Not Everyone's a Boy Scout [Superman]

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Bright. It was too goddamned bright! Didn’t matter that it was now in the deep, late, dark hours in the dead of night – with a city like Metropolis, it might as well have been the brightest time of day. Crystalline towers glowing in beautifully effervescent hues of metallic blues, greens, and silvers seemed to reach endlessly towards the cloudless, starry night sky, like clusters of precious gems jutting up stalagmite style from a vast, glittery, cleanly cavern. Even the citizens cascading about the urban streets of Metropolis appeared to be clean kept, intrinsically friendly, and respectful of the city’s laws.


Where the hell was the Bat?! Downtown in one of America’s largest major metropolitan cities?! Or, in downtown Disneyland, navigating through the wholesome Main St. section?

As the Dark Knight grappled his way through the well-kept glass buildings, swinging to and fro in absolute silence, he couldn’t help think that it wouldn’t surprise in the least bit if the entire Electric Light Parade were to suddenly appear oh-so-magically along the well groomed streets below. Metropolis was almost twice Gotham’s size and infinitely cleaner, unquestionably brighter, and undoubtedly safer… Given both Metropolis and Gotham were referred to as “sister cities” – it was painfully clear as to which city was the all-star, grade A favorite, and which city was the bad seed, black sheep. The difference between the two urban societies was like night and day – a clear understatement of the century. And yet, Batman could easily see how saving a cat stranded high up within a tree was a plausible task for Metropolis’ own renowned and highly respected champion Superman.


Metropolis was so clean and wholesome – and it was no wonder given its people had the Man of Steel watching over them. As for Gotham…? The Bat didn’t even want to go there in comparison… Simply, just to name a few of its own flaws – Gotham was single handedly the birth place of corruption, disorder, and violence. Not to mention, it was also the hometown for one of the most diabolical sociopathic and psychotic criminal masterminds the entire free world had ever seen – the Joker. Yet, as the Bat finally reached his final destination deep within the heart of Metropolis’ downtown sector, he couldn’t help but miss being back in his own city, his own turf – no matter how diseased, diluted, and dangerous Gotham was. It had been tricky trying to remain within the shadows of Metropolis’ sparkling and well lit glass buildings, but Batman managed – remaining unseen.

He landed in shadowy silence atop the roof of the Daily Planet. It took him two and a quarter seconds longer to locate the darkest, most secluded spot upon the iconic skyscraper.  Superman would’ve never had such a hassle – considering the “sweet-as-pie” Boy Scout (a nickname the Bat used for the caped superhero) didn’t seem to shy away from exposing himself to the public eye. Hell! The Boy Scout seemed to welcome the endless praise and attention of his adoring fans… So why hide away in the shadows? Superman didn’t need to. Truth be told, the man was more like a god among insects given his unearthly, mighty powers. And it was for that very reason that Superman had managed to earn the Dark Knight’s unwavering respect (and dare he admit the fact that he actually admired Superman…? Never. At least, never admit that to anyone). The Boy Scout could level entire nations, take on any military strike, or create devastation by destroying al of humanity within the blink of eye – but he didn’t. 


Instead? Superman presented himself as a true defender and champion for the betterment of humankind by using his uncanny powers to perform acts of valor and kindness – always ready and willing to lend a helping hand where and when he could. It was for that very reason that Batman actually like the guy – Superman upheld honor within justice, just as true blue as his uniform was regarding his loyalty to people in need as well as obeying the designated rules that all Metropolitans were expected to follow, as well as the designated rules all U.S. citizens were to abide by. That was where the Dark Knight and the Man of Steel differed drastically. Batman was willing to bend or break any law so long as it enforced justice; Superman was not. It was because of this difference in method that the Bat decided to pay the Kryptonian in his home turf. Both heroes made the decision to create the superhero team, calling it the Justice League (the Batman having chosen to be a silent partner, unlike Superman who took on being the main face of the team).


Clearly, both heroes didn’t quite see eye-to-eye in how they executed plans or handled a crisis, yet the job still managed to get done despite the opposing of each hero. The Bat had also decided to pay the Boy Scout this unexpected visit for one other, much more sensitive and highly critical reason… And that was why Batman now slunk into the shadows atop the Daily Planet and pulled out a small remote control device from one of the many hidden pouches along his faint gold utility belt. Remote control in gloved hand, the Bat pressed a button upon it – activating the device to send out a supersonic frequency so potent and distinctly high pitched not even dogs could it. But… Superman most certainly could. Pulses of relentless sound waves radiated out; it was undoubtedly a signaling message for only Superman to hear and hopefully respond to. The two Justice League members had interacted a total amount of four times – Batman scarcely saying more than two words to the Man of Steel every time.


Even though they haven’t yet gotten the chance to genuinely converse and get to know one another a little better didn’t stop the Bat from conducting his own incredibly thoroughly and deeply invasive research about the extraordinary Man of Steel. The amount of information Batman managed to procure was breathing taking to say the least… Learning about Superman’s strengths and weaknesses along with other highly sensitive and extremely confidential information. That was why he wanted to talk to the Boy Scout… That was why he made the trip to Metropolis… And that was why he now waited for Superman’s arrival to his specialized broadcast, standing atop Daily Planet’s massive skyscraper. The Bat decided to put the Boy Scout’s reputation to the test – was Superman truly “faster than a speeding bullet”? Only time would now tell…

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Superman hovered in the quietness of outer space, enjoying the view of Earth.  Although it was his adopted planet, Earth was the only home he’d ever known.  Superman was the sole survivor of Krypton, a planet that had once been located light years from Earth in another solar system.  Krypton had exploded when he was a tiny baby.  Thanks to his parents Jor-El and Lara, he had been rocketed to Earth and had escaped the cruel fate of dying with his native world.

Superman knew he was very fortunate to have been found by Jonathan and Martha Kent, who raised him as their own son in the rural town of Smallville, Kansas.  Naming him “Clark,” the kind and caring couple helped him develop a strong sense of morals that made him the man (and hero) he was today.  They had encouraged him to appreciate his differences.

Yes, Superman looked human, but he was much different.  The yellow sun and lighter gravity of Earth granted him abilities far beyond native Earthlings.  He was faster, stronger, and could even fly!  Because of his love for Earth, he used his powers to help others and protect them from harm.  

Superman was on patrol and still had a few hours before having to report to work at The Daily Planet.  When he wasn’t Superman, he was Clark Kent, a mild-mannered reporter.  He liked having a job that kept him aware of crime, emergencies, and where he was needed most.

Suddenly, a super-sonic, high-pitched sound rang in his ears and got his attention.  He followed the signal and arrived on the rooftop of The Daily Planet in under ten seconds.  His acute vision picked up Batman standing in the shadows.

“Hello, Batman.  What brings you to my town?  Is there trouble in  Gotham that you need help with?”    

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Without fail and making inhumanly record time, the Kryptonian made his swift arrival to the Daily Planet’s rooftop within three seconds of Batman’s super-sonic frequency based request. It was uncanny how effortlessly Superman made humanly impossible feats, like defying gravity with the ability to fly, seem almost natural. Pure. Respectable. Of course the Bat would never admit to such admirations for the Man of Steel’s powers – after all, super powers only went so far at the end of the day. It was the Bat’s respect for HOW Superman chose to utilize his incredible super powers that enabled a tentative partnership to be forged between them, allowing Batman to trust Superman’s methods in upholding justice.


Still, the two men had never truly spoken more than three words to one another, despite being members of the Justice League. And once the Bat had begun to just scratch the surface over what Superman is truly capable of being to do/how truly powerful Superman is, investigative research was conducted. Thankfully, Superman was on Batman’s side in the war on crime… But what if the Man of Steel decided to ever change his mind? What or who could stop Superman from destroying all of Earth in a short amount of time? Who was Superman…? Where did he come from…? What caused him to possess such power…? And it was with those questions in mind, the Bat was able to procure excruciatingly hard-to-find information on the Boy Scout… Now taking the time to confront Superman on such findings.


“Catch you at a busy time? Took you a while to get here.”


If that was meant as a joke, it certainly rang true with Batman’s dry sense of non-existent humor. Remaining shrouded within the inky shadows, the Bat’s dead pan expression to Superman’s response seemed to be etched into the darkness.


“No trouble I can’t handle alone. I’ve come here tonight because I think a few boundaries need to be established. Unspoken rules that need further clarification about our differing methods to uphold justice.”


Batman’s unblinking narrowly slit gaze scanned Superman; able to see the alien as clear as day with the technology his masked cowl possessed. Undoubtedly, the Bat assumed Superman was capable of doing the very same upon viewing him – only no technology was needed as Superman possessed an x-ray vision ability. Except, if Superman was using such an ability he would find it impossible to see through the masked cowl on the man before him. Batman’s face and true identity was blocked even to Superman’s amazing gifts… Indicating the mask Batman wore was lined with lead.


“I took the liberty to do some research on you. Someone with your impressive amount of power isn’t something I’d like to be in the dark about knowing… We seek the same goal in upholding justice, but that doesn’t mean you have a free pass to impose your methods on my city whenever you see fit. Gotham is nothing like Metropolis – never has been, never will be. But, it is mine to protect – by my rules and methods. And though I am a partner of the Justice League, I am a silent partner. I may not always be available or in agreement with what the League does. Or what you do.


“Beyond the information on yourself you’ve provided to the Justice League about being from the destroyed planet Krypton, you’ve managed to set up an alternate life within daily society here. Clark Kent. Reporter for the Daily Planet. Employed at this very building we’re standing on right now. I have no interest in ever revealing your alter-ego. But, I do want you to know that my ability to access and retain information is just as limitless as your powers have been proven to be. It’s because of your super human abilities that I feel the need to confront you with this fact: Should things change and you’re no longer able to control your powers and began to cause jeopardy to those we protect, or if you no longer wish to uphold justice and instead choose to cause harm – then I will not hesitate to stop you, by any means necessary.”


Dark words of absolute truth spoken by none other than the Dark Knight himself.