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dc - Are there criteria for being a super hero and does Batman meet them?


There is no doubt that Batman is a hero, he saves Gotham (and the world) on a pretty regular basis. He's uncommonly strong and very very smart but to the best of my knowledge he has no "super" powers per se; he may be smarter and stronger than the average man but not beyond human limits.



The DC Comics website has this as their header;



DCComics.com: Welcome to the Official Site for DC Comics. DC Comics is home to the "World's Greatest Super Heroes,” including SUPERMAN BATMAN, ...



My question is; within the DC universe, what evidence is there to support the idea he is a super hero? Can a hero be called a super hero without possessing super powers?



Answer



Webster Dictionary defines a "Superhero" as either;


1) A fictional character who has amazing powers (such as the ability to fly).


In the strictest sense, Batman isn't a superhero because he has no "amazing" powers (e.g. powers that are magical or pseudo-scientific) but depending on the canon source, he does regularly perform feats that are well beyond the abilities of normal humans.


His abilities rarely stray beyond the realms of reality. His strength, athleticism, stamina, agility, mental acuity, etc are impressive but his writers usually try to keep him from actually being superhuman.



On several occasions he does display superheroic powers, but usually as a result of science (in the form of "chemicals") or as a result of those powers "leaping" into his body...


Batman Breathing Under Water; Batman Human Fish


Batman with Superhuman strength after being struck by lightning; Batman Super strength


Batman swapped powers with Superman; Batman swapped powers with Superman


2) A very heroic person


Batman repeatedly performs acts of heroism, sacrificing his own life (or at least attempting to) on an almost weekly basis. He fights crime at great personal expense and has invested vast sums into developing computer equipment and crimefighting tools to aid the police and support the city.


I guess you can make your own choice which definition you think most closely relates to your question. Personally I err on the side of "yes".


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