I’m a Batman man

VIEWPOINT

By RALPH HARDIN

Evening Times Editor

It seems like you can’t turn to any sort of entertaiment option these days without running in to a super-hero something-or-other. Not that I’m complaining, but whether it’s TV, movies, video games, smart-phone apps, books, clothes, toys or whatever, super-heroes are everywhere.

I guess it’s due to the ever-expanding Marvel and DC Comics frnachises. Like I said, I’m not really complaining as much as I am observing. And everyone has a favorite. Even if you only have a very passing interest in what super-hero is next up to bat in the never ending line of streaming shows or major motion pictures, you know you do. I mean every one of you knows who Batman is and you probably have a “favorite” Batman… I usually go with Christian Bale myself.

And of course, you get the argument: “Superman or Batman?” It’s like “chocolate or vanilla?” You can apparently only pick one. And no, don’t come at me with Iron Man or Spider-Man or Captain American or anyone else.

Just like chocolate and vanilla, those other flavors of super-hero are cool and all but they’re just for a little var-

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iety. When it comes down to it is time to really save the day, you’re gonna want Batman or Superman, let’s be honest.

So, who do you pick? My wife always says Superman, but she’s a Republican and she equates ol’ Supes with “Truth, Justice and the American Way,” so that’s fine.

Me? I’m Batman all the way… always have been. I think it’s just because Superman has it too easy, what with all the powers and the invulnerability. I mean, what fun is it when Lex Luthor devises a plan to send Metropolis floating off into the Atlantic Ocean if Superman can just blow it back into place with his “super-breath” and all?

See, that’s why I like Batman. He is considered a super-hero even though he doesn’t really even have any powers. Yes, he’s in great shape and he’s the world’s greatest detective.

And he’s a rich man, but that’s the thing… at the end of the day, he’s just a man.

And even though he’s just a man, he gets to hang out with the super-powered alien, the Amazon princess, the King of Atlantis, the fastest man alive, the guy who can make anything he wants with his magic ring and a whole host of other wizards, space men, mutants and monsters. So, yeah, I’ll take Batman.

Oh… and chocolate!