Batman vs Darkseid
This is an interesting question. One that I’ve seen debated over the years. What are the two sides?
- Some people think a character who has super powers doesn’t need to have any combat training. They believe it just comes with the powers and is instinctive. Others say that you just have them overpower enemies like Superman. The key point is that a character with superpowers doesn’t need to be trained in regular combat.
- Others believe that a hero needs to be trained in combat even if they have powers. It is argued that they won’t know the correct way to throw a punch or a kick even if they can hurl a building. There has to be an explanation to them being able to fight correctly beyond they ‘just know’.
You can imagine how often Batman factors into this argument. Well, let’s take a look at him as a character. He has no powers, but has a ton of combat training. Batman is very smart and can come up with plans, but I’m going to put that aside. In a straight fight, he can have an advantage over a villain with superpowers and no training. You can even look at two of his most common enemies. Killer Croc is a super-strong bruiser who fights like an animal. Batman has the training advantage and can win even if he has been overpowered. On the other hand, Batman will have trouble with Bane who is super strong, but trained. It’s more of an equal fight on this one, which shows how much of a difference training can make.
Part of the issue could be that people don’t know what training entails. I’ve spoken to many who think it’s only getting your body to be stronger and learning the flashier martial arts moves. Anyone who has done any sport that mimics combat will tell you that there is more to it. For example:
- You learn how to defend yourself and create openings.
- You learn how to move while attacking and defending.
- You learn how to read opponent’s moves.
- You learn how to strike with precision.
- You learn how to strike and defend without getting hurt.
There’s a lot more to it, but none of that will come from simply having powers. (The obvious exception is natural combat ability, which is a cheat.) Powers give you a physical edge in combat, but they don’t always level the playing field entirely. Fledgling superheroes can’t do a lot of what is listed unless they get trained or get plenty of experience. They will get hurt a lot if they take that second route. Superman is a good example here since he never had to get trained. Yet, at times that he has lost his powers, he’s been able to fight because he’s been doing it for so long. Personally, I think he figured some stuff out from watching or talking to Batman too. Anyway, Superman had to develop combat skills after he got his powers, especially to handle anyone who could work around his powers.
It isn’t really that hard to get them training either. Maybe they have a friend who can help them out or they can take a class. If their powers aren’t obvious then they can easily take a few martial arts classes. You can even have them read a book or watch movies to get general ideas. The important part is to factor in their experience and training when it comes to fighting. Not just the powers since those are only one piece of a character’s action scene puzzle.
So, do you think superpowered characters need some combat training?
Legends of Windemere 