The Cap And The Bat?

Batman and Superman are the greatest pairing in all of super hero and comic book media. Their stark differences but strong similarities make that dynamic so compelling. Respect, brotherly love, trust and a bit, a very small bit of animosity lies in between them. That relationship is a character in of itself. The traits of each set the template for other characters in other franchises. One that has a lot in common with Superman is a character that plays for the team down the street. Captain America often draws a lot of comparisons to Superman. Sure, Cap has unique traits that belong to him but there’s still quite a bit of common ground between Captain America and Superman. So, in a situation where Batman and Captain America do share a universe long enough to know each other well, will that relationship have any similarities with the one between Batman and Superman?

These two have met before in an intercompany crossover in the late 90’s. They clashed on top of a building under the rain and like any good crossover, they fought. Each sized each other up then attacked. Had inner monologues on how to hit each other. But each hit was countered and commented on. After a few failed attacks, the two knew it was a stalemate and agreed there’s no point in fighting. That was the first clue hinting on what a Batman/Captain America relationship would look like.

But coming from Batman’s perspective, he will see lot of Superman in Captain America. The hope, the inspiration, the encouragement, and the need to do the right thing because it’s the right thing to do. Batman relies on that from time to time to keep the Justice League and even himself in line. No doubt Batman will rely on Captain America to do the same thing. But there will also be a different type of respect and response Batman will have on Captain America. A few times, Batman does get irritated with Superman because the Man of Steel relies on his nigh invulnerability too much to the point it blinds Superman to the severity of the situation. Captain America does not have that luxury. But Captain America is willing to take on any threat, no matter the size, the power level, the numbers, or the intention. Captain America spear heads each attack. Something Batman may have some similarity with. Batman could see himself in Captain America as well. Batman may see the best versions of himself and Superman in Captain America. Batman has the capabilities to lead an army into war. But reluctantly avoids it most of the time due to the need of staying grounded and just outright being stubborn. Captain America thrives in those moments. Steps up to those moments. Batman has admitted Superman inspires. No reason to believe he won’t feel something similar when it comes to Captain America.

When it comes to Captain America’s view on Batman, he would see the potential and good intentions behind a man who is traumatized. Captain America has talent of knowing his allies’ greatest strengths. He will fully know what Batman’s strengths are but more importantly be fully aware that Batman’s trauma is what drives him to do good. Cap will be accepting of Batman’s more brutish approach to heroism. There may be a time or two where Captain America may talk him into seeing a more positive way, but he is keenly aware that Batman is a true hero through and through. Captain America could sense the selflessness in Batman. The fact Batman does all this because his actions are rooted in the idea of not wanting people to suffer his fate will grab Captain America’s attention and respect. Cap may even be Batman’s reminder to stay on that certain path. Captain America will the same type of respect toward Batman that Superman has.  

But there is a factor that could complicate the dynamic between Batman and Captain America. A big reason to why Batman and Superman get along so well is that both value life. Captain America does value life, but when a situation calls for a life to be taken, Cap will do just that. He is a soldier after all. Batman and Captain America clearly know the line between good and evil. It’s just Captain America takes his prejudice against evil a step further than Batman. Captain America takes lives and that will clash with Batman’s morality. Batman confronts Captain America about this and Captain America will respect Batman’s stance. He will listen to him, understand him. See it from his perspective. But Captain America will stick to his ways. Respond with his own reasons to why he takes the route he does to stop his enemies. Batman has confronted people like this before. Some are his closest allies. Catwoman tries to take lives. Red Hood does take lives. But each of their own reasonings may come off as a bit barbaric, a bit selfish, and too impatient. Too hot headed perhaps as well. But Captain America has strong, benevolent, logical, and selfless reasonings behind what he does to stop villains and enemies. Unlike Captain America who will take the time to understand and see it from Batman’s perspective, Batman, who strongly, unwaveringly believes in his moral compass, won’t give Captain America the same luxury. He will still respect the Captain, but there will be a distance between them. Captain America will still have Batman around for missions, knowing how vital he is to have but from Batman’s perspective, there will be an odd tension between himself and Captain America.

Captain America’s willingness to take a life will clash hard against Batman’s morals. Yet, both men see value in the other. See the importance of each other. And there will still be strong respect between each other. They may even see themselves in the other. Batman’s sees the hope, the respect, inspiration, encouragement and support Captain America gives his allies. Captain America sees the grit, the drive, determination, fearless, and relentlessness Batman has to offer. That creates a mutual respect between each other. There is a huge difference between them, something that Batman and Superman don’t need to worry about, but knowing their end goals are the same, Batman and Captain America will have a great relationship. May even lean on each other the most.