Reading the Batman Chronicles, I couldn't help but compare these to the previously read Superman Chronicles. Maybe its the familiarity of the two heroes or the similarity in the style of the chronicled stories, but I immediately started comparing the two. Overall, I noticed some major differences between Batman and Superman.
Batman obviously has no powers, a fact in itself giving him a sense of vulnerability, however, this fact is reinforced throughout Batman's stories. Batman even gets shot in one of the early stories, representing his mortality. I felt when reading Superman that his powers made him a somewhat one dimensional character in that he had little to no conflict. With Batman, the character is often put in legitimate danger, having to escape using his skill and wits. This allows for a richer and more engaging story.
In addition, the introduction of actual, and often colorful, villains helps to add some depth to the stories. Where Superman is able to dominate his adversaries who are typically human, the introduction of characters like the Joker prove to be legitimate antagonists and allow, once again for actual conflict.
Finally, the introduction of Robin the boy wonder allows for a more relatable story. With a character that could believably, in theory, be the reader, I'd like to imagine that younger readers would be more engaged and feel more connected to the stories. Superman was an adult who had a job and a life, something many children couldn't relate with, whereas Robin is just a boy with merely the responsibilities of a boy.
Great post! I definitely agree with all three of the observations that you made. I also think that by comparing Batman and Superman, we are able to put the two into dialogue and draw many conclusions about the works that are perhaps not inherently obvious if viewed in an isolated context. I'd like to add, with regard to the first comment that you made, that Batman's mortality also makes the story seem more dire and heightens suspense for the reader. Unlike in Superman, readers can't inherently assume that Batman is going to escape each scenario unscathed. This, in turn, keeps readers on the edge of their seats and perhaps is greater incentive to keep following the story as it develops.
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