Did you know that there was a time when Batman and Superman switched powers? Discover how the Dark Knight became even more ruthless than before!
Batman has never wanted superhuman abilities to take what is rightfully his. He never needed his detective skills or brutal methods to combat crime. There was a time when Batman had all of Superman’s abilities, as Superman transferred his powers to Batman. But in reality, Batman used the newfound power to become even more brutal than before.
Highlights —
- When Superman’s powers were all transferred to Batman!
- Batman fought the Justice League
When Superman’s powers were all transferred to Batman!
An ancient artefact is known as the Brooch of Cawdor accidentally transferred Superman’s powers into Batman in the 2008 issue of Superman/Batman #53 by Michael Green, Mike Johnson, and Rags Morales. As they try to figure out how to fix it, Batman becomes inexplicably enraged with power, as per the special catch behind the Brooch. The Brooch can grant anyone’s heart’s desire in exchange for something valuable. For Batman, he goes insane.
In his mind, Bruce uses his powers for good, finally cleaning up Gotham and being relieved to hear that the city is “quiet” for a change. Simultaneously, he starts beating people within an inch of their lives, including Bane, with whom he picks a fight. His rage is directed not only at villains. But also at those attempting to assist him, such as Nightwing, whom Batman hospitalises.
With Superman’s help, Batman can expand his campaign far beyond the confines of Gotham. The Dark Knight begins fighting crime all over the world, allowing the sun to pursue him as he follows the night.
Batman fought the Justice League
Batman becomes convinced that he is the world’s only hope, but after he feuds with Nightwing, the Justice League concludes that they must intervene and stop Batman before it is too late. On the moon, they encounter Batman and his team of Wonder Woman, Firestorm, Supergirl, Hawkgirl, Red Tornado, Hal Jordan, and John Stewart. However, they are no match for Batman’s mind combined with all of Superman’s abilities. He nearly destroys the entire team, but before he can finish the job, Zatanna’s vision of his parents draws him back to Earth. The conjurer restores both Batman and Superman to their usual selves, as they were before Superman transferred his powers to Batman.
Seeing something like this should make audiences appreciate Batman without powers more than a Batman with powers. Throughout the story, it’s clear that Batman is sincere in his approach. There’s even a point where he expresses his displeasure with the situation, knowing that Clark Kent losing his powers means the world needs a Superman. To compensate, Bruce attempts to use his powers to perform double duty, but he overdoes it. Depending on your point of view, Batman either loses sight of his original mission to protect people or becomes far too intensely dedicated to that mission.
On the other hand, a Batman without powers is a Batman who recognises his limitations and works hard to compensate for them. He recognises that he is only a human and, as such, cannot save everyone on the planet, so he compensates by making every night he spends in his cowl count. Making each moment count rather than crafting a collection of moments is what it means to be a hero. With his abilities, Batman tries to create a slew of moments in order to save every single person on the planet as soon as possible, and as a result, he loses his way. Bruce Wayne is at his best when he is attempting to be Batman rather than Superman.
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