The American market is packed full of superheroes from the Marvel and DC universes that nobody had ever heard of in the rest of the world before they were turned into movies (Thor, Green Lantern, Green Hornet, I'm looking at you). Internationally though, the title of best liked superhero character would probably rest on the outcome of a battle between Spider-man, Superman and, of course, Batman. All three have spawned countless Comic Books, numerous films and video games, incredibly diverse consumer products, and millions of fans.
If competition can be controlled and limited between the Batman and the Superman Brand (both belong to the same company: DC Comics), the fight between Batman and Spider-man is only beginning. Both have become the flagship brands of their mother company and the very similarities between the two characters that embody them have resulted in very close positionnings. Indeed, Bruce Wayne and Peter Parker are both Orphans whose family members have been murdered by low-life thieves and have since vowed to rid their city of violence and crime. They abide by a very strict moral code but they are so driven by guilt and demons that they are not without a dark side.
Both have tremendous strengh, agility and the ability to move from skycrapers to skycrapers (Batman through gliding, Spider-man through his spider-webs), but their powers are limited compared to superheroes like Superman or Thor which makes them appear more human and therefore more accessible to fans and customers. The darker, more dangerous universe in which the latest Batman movies and video games are based, can make it seem as if the brand appeals to an older audience than Spider-Man, but its wide range of products means it can hit most age targets in the male demographics.
This year, both brands are scheduled to fight it out with the releases of the latest installment of their critically acclaimed movie franchises, The Amazing Spider-Man and The Dark Knight Rises.
Great picture they look like the group of friend in "The Big Bang Theory", nice.
I love Batman so much!!!
He used to be my number one heros!!!