that Batman will not cross the line to killing anyone. Secondly, he says what makes Batman a superhero is that despite not having any special powers, he still throws himself headlong into defending society from evil, at the risk of his own safety. That selflessness in and of itself makes him a superhero.

    Lol, that's why most people think he is a superhero, but indeed he is just a hero. He doesn't live up to the "super" expectation.
  • _Ben
    _Ben Posts: 1,608 Member
    Lets break down the word again.

    Hero - A person, typically a man, who is admired for courage or noble qualities.

    Super - Especially; particularly


    The definition most people are proposing is that because you have superpowers, your are a super hero. This is not true in the comic book world. Many of the mutants in the world show no real great acts of evil or good. There species is classified as homo superiors, because they are 'superior' or 'super' to typical humans.

    A firefighter who runs into a burning building is a hero, the guy who landed the plane in the hudson bay is a hero, but its when someone takes it to a feat much greater than a human could typically go, to be able to do things that are so abnormally superior and amazing, is when they become a super hero. While Batman may not be born with any necessarily special abilities, he is still a costumed crimefighte, who has gone up and above the regular call of duty. He is not a just a hero, but he is a special and particular hero, one that even goes above and beyond the typical call of a regular hero, time and time again. While we cannot discredit the average fireman or policeman, its easy to say that in the comic book world, batman is superior even to them. Ergo, he still fits the definition.
  • I've shown your own research and definitions to be not fitting for Batman, what more is there to be said? Lol.
  • Lets break down the word again.

    Hero - A person, typically a man, who is admired for courage or noble qualities.

    Super - Especially; particularly


    The definition most people are proposing is that because you have superpowers, your are a super hero. This is not true in the comic book world. Many of the mutants in the world show no real great acts of evil or good. There species is classified as homo superiors, because they are 'superior' or 'super' to typical humans.

    A firefighter who runs into a burning building is a hero, the guy who landed the plane in the hudson bay is a hero, but its when someone takes it to a feat much greater than a human could typically go, to be able to do things that are so abnormally superior and amazing, is when they become a super hero. While Batman may not be born with any necessarily special abilities, he is still a costumed crimefighte, who has gone up and above the regular call of duty. He is not a just a hero, but he is a special and particular hero, one that even goes above and beyond the typical call of a regular hero, time and time again. While we cannot discredit the average fireman or policeman, its easy to say that in the comic book world, batman is superior even to them. Ergo, he still fits the definition.

    He is a costumed crimefighter. That's all he is. By your own definitions he does not fit it, actually. I think you should do a little more research on what "unprecedented physical prowess" means or "super powers". :)
  • _Ben
    _Ben Posts: 1,608 Member
    Super does not mean the ability to fly or teleport, just above and beyond normal.

    When you order a super sized burger, its just larger than normal (or was lol). Or a super ball does not have some supernatural teleportation abilities, its just superior to a regular ball.

    Your definition of super is off.
  • Super does not mean the ability to fly or teleport, just above and beyond normal.

    When you order a super sized burger, its just larger than normal (or was lol). Or a super ball does not have some supernatural teleportation abilities, its just superior to a regular ball.

    Your definition of super is off.

    Lol.

    While I admire your effort, I've discussed the meaning of supernatural and "superior" than human and Batman still does not fit it. He is at maximum everything for human, yes. Does that mean he is super? No.
  • If you still don't accept my argument, I'll be on later to refute your response. :)
  • So then iron man and the punisher aren't superhero's either?



    This argument is special...

    The Punisher, Iron Man, Batman, Robin/Nightwing, ...All super hero's....

    Iron Man, maybe. The Punisher, absolutely not a superhero, rather the very embodiment of the anti-hero. And my favorite comic book character or all time.

    And Robin/Nightwing is, was, and will be, a SIDEKICK. Like the joke I always pull on my best friends mom, who's name is Robin.

    "Hey, know why your name is Robin?"
    "Why?"
    "Because you weren't cool enough to be named Batman."
  • _Ben
    _Ben Posts: 1,608 Member
    Super does not mean the ability to fly or teleport, just above and beyond normal.

    When you order a super sized burger, its just larger than normal (or was lol). Or a super ball does not have some supernatural teleportation abilities, its just superior to a regular ball.

    Your definition of super is off.

    Lol.

    While I admire your effort, I've discussed the meaning of supernatural and "superior" than human and Batman still does not fit it. He is at maximum everything for human, yes. Does that mean he is super? No.

    "little more research on what "unprecedented physical prowess""

    unprecedented - without previous instance; never before known or experienced; unexampled or unparalleled:
    physical - of or pertaining to that which is material
    prowess - 1.Skill or expertise in an activity or field. 2, Bravery in battle.

    I think its pretty clear batman falls right into that definition


    In the end, it looks as though we are at a stand off, we will really never change the others mind. I agree that Batman is less 'super' than other superheroes like Superman (hate him). There is no denying he would have to sign up for the Superhuman registration act though if Batman was in the marvel universe. Here is the basic outline of the act for those who are unfamiliar:

    "6 U.S.C. S. 558, which required those with naturally occurring superhuman abilities, super abilities acquired through science or magic (including extraterrestrials and gods), and even non-super powered humans using exotic technology, such as Iron Man, to register as "living weapons of mass destruction."

    By that definition, he is a superhero, at least in the eyes of the government.

    As I said, we arent going to change eachothers minds, we have both laid out both valid and sound arguments. We both have supporting material, claims, and references. Mine come primarily from comic books themselves, as well as breakdown of the language; where yours come from dictionaries, other supporting examples, and study. Really we are both right I guess, it just depends on how you look at it.
  • _Ben
    _Ben Posts: 1,608 Member
    If you still don't accept my argument, I'll be on later to refute your response. :)

    As I said, we wont ever really change the others mind, which is perfectly fine. I also shall retire (or just do endless organic chemistry then work, whichever you prefer to call it lol)
  • QueenJayJay
    QueenJayJay Posts: 1,079 Member
    "little more research on what "unprecedented physical prowess""

    unprecedented - without previous instance; never before known or experienced; unexampled or unparalleled:
    physical - of or pertaining to that which is material
    prowess - 1.Skill or expertise in an activity or field. 2, Bravery in battle.

    I think its pretty clear batman falls right into that definition


    In the end, it looks as though we are at a stand off, we will really never change the others mind. I agree that Batman is less 'super' than other superheroes like Superman (hate him). There is no denying he would have to sign up for the Superhuman registration act though if Batman was in the marvel universe. Here is the basic outline of the act for those who are unfamiliar:

    "6 U.S.C. S. 558, which required those with naturally occurring superhuman abilities, super abilities acquired through science or magic (including extraterrestrials and gods), and even non-super powered humans using exotic technology, such as Iron Man, to register as "living weapons of mass destruction."

    By that definition, he is a superhero, at least in the eyes of the government.

    As I said, we arent going to change eachothers minds, we have both laid out both valid and sound arguments. We both have supporting material, claims, and references. Mine come primarily from comic books themselves, as well as breakdown of the language; where yours come from dictionaries, other supporting examples, and study. Really we are both right I guess, it just depends on how you look at it.

    ^Winning
  • No one would be talking smack to the real Batman... :)
  • lacroyx
    lacroyx Posts: 5,754 Member
    Oxford Dictionary does not even have "comic book(s)" as a word listed
    http://oxforddictionaries.com/spellcheck/?region=us&q=comic+book

    No exact results found for comic book in the dictionary.

    utter blasphemy I say! while Websters......

    http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/comic books
    a magazine containing sequences of comic strips —usually hyphenated in attributive use

    thus we have to say Oxford has lost all credibility

    Comic books isn't even a word. Your argument is invalid :O

    I still say Oxford has lost all it's credibility with not having "comic books" as a definition but I concede it's 2 words... but ok following Oxford's definition of "super" http://oxforddictionaries.com/definition/super-?region=us

    Origin:
    from Latin super-, from super 'above, beyond'


    we have accepted Batman is a hero and being that he is just a human with no special powers but under Oxfords defintion of super, he does go "above and beyond" we must accept he is a superhero.
  • Batman is one the most globally reconized figures, ever. He's right up there with Mickey Mouse, Santa, and Superman.
  • Batman is not a super hero because he is half Bat.
  • Batman is not a super hero because he is half Bat.

    Off topic, is that a picture of you? Because I've totally seen that guy get beat up on Bully Beatdown.
  • Super does not mean the ability to fly or teleport, just above and beyond normal.

    When you order a super sized burger, its just larger than normal (or was lol). Or a super ball does not have some supernatural teleportation abilities, its just superior to a regular ball.

    Your definition of super is off.

    Lol.

    While I admire your effort, I've discussed the meaning of supernatural and "superior" than human and Batman still does not fit it. He is at maximum everything for human, yes. Does that mean he is super? No.

    "little more research on what "unprecedented physical prowess""

    unprecedented - without previous instance; never before known or experienced; unexampled or unparalleled:
    physical - of or pertaining to that which is material
    prowess - 1.Skill or expertise in an activity or field. 2, Bravery in battle.

    I think its pretty clear batman falls right into that definition


    In the end, it looks as though we are at a stand off, we will really never change the others mind. I agree that Batman is less 'super' than other superheroes like Superman (hate him). There is no denying he would have to sign up for the Superhuman registration act though if Batman was in the marvel universe. Here is the basic outline of the act for those who are unfamiliar:

    "6 U.S.C. S. 558, which required those with naturally occurring superhuman abilities, super abilities acquired through science or magic (including extraterrestrials and gods), and even non-super powered humans using exotic technology, such as Iron Man, to register as "living weapons of mass destruction."

    By that definition, he is a superhero, at least in the eyes of the government.

    As I said, we arent going to change eachothers minds, we have both laid out both valid and sound arguments. We both have supporting material, claims, and references. Mine come primarily from comic books themselves, as well as breakdown of the language; where yours come from dictionaries, other supporting examples, and study. Really we are both right I guess, it just depends on how you look at it.

    Ok. I can respect that response. However, I’m still going to refute. Unprecedented physical prowess would mean he would have “superior ability, skill, or strength”. He is not more that is man; nor is he a super-man. The biggest thing about Batman is that he doesn’t have any super powers, he just had a *kitten* ton of money and training. He doesn’t have SUPER strength, nor does he have any magical powers. This definition also proves my point. Yes he does have bravery; however, that is not the context in which the phrase is used in. He learned all of his physical skills from other martial artists. If he learned from someone else, this proves that someone else is capable of doing what he does.
    Another thing is- I do read comics. I have read a lot of Batman comics which was stated in previous pages of this thread. The last I knew Batman was dead, but someone told me he came back- that he went through a time warp or some *kitten*. Don’t get me wrong, Batman is badass, but he’s no qualified SUPERhero.
  • Super does not mean the ability to fly or teleport, just above and beyond normal.

    When you order a super sized burger, its just larger than normal (or was lol). Or a super ball does not have some supernatural teleportation abilities, its just superior to a regular ball.

    Your definition of super is off.

    Lol.

    While I admire your effort, I've discussed the meaning of supernatural and "superior" than human and Batman still does not fit it. He is at maximum everything for human, yes. Does that mean he is super? No.

    "little more research on what "unprecedented physical prowess""

    unprecedented - without previous instance; never before known or experienced; unexampled or unparalleled:
    physical - of or pertaining to that which is material
    prowess - 1.Skill or expertise in an activity or field. 2, Bravery in battle.

    I think its pretty clear batman falls right into that definition


    In the end, it looks as though we are at a stand off, we will really never change the others mind. I agree that Batman is less 'super' than other superheroes like Superman (hate him). There is no denying he would have to sign up for the Superhuman registration act though if Batman was in the marvel universe. Here is the basic outline of the act for those who are unfamiliar:

    "6 U.S.C. S. 558, which required those with naturally occurring superhuman abilities, super abilities acquired through science or magic (including extraterrestrials and gods), and even non-super powered humans using exotic technology, such as Iron Man, to register as "living weapons of mass destruction."

    By that definition, he is a superhero, at least in the eyes of the government.

    As I said, we arent going to change eachothers minds, we have both laid out both valid and sound arguments. We both have supporting material, claims, and references. Mine come primarily from comic books themselves, as well as breakdown of the language; where yours come from dictionaries, other supporting examples, and study. Really we are both right I guess, it just depends on how you look at it.

    Ok. I can respect that response. However, I’m still going to refute. Unprecedented physical prowess would mean he would have “superior ability, skill, or strength”. He is not more that is man; nor is he a super-man. The biggest thing about Batman is that he doesn’t have any super powers, he just had a *kitten* ton of money and training. He doesn’t have SUPER strength, nor does he have any magical powers. This definition also proves my point. Yes he does have bravery; however, that is not the context in which the phrase is used in. He learned all of his physical skills from other martial artists. If he learned from someone else, this proves that someone else is capable of doing what he does.
    Another thing is- I do read comics. I have read a lot of Batman comics which was stated in previous pages of this thread. The last I knew Batman was dead, but someone told me he came back- that he went through a time warp or some *kitten*. Don’t get me wrong, Batman is badass, but he’s no qualified SUPERhero.

    I would also like to add that Batman wouldn't be considered superhuman in Marvel. Yes, Tony Stark is a LIVING MACHINE, that's why he is on it.
  • he fights crime, good enough for me!
This discussion has been closed.