“Try Having a Job”: Superman Argues Why His Life Is Harder Than Batman’s

Superman’s ability to fly, effortlessly lift buildings, and perform myriad other superhuman feats may suggest a life of ease, but he contends that his life is harder than Batman’s. At first glance, this assertion might seem to overlook Superman’s obvious advantages. However, Clark Kent’s argument raises an important point, one that underscores a significant trend in the DC Universe.

Batman / Superman: World’s Finest #14 by Mark Waid and Dan Mora picks up from where issue #13 left off, with Bruce Wayne facing accusations of murdering fellow billionaire Simon Stagg. Much to Bruce’s annoyance, Clark publishes an article further bolstering the murder accusations.

However, in Clark’s defense, he had no choice but to publish the article due to orders from his boss, Perry White. Bruce, though, remains irritated, suggesting he could have devised numerous ways to avoid publishing the article. However, Superman counters that this is because the rules that apply to regular people don’t necessarily apply to Batman.

Superman’s Life is Harder Than Batman’s Because He Has a 9-to-5 Job

When Bruce asserts that he could easily circumvent publishing the article, Clark retorts, “That’s because you’re Batman. Jim and I, on the other hand, are reporters. That means there are rules we have to follow.” Clark then delivers the ultimate burn and mic drop combo, saying, “Try having a job sometime.” This exchange underscores the fact that despite Superman’s ability to defy the laws of physics with his powers, Clark Kent remains a reporter and is consequently bound by certain workplace and societal regulations that Batman, with his billionaire status, is exempt from.

Batman’s lack of need for a traditional job leaves him unrestricted in ways that Superman is not. Superman’s reliance on his 9-to-5 job as a reporter at the Daily Planet means he must adhere to workplace rules, including obeying his boss’s directives. Hence, when Perry instructed Clark to publish the article, despite Clark’s reluctance, The Man of Steel had no choice but to comply to avoid potential job loss or other consequences. Batman, owing to his wealth and modus operandi, faces no such obligation to answer to anyone in the same manner as Superman. This further solidifies the notion that Superman’s life is indeed harder than Batman’s.

Superpowers OR Personal Wealth Are Needed to be A Successful Hero in the DCU

This interaction between Batman and Superman underscores a fundamental trend within DC – heroes are either immensely wealthy or possess superpowers. For instance, when examining all the key members of the Justice League, they are either exceptionally affluent or endowed with superhuman abilities. Thus, there appears to be a correlation between being a successful hero and a hero’s power/wealth status. It is uncommon to encounter a superhero who is non-wealthy and non-meta on premier hero teams. Therefore, as demonstrated by Batman and Superman, one typically needs to be either rich or possess superpowers to ascend to the upper echelons of heroism.

Batman / Superman: World’s Finest #14 is available now from DC Comics!