Like the dawning sun, the DCU is coming. With fresh perspectives on classic characters and stories, the future of DC films could only be filled with potential. Characters that have had their own time in the sun are getting another moment to bathe in the rays. Meanwhile, other characters who deserve another chance or get their first one are coming. The DCU is set up to be another cinematic universe that will add a breath of renewed life to a world that is filled with great mythos. But within those mythos stand opposing gods for all intents and purposes. One comes from the stars; one comes from the darkness. Superman and Batman are poised to make a brand-new stamp inside the DCU. Officially, the DCU begins with Superman, slated to release in 2025, but that only opens the door for Batman, which will get his outing in Batman: Brave and the Bold. Yet, that raises a question: who will the DCU revolve around, The Knight of Gotham or The Son of Krypton?
Batman and Superman have carved out a vast impression of modern culture. The two characters have ascended above casual comic book characters to icons that seemingly everyone has a strong familiarity with. Due to that, Superman and Batman have great arguments about taking the throne at the center of the universe. In fact, they both have that accomplishment. Superman was set up to be at the center of the universe with the release of Man of Steel. His presence was felt in three films. Dawn of Justice was devoted to Superman dealing with his own presence in the world and trying to defeat and defend himself from Batman. Then, in Zack Snyder’s Justice League, the story was driven to bring him back from the dead. So, in DC’s previous attempt to establish a cinematic universe, Superman was a crucial part of it, at least at the beginning of its run. Then, with Batman, it wasn’t just one universe that revolved around him; it was several. The Metal storyline in the books had dozens of twisted versions of Batman from multiple universes. It was shown that the negative universes had these evil variants. So, arguably, half of the universes within DC are devoted to Batman. It also seems that when a writing team writes an Elseworld story, no matter the character, Batman always needs to be present. With all that, Superman and Batman have way more than enough to argue their point to be the center of another universe.
Superman, though, seems to be above all other heroes, no matter the franchise. After all, he was the one to dawn the superhero genre. He represents the best parts of what it means to be a hero and what it takes to be a hero. Superman is kind and gentle to the average nine-to-five worker, his fellow heroes, and even some of his enemies. He understands, but more importantly, he wants to understand. Then, when it’s time to turn on a more aggressive demeanor, he is able to do that. He is willing to become a terrifying force, not because he wants to, but because he needs to. Not because of who is standing in front of him but who is standing behind him. Superman is willing to help everyone from down the street to the other side of the world and the other side of the galaxy. Superman wants to help. He needs to help. That is his core. That type of trait could inspire all the other characters who will debut in this new universe.
On the other hand, though, Batman is Batman. For being the only non-powered Justice League member, Batman demands the respect of everyone in that team. Batman is always on the front lines despite everyone else having godly-level powers. No matter if the League is fighting the Legion of Doom, Darkseid, Doomsday, or Lex Luthor. That, in and of itself, could be inspirational. A man amongst Gods that holds his own. Raw power, like Superman’s, could resolve problems, but Batman’s highly developed strategy skills could do the same. As much as it could be controversial, Batman does have a plethora of contingency plans. That could bail a team out or even help a team get a win without even throwing a single attack. Batman plays smart as much as he plays hard. It has been beneficial to him and the teams he has been a part of. And from what the brief synopsis has shared about the DCU Batman movie, he will be an older version of the character. He is, after all, on his fourth Robin.
Given that Batman has been around for a few years, his presence could leave a legacy of his own that inspires others to join the fight to defend the innocent. Due to that and Batman’s experience and success, other heroes could rally behind him. A Knight that
But could there be room for two kings? Something that the Monsterverse has shown is that two kings can defiantly share the same throne room. Superman could take the skies, while Batman could take the surface. The DCU is expansive. It is large enough to have Superman and Batman command shoulder to shoulder. Superman could be the kind of voice that encourages others to be better. In contrast, Batman could be that stern voice that makes others humbled. They could unite as one to become whetstone to make the ones around them greater. A kind voice could pick them up, while a stern voice. Two kings can work. However, if there has to be a definitive leader, it has to be…Superman. Because Superman represents the best qualities of being a superhero, he needs to be the source of all the good that happens in the DCU. He is welcoming and inviting to all allies. Batman is a little colder and harder to approach. Superman seems to be a person that anyone would want to invite to a birthday party. Batman seems to be the last person anyone would want to run into at night, no matter if that person is innocent or not. Superman openly expresses that he wants the best out of anyone and openly expresses he wants to help. Since he does represent hope, that should be at the forefront. Over the years, Batman has received much attention in books, games, and films. Superman has fallen by the wayside. For a character that started it all for the Superhero genre, he needs to reclaim it.
