Who's is DC's Golden Child

[Goodspeed]

In terms of money/merchandising. Batman or Superman.

It seems to me that Batman is the Golden child of DC. What do you all think?

 

[DieSmiling]

In terms of who generates them the most money? Batman, easily.

 

[EliteF50]

Batman.

 

[Motown Marvel]

i would think it fluctuates. currently, it would seem to be batman. but of all time, i would think its superman.

 

[Godzilla2014]

Batman. DC does stand for "Detective Comics", the title Batman debuted in. Superman doesn't sell as well today because he's seen as a very morally simplistic character, which coupled with his great powers, often leads him to be criticized as a Boring Invincible Hero. Batman, on the other hand, while not an everyman in terms of his intelligence, wealth, expertise, and badassery, is very human, with flaws and limitations and his stories are often of a smaller scale.

 

[DW4]

Batman and it's not even close.

Marvel(Spidey and Wolverine specifically) will probably still never generate the money that Batman does.

 

[Jake Cassidy]

Right now, Batman. But all time, Superman. Although, they'd be pretty damn close.

 

[The Joker]

Batman always seemed like their most profitable character overall.

 

[theMan-Bat]

It does fluctuate. From 1938 to 1959 Superman was DC's golden character. Superman had the radio show and the theatrical cartoons by Fleischer Studios and the live-action TV show starring George Reeves. George Reeves' death in 1959 hurt the success of Superman, because he so defined Superman, as far as the public was concerned, Superman was dead. From 1966 to 1968 Batman was DC's golden character when the live-action Adam West Batman TV show was a hit, which gave Batman comics a huge boost in sales, until the '60s camp fad was over, the show was canceled and Batman comics sales dropped again. From 1974 to 1977 it was Captain Marvel and Wonder Woman while the live-action Shazam! TV show starring Jackson Bostwick/John Davey and the Wonder Woman TV show starring Lynda Carter were hits. From 1978 to the early '80s it was Superman thanks to the success of the Richard Donner/Richard Lester movies starring Christopher Reeve. From 1986 to 1995 it was Batman thanks to the success of Frank Miller's Batman: The Dark Knight Returns graphic novels and of course Tim Burton's Batman and Batman Returns movies starring Michael Keaton and Bruce Timm's award winning Batman: The Animated Series TV show and even Joel Schumacher's Batman Forever starring Val Kilmer. From 1996 to 2004 Superman was the golden character again with the success of Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman on TV, Superman: The Wedding Album comic book was a huge success and the Kingdom Come graphic novels painted by Alex Ross starring Superman were a big success, Superman: The Animated Series and Smallville was even a surprise hit. From 2005 (Batman Begins) to currently, it's Batman.
Green Lantern could become DC's next big golden character if the live-action film is a hit and there's the upcoming Green Lantern animated movie and the animated series.

 

[Pfeiffer-Pfan]

I think at the moment... no character is having quite the overall impact in terms of money-making that Batman is having. Even Spider-man has stumbled...

Movies: Christopher Nolan series, The Dark Knight in particular being both critically and commercially successful. With a highly anticipated third movie on the way.

Animation: Batman: Under The Red Hood was very popular and successful and he will no doubt have many more DTV's coming out with much interest.

Batman: The Brave and the Bold has also been a huge success, hitting both the kids and comic fans. Which shows the diversity of the character in that he can appeals to multiple types of people, with multiple interpreatations at the same time.

Even though it is being cancelled... a new Batman cartoon will follow immediately after The Dark Knight Rises.

Video games: Batman: Arkham Asylum and Arkham City... Need I say more?

Comic Books: We may not like what he is doing at times, but Grant Morrison has no doubt rejuvenated interest and produced huge sales for the Batman line of books.


I mean... as of right now. Batman is one of the most critically and comercially viable characters out there in practically all mediums. He has been ultilized remarkably the past six years... and is succesfully hitting all targets.

Not just in terms of DC, but the entire comic book industry Batman is on top with Spider-man VERY closely behind him.

 

[Breogan]

Used to be Superman, now it’s Batman

It’s like Mickey & Donald, Mickey was the star (Golden Boy) used to be the fun one, but soon became recognized as bland, aloof and the corporate symbol, while the one with more character; problems, pathos, anxiety, shortcomings i.e. “humanity” actually became the more popular and fun one to watch.

Or to keep this DC/WB rellated it's simillar used to be Bugs, now it's Daffy.

 

[Godzilla2014]

I think at the moment... no character is having quite the overall impact in terms of money-making that Batman is having. Even Spider-man has stumbled...

Movies: Christopher Nolan series, The Dark Knight in particular being both critically and commercially successful. With a highly anticipated third movie on the way.

Animation: Batman: Under The Red Hood was very popular and successful and he will no doubt have many more DTV's coming out with much interest.

Batman: The Brave and the Bold has also been a huge success, hitting both the kids and comic fans. Which shows the diversity of the character in that he can appeals to multiple types of people, with multiple interpreatations at the same time.

Even though it is being cancelled... a new Batman cartoon will follow immediately after The Dark Knight Rises.

Video games: Batman: Arkham Asylum and Arkham City... Need I say more?

Comic Books: We may not like what he is doing at times, but Grant Morrison has no doubt rejuvenated interest and produced huge sales for the Batman line of books.


I mean... as of right now. Batman is one of the most critically and comercially viable characters out there in practically all mediums. He has been ultilized remarkably the past six years... and is succesfully hitting all targets.

Not just in terms of DC, but the entire comic book industry Batman is on top with Spider-man VERY closely behind him.

Exactly. People like Batman more than Superman because he's a lot more human, and he is a better role model to boot.

 

[John Locke]

It's Batman now. It was Superman for a long time. I'd say Batman started being the golden child when Batman 89 came out. It really comes down to the sucess of the movies. The movies influence what video games and animations are created. Superman has not had a good movie since Superman II. But Batman has had plenty since then.

 

[El Payaso]

Batman in every case.

 

[Docker2.0]

Batman and it's not even close.

Marvel(Spidey and Wolverine specifically) will probably still never generate the money that Batman does.

You are so wrong it's not even funny. But yeah Batman is easily DC's cash cow, which is bad in away because we have like 15 Batman movies and only one GL movie! But as a poster said earlier, I think GL is going to be DC's next big heroes which is crazy. I don't know why they only seem to have one at a time that they seem to focus on but whatever.

 

[Motown Marvel]

isnt green lantern DC's top selling book right now? i know the answer to this question goes beyond comic sales. just sayin....

Exactly. People like Batman more than Superman because he's a lot more human, and he is a better role model to boot.

um, batman is a better role model than superman? in what reality does that make any sense?

and before you consider that, dont think that just because superman is obviously a better role model, thats not the same as saying he's a better character than batman.

 

[Jake Cassidy]

Superman is the greatest role model. He is what humankind should aspire to be.

Superman has been on tv non-stop for at least 30 years, in 1 form or another. Super-Friends, Ruby-Spears cartoon, Superboy, L & C, S:TAS, JL/JLU, Smallville. I know that probably doesn't mean much, but it's interesting.

 

[Godzilla2014]

isnt green lantern DC's top selling book right now? i know the answer to this question goes beyond comic sales. just sayin....



um, batman is a better role model than superman? in what reality does that make any sense?

and before you consider that, dont think that just because superman is obviously a better role model, thats not the same as saying he's a better character than batman.

Think about: Batman has had to work hard for his accomplishments, and he is an example of how one can turn tragedy into triumph to help others. The former part is something that our society seems to be forgetting because of the prevalence of instant gratification, so yes, I'll say it again, and bold this time:
BATMAN IS A BETTER ROLE MODEL THAN SUPERMAN!

 

[Motown Marvel]

Think about: Batman has had to work hard for his accomplishments, and he is an example of how one can turn tragedy into triumph to help others. The former part is something that our society seems to be forgetting because of the prevalence of instant gratification, so yes, I'll say it again, and bold this time:
BATMAN IS A BETTER ROLE MODEL THAN SUPERMAN!

and superman didnt work for anything? superman isnt a role model because of his super powers, its because of his staunch and selfless morals that guide his powers. and that is not only something he had to acquire and learn, but something he has to constantly work to uphold. to constantly believe that good is better than evil, and to work for it. and yeah, batman lost his parents. superman lost his whole planet, man!

batman is a dark and brooding character with questionable mental issues who is motivated by obsessive vengeance operating out of the shadows. and those are things that work great for the character. believe me, i wouldnt want my batman any other way. but they're gonna count against him for the role model award.

 

[Jake Cassidy]

Used to be Superman, now it’s Batman

It’s like Mickey & Donald, Mickey was the star (Golden Boy) used to be the fun one, but soon became recognized as bland, aloof and the corporate symbol, while the one with more character; problems, pathos, anxiety, shortcomings i.e. “humanity” actually became the more popular and fun one to watch.

Or to keep this DC/WB rellated it's simillar with Bugs and Daffy.

I like Daffy more than Bugs and Superman more than Batman. t:

 

[Godzilla2014]

and superman didnt work for anything? superman isnt a role model because of his super powers, its because of his staunch and selfless morals that guide his powers. and that is not only something he had to acquire and learn, but something he has to constantly work to uphold. to constantly believe that good is better than evil, and to work for it. and yeah, batman lost his parents. superman lost his whole planet, man!

batman is a dark and brooding character with questionable mental issues who is motivated by obsessive vengeance operating out of the shadows. and those are things that work great for the character. believe me, i wouldnt want my batman any other way. but they're gonna count against him for the role model award.

No Superman has never had to work for any of his greatness, he was born with it.

Batman, on the other hand, is a self-made man who, as I said before, turns tragedy into triumph to drive him to help others out of compassion, and his capacity for self-regulation is almost a superpower, so he 's a better role model because he teaches to stand up for what they believe in, and not give in to what society expects of you if it contradicts what is right. Batman also teaches you to act and do good even if you don't have the power to move mountains. I really think that people really underestimate Batman as a role model, when he is a better role model, at least in a lot of ways, than characters like Captain America and Superman.

 

[elgaz]

No Superman has never had to work for any of his greatness, he was born with it.

Batman, on the other hand, is a self-made man who, as I said before, turns tragedy into triumph to drive him to help others out of compassion, and his capacity for self-regulation is almost a superpower, so he 's a better role model because he teaches to stand up for what they believe in, and not give in to what society expects of you if it contradicts what is right. Batman also teaches you to act and do good even if you don't have the power to move mountains. I really think that people really underestimate Batman as a role model, when he is a better role model, at least in a lot of ways, than characters like Captain America and Superman.

Wow, I'd have to totally disagree with all of this.

Batman is a vigilante. He engages in violence (and has no problem with extreme acts of this). His actions may be for the greater good on most occasions, and they make for great reading as far as us comic and movie fans go, but that's about it. In a real-life environment, he would be considered borderline pyschotic, dangerous, controlling, mentally unstable and possibly also paranoid. He is fuelled by a neverending thirst for vengeance since the death of his parents, and carries this out by making violent strikes at the criminal underworld. Batman rarely sees the best in people - only the worst. He fights crime and his ultimate intentions are thus to help people, but the means by which he goes about it are not something to be copied or admired by any young fans.

Superman - on the other hand - has great powers, but rarely uses more than a fraction of them unless facing someone equally as powerful - IMO he practices self control and self regulation even more than Batman. To quote TAS, he feels like he lives 'in a cardboard world' where he has to be wary of every action he does. Like Batman he doesn't kill, but unlike Batman he also prefers not to hurt people at all if it can be avoided. He is fuelled by a great thirst for peace, and wants mankind to settle their differences. With his powers he could end world hunger, force mankind to end their wars, and much more ...... but he is intelligent enough to know that mankind has to learn to do this for itself and not be told. He is supremely honest, and will give his life without thought to save another. He always has hope that humankind will better itself and the good in people will always win out.

Whether Batman or Superman were born with 'their greatness' or had to earn it is irrelevant really - it's what they do with those powers and skills that matters.

I'm a huge fan of both characters, but I would never consider for one second that Batman is a role model - if everyone aspired to be like him, the world would be a very dangerous and violent place.

 

[Motown Marvel]

No Superman has never had to work for any of his greatness, he was born with it.

Batman, on the other hand, is a self-made man who, as I said before, turns tragedy into triumph to drive him to help others out of compassion, and his capacity for self-regulation is almost a superpower, so he 's a better role model because he teaches to stand up for what they believe in, and not give in to what society expects of you if it contradicts what is right. Batman also teaches you to act and do good even if you don't have the power to move mountains. I really think that people really underestimate Batman as a role model, when he is a better role model, at least in a lot of ways, than characters like Captain America and Superman.

you have goooooooot to be kidding me, man!

batman a self made man? you mean the man that is only made possible by his rich parents money that he did nothing to earn other than be born? just like how superman did nothing to earn his powers that make superman possible.

but none of that matters really. neither of them worked for what it is that makes their deeds possible. but its not the wealth or the super powers that define either of them. im convinced, had bruce not been a rich kid he still would have reacted to his parents death in a vengeful way. and im sure had clark never got super powers he'd still be responding to humanities plight in some humanitarian way. the reason for both of these is their character. and both of them have strived and worked hard for their character. and that is an extremely admirable and integral quality of any role model.

so when looking at their character, the obvious distinction between the two is batman is operating from darkness and motivated by vengeance. superman is working out of hope and leading by inspiration.

both of them are very diligent in their efforts to do good, but are operating in completely different ways. superman is undeniably coming from a far more positive angle which makes him the better role model.

none of that is to say that batman is a lesser character, because none of this has to do with one character being better than the other. batman's a different character, practically an anti-role model (which is probably what makes him more popular than superman with a modern audience). while many of his qualities are important to being a role model, the way he operates is what stops him from being a positive role model. and these are things that make him a fascinating character.

 

[Godzilla2014]

you have goooooooot to be kidding me, man!

batman a self made man? you mean the man that is only made possible by his rich parents money that he did nothing to earn other than be born? just like how superman did nothing to earn his powers that make superman possible.

but none of that matters really. neither of them worked for what it is that makes their deeds possible. but its not the wealth or the super powers that define either of them. im convinced, had bruce not been a rich kid he still would have reacted to his parents death in a vengeful way. and im sure had clark never got super powers he'd still be responding to humanities plight in some humanitarian way. the reason for both of these is their character. and both of them have strived and worked hard for their character. and that is an extremely admirable and integral quality of any role model.

so when looking at their character, the obvious distinction between the two is batman is operating from darkness and motivated by vengeance. superman is working out of hope and leading by inspiration.

both of them are very diligent in their efforts to do good, but are operating in completely different ways. superman is undeniably coming from a far more positive angle which makes him the better role model.

none of that is to say that batman is a lesser character, because none of this has to do with one character being better than the other. batman's a different character, practically an anti-role model (which is probably what makes him more popular than superman with a modern audience). while many of his qualities are important to being a role model, the way he operates is what stops him from being a positive role model. and these are things that make him a fascinating character.

He is a self-made man. Sure he didn't amass the fortune his fortune, but he chose to spend it to fight crime instead of on, say, drugs, and he had to train to become as great a crime fighter as he is. I also think that his effectiveness as a role model varies by the incarnation, obviously, as I would say the tragic hero incarnation of Batman: Year One is a lot better role model than the unheroic sociopath of All Star Batman and Robin, but that goes without saying. I personally feel that Batman is a role model in the way that he overcomes the personal demons and the temptations that haunt us all, and he works hard to gain his talents and abilities like his martial arts expertise.
I will say that both Batman & Superman are both good role models for using one's advantages to help others.

 

[Zionite]

and superman didnt work for anything? superman isnt a role model because of his super powers, its because of his staunch and selfless morals that guide his powers. and that is not only something he had to acquire and learn, but something he has to constantly work to uphold. to constantly believe that good is better than evil, and to work for it. and yeah, batman lost his parents. superman lost his whole planet, man!

batman is a dark and brooding character with questionable mental issues who is motivated by obsessive vengeance operating out of the shadows. and those are things that work great for the character. believe me, i wouldnt want my batman any other way. but they're gonna count against him for the role model award.

Agreed

Wow, I'd have to totally disagree with all of this.

Batman is a vigilante. He engages in violence (and has no problem with extreme acts of this). His actions may be for the greater good on most occasions, and they make for great reading as far as us comic and movie fans go, but that's about it. In a real-life environment, he would be considered borderline pyschotic, dangerous, controlling, mentally unstable and possibly also paranoid. He is fuelled by a neverending thirst for vengeance since the death of his parents, and carries this out by making violent strikes at the criminal underworld. Batman rarely sees the best in people - only the worst. He fights crime and his ultimate intentions are thus to help people, but the means by which he goes about it are not something to be copied or admired by any young fans.

.

I will like to add that Batman has no problem dragging pre-teens into his war against crime.Thats no role model.Superman and Captain America-thoughs are role model
That being said Batman is DCs Golden child.The amount of franchises out there with his name alone is enough proff.They are releasing a Jla movie now-centred on Batman.
The factt is Superman is no longer the king hero.Batman is.He leads the pack.

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