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The battle between Superman and Batman in the New Frontier was much more engaging than Zack Synder’s Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice.
Batman and Superman are two of the most notable and popular superheroes of all time, with any proposed battle between them being a major event. An entire movie was even dedicated to setting up such a showdown in the DC Extended Universe movie, Batman vs. Superman: Dawn of Justice.
But a small chapter in The new frontier ends up covering much of the same ground in a much more inventive and enjoyable way. The New frontier Superman and Batman’s version of a brawl is surprisingly similar – and much better – than the DCEU’s.
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“Fight to the Finish” by Darwyn Cooke, Dave Stewart and Jared Fletcher focuses on the fallout from Hourman’s death during the events of The new frontier. Considered a historic moment in this version of the DC Universe, Hourman’s disappearance while pursued by the police led to the retirement of most JSAs, with just three WWII heroes still active. Superman and Wonder Woman both sign Loyalty Pledges to the United States and receive an allowance to function, while Batman continues his work as an illegal vigilante. Wonder Woman refuses to take part in any action against Batman, someone she considers a good man and a champion of the people. A hesitant Superman is only convinced to complete his mission by the personal implorations of President Eisenhower.
But Batman can prepare for the upcoming fight and schedule the encounter. When Superman confronts Batman, the Masked Vigilant uses a series of traps, weapons, and brutality against the Man of Steel. While nothing he throws at him is enough to completely shatter Superman, Batman can effectively prevent the Kryptonian from delivering punches strong enough to beat him. The fight takes the couple through Gotham, even in the depths of the Bat-Cave before a furious Wonder Woman steps in and interrupts the fight. She forces the couple to come to terms with their similarities and try to find a way to trust each other, with Batman revealing his identity to the couple as a compromise, setting up the trio to cement their friendship.
The brawl between Superman and Batman in this story is surprisingly similar to the duel between Superman and Batman in Zack Snyder’s Batman vs. Superman: Dawn of Justice. Both versions use the idea that Superman wouldn’t trust Batman because of his activities. The Dawn of justice Superman is ultimately forced into battle by Lex Luthor, who manages to manipulate the two heroes against each other despite a surprisingly convoluted plan. This version of combat ultimately maintains agency with the heroes and their beliefs. Batman’s mistrust of Superman doesn’t come from fear and hatred for Superman as an alien, but rather as another challenge that wants to beat the Bat which is a more engaging arc.
He even still has a moment of rage at the mention of his mother, developing in the final moments of the conflict, enraged by a devious insult from Batman. It’s not an endless duel either, with the New frontier Batman uses a wider array of gadgets and tricks to slow Superman down instead of just spraying him with anti-power gas and fighting him. Both are believed in this story in a way that Batman vs. Superman rarely accomplishes, especially at the time of their fight. Which ultimately makes “Fight to the Finish” a more effective duel between the two characters than Batman vs. Superman but this is the highlight. The fight does not end because of a coincidence or a moral achievement. It ends because Wonder Woman is embracing her place in their partnership.
The trio may have different points of view and different methods, but Wonder Woman can see beyond the swagger to the truth of their missions and can’t understand why they would actually fight instead of helping each other. It’s a powerful moment that allows Batman and Superman to experience true human rhythms that anchor their most fantastical sides, embracing a friendship instead of just deciding to stop fighting.
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