They may be allies, and even friends, but Superman could be holding back some seriously negative feelings for Batman. Superman/Shazam: First Thunder shines a light on something that seriously bothers the Man of Steel, something the Dark Knight is also guilty of.
Superman and Batman are one of the DC Universe’s oldest and most iconic team-ups, and for good reason. Aside from the fact that they are two of the most popular heroes in the DCU, they compliment each other’s styles quite nicely. Superman has an array of tremendous powers he displays in the light, while the night is protected by Batman with his many weapons and tools. Superman and Batman have partnered up dozens, if not hundreds, of times over the years, and their teamwork only gets better with age. In taking their crime-fighting to the next level, Batman and Superman have only reaffirmed the close partnership they share.
However, it seems that Superman could be harboring some serious ill-will towards his compatriot, and it could threaten their long-lasting bond. In Superman/Shazam: First Thunder #4 by Judd Winnick and Joshua Middleton, the wicked Dr. Sivana is in the middle of an evil gambit to determine whether Billy Batson is connected to Shazam by sending a mercenary team to gun Billy down. Billy survives, but his friend, Scott Okum, dies in a hail of gunfire. Enraged, Billy attacks Sivana’s headquarters after discovering he was behind Scott’s death. Though Billy lets Sivana live, Superman tracks Billy down and insists he be held accountable for the destruction he caused. Billy then transforms back to his child self, and Superman demands to know who gave Billy such power. Clark then goes to the Rock of Eternity and chews the Wizard out for what he’s done to Billy.
Shazam Revealed Superman’s Biggest Batman Critique
Superman isn’t wrong as giving Shazam’s powers to a kid is admittedly a bit much, even if it comes with the wisdom of Solomon. But it is interesting seeing Superman have such a visceral reaction to what the Wizard’s done. After all, at least Billy has magic powers that largely protects him from harm. Batman, on the other hand, has had multiple generations of minor-aged heroes, all of whom have fought against some of the most dangerous villains in the DC Universe. If Superman is angry with the Wizard, he must be positively livid at Batman.
Granted, Batman has likely earned a bit more trust from Superman than the wizard Shazam has. After all, Superman has fought alongside Batman for years, even before there was a Robin. But that doesn’t make Superman’s gut reaction any less authentic. Clark is clearly troubled at the idea of children thrust into the lives of superheroes, thinking that it’s better for them to have average lives. But if that’s the case, he has to be holding such a criticism for how Bruce operates. Maybe it’s because of their friendship he hasn’t said anything, but Superman looks to have a serious problem with Batman’s child soldiers.
