See Part One, Part Two, and Part Three. We've covered five different approaches to Superman. Here are the last two and they're definitely of more modern vintage.

6) The Anti-Batman:

This is definitely a post-Crisis theme. Superman and Batman were pals when they first met on the radio in 1943, and then in comics in 1952. The two began teaming up together every month together in World's Finest Comics in 1954 and continuing until1 1985.

When the DC universe rebooted with Crisis on Infinite Earts in the 1980s, things changed. When Superman and Batman first meet in the new DC Universe in Man of Steel #3, Superman goes to Gotham City to stop Batman. The two end up teaming up reluctantly and the new precedent is set for the DC Universe. Superman and Batman do grow closer, but their contrasts in style has them at odds over tactics, though very rarely over who or what to fight.

As Batman became bigger, Superman became defined by not being Batman. This could be taken in both a positive and a negative light for Superman.

If you wanted to be positive about Superman, you'd say, "Superman tries to make a difference by inspiring hope, Batman tries to make a difference by inspiring fear." Superman is far bright and friendlier.

On the other hand, you could say that Batman is more realistic. Batman isn't afraid to do what has to be done. Superman flies through bright skies like a god but Batman is in the grime where people are actually suffering and is willing to be tough when that's what's called.

Or you could go point out that even though Superman isn't human, he lives among humans, he represents our best values and aspirations. He's Clark Kent and identifies fully with humanity. Bruce Wayne may technically be human, but he lives apart from them except in the most shallow and superficial ways. He uses wealth to insulate himself, so he can sit in the batcave and viewing us with a cynical eye, no more human that the Bat Computer.

Or you could go again. Superman may claim to be more friendly or more approachable, but he keeps his secret from the most important people in his life. Batman has Robin (multiple Robins), Alfred, and a strong supporting team. Because despite his gruffness, he really is one of us.

You could go at this for YEARS and never stop coming up with things. It's a trope with great writers and hacks alike having mined.

Frank Miller was a Batman guy in the extreme portraying, Superman as the evil establishment tool of the government in his 1986 Graphic Novel, the Dark Knight Returns, while Batman is the true hero who will stand against evil. The two fight and of course, Batman wins.

Miller's at the extreme edge, but illustrates why this has been problematic. While the Superman-Batman comparison is something writers like, it's hurt the Man of Steel's brand as many more Comic writers are Batman fans first. Being the anti-Batman not a great way to make a character liked.

At the comic book stand, Superman is consistently outsold by Batman by a wide margin. In March, the best-selling Superman comic finished 25th out of all comics behind three different Batman titles. One thing that makes these comparisons hurt Superman so much is that the writers tend to lean strongly towards Batman as does a lot of the fan base. Still, it's been a big part of what defines Superman and for better, it'll stay that way for a while.

7) The Greek God

One thing that confuses people about early Superman media is the fact that Superman's enemies were not really threats to the Man of Steel: mobsters, mad scientists, corrupt government officials. Only the occasional alien was worth Superman sweating over.

Golden Age Superman was about catharsis. People really suffered at the hands of mobsters, corrupt politicians, and injustice. They didn't want the bad guys to have a fair shot. They wanted Superman to grab them and play catch several in the air until the big strong villains cried for mercy.

As most Comic book fans are far from oppressed (particularly with the prices many companies are charging), the activities of our heroes are viewed far more dispassionately as fans want Superman to face tough challenges.

This can be carried to extremes though. There are many fans where Good, evil, it doesn't really matter. They just want big battles, Superman pounding the heck out of someone or something.

In essence, I think they want him to be less a type of Christ and more a type of a Greek God, all filled with epic fights and exploits. Goodness or morality isn't part of this vision of Superman.

Of course, this shows up in other ways, too. In the old days, it was all about the romance between Superman and Lois Lane. But in the view of those who like Superman as a bit of a Greek god, why have Lois Lane when you can have and Wonder Woman, which was the big power couple since the latest DC reboot, with Superman and Wonder Woman considered the "D.C. Universe's Power Couple."

Thus Superman becomes less the man who was really Clark Kent and identifies with humanity and more the Greek god that smashes things and has epic battles. I'm not a fan of this new idea of Superman, but I don't write DC Comics.

Anyway, in our next post, we finally turn to offering thoughts on the Man of Steel and responding to Speculative Faith's epic defense.