Do you see Superman as a badass?

[The World]

I guess I incorrectly assumed there was something of a consensus on things such as this but I guess like all things with the Superman fanbase there is no general consensus.


Personally I do but something I've seen a lot of is "No, because he isn't Batman". What the hell does that even mean?

[Ra-El]

I voted yes. But it depends a lot of what you consider as being a Badass.

[Francisco]

To be Superman he needs to be a badass. And by badass I mean assertive. Superman is no one's doormat.

[Dolores - The Worst Poster Ever]

It depends on what constitutes as being a "badass".

I don't think of Superman as a baddass, but I'm sure there are character moments I like, that people would consider as badass.

[MajorHoy]

Superman, no.

But after reading Superman #22, Lois Lane definitely is!

[Superlad93]

As a default setting? No. "Charming" would be more what I'd describe as his default. However it'd be ridiculous to pigeonhole him as just charming.

I think Superman can do things that one would describe as "badass." Basically any hero is capable of such a thing. But then there's also the fact that being "badass" is subjective. One person's "badass" is another person's try-hard.

[Doctor Know]

Yes. Not because most modern writers portray Supes as a guy who solves all of his problems with his fist. But because of the yesteryear Supes, who was journalist, super scientist, warrior and crusader for justice. Never get tired of "f*ck you, I'm Superman" moments.

JLA Classified: New Maps of Hell, by Warren Ellis and Jackson Guice

[Tuck]

Personally I do but something I've seen a lot of is "No, because he isn't Batman". What the hell does that even mean?

Badass is attitude, not ability.. Batman has it. Superman doesn't (usually).

[Kuwagaton]

It's not really a description I use as a compliment. If I look at the definition of "tough, uncompromising, and intimidating " I think of the Punisher, Mongul, Shadow, Namor, etc. Not even Wolverine or Batman. Just ruthlessly tough guys who don't blink.

That, to me, isn't Superman. But by no means do I think that defines being masculine or formidable. I think being well rounded is more of a manly thing, and Superman is really second to none that way.

[Ra-El]

Yes. Not because most modern writers portray Supes as a guy who solves all of his problems with his fist. But because of the yesteryear Supes, who was journalist, super scientist, warrior and crusader for justice. Never get tired of "f*ck you, I'm Superman" moments.

JLA Classified: New Maps of Hell, by Warren Ellis and Jackson Guice

I really want to see Warren Ellis write a Superman book.

[magha_regulus]

Of course he is! Superman doesn't stop! Powers or not, pain or not, Superman is going to push through and be Super. He's way more bad ass than batman in my opinion. That time when the Joker had Mxyzptlk's powers and killed Batman every night and Superman took on the memories of all of that anguish because batman's psyche was broken because of the torture says it all for me. Superman=BADASS!

[Jon Clark]

I'm of a similar mind to Kuwagaton. Bad-ass to me has a bit of a negative connotation. It's a guy who is over-the-top macho. It's batman convincingly dangling a crook over a ledge and the crook knowing Batman will drop him. It's classic JLI Guy Gardner minus the "one-punch meme".

So Superman is powerful and impressive, but only if really pushed does he cross the line to being scary and bad-ass. Superman is the reassuring guy rescuing you from the monster. The badass hero is the one who makes you wonder if you weren't better off with the monster ( at least until your adrenaline wears off).

[Vanguard-01]

I voted yes, but there are caveats.

As others have said, it really depends on what your definition of "badass" is. In my opinion, Supeman can absolutely be a badass guy who takes crap from no one and will use his godlike power to brutally crush all opposition if the situation calls for it. I don't, however, think that this is Superman's default setting. He can go there when he needs to, but at his heart Superman is a gentle soul who would prefer to live in a world where he never needs to throw a punch at another living creature.

He'll talk if he thinks talking will be effective. He'll stand there and take a beating, never striking back, if he thinks that's the best way to get his message across. He'll even negotiate or make concessions if he believes that's the right answer to a given situation. If he believes that overwhelming force is the only viable option? He brings it. Big time.

To me, "Badass" is Superman's final measure when all other options have failed or are simply not viable.

[FishyZombie]

I went with 'yes' but I have a very broad and inclusive idea of the word 'badass' in mind.

[phantom1592]

It's not really a description I use as a compliment. If I look at the definition of "tough, uncompromising, and intimidating " I think of the Punisher, Mongul, Shadow, Namor, etc. Not even Wolverine or Batman. Just ruthlessly tough guys who don't blink.

That, to me, isn't Superman. But by no means do I think that defines being masculine or formidable. I think being well rounded is more of a manly thing, and Superman is really second to none that way.

This. Superman is awesome... the pinnacle of the perfect hero, but I don't see him needing that title to BE that.