This is the classic, age-old debate in comics! And the answer, as frustrating as it might be, is **it depends**.

Here's a breakdown of why it's not a simple "A is stronger than B":

**Superman's Strengths:**

*   **Raw Power:** This is Superman's defining characteristic. He has god-like strength, invulnerability (to most things), super speed, heat vision, freeze breath, flight, super hearing, X-ray vision, and more. In a straight-up brawl without any prep, Superman would overwhelm Batman almost instantly. He can move planets and withstand atomic blasts.
*   **Speed:** His speed alone makes him incredibly difficult to counter. He can disarm, disable, or knock out Batman before Batman can even react.
*   **Durability:** Most of Batman's conventional attacks (punches, kicks, batarangs) would literally bounce off Superman without him even flinching.

**Batman's Strengths:**

*   **Intellect:** This is Batman's greatest weapon. He is a master strategist, tactician, detective, and inventor. He constantly prepares for contingencies, even for his allies.
*   **Preparedness:** Given enough time and resources, Batman can devise a plan to neutralize almost any threat, including Superman. He's famously kept a supply of Kryptonite on hand, and has built specialized suits and weapons to deal with Superman (e.g., the Hellbat suit, the Insider suit, various anti-Superman protocols).
*   **Skill:** Batman is a master of martial arts, espionage, and psychological warfare. While he can't physically outmatch Superman, he can use these skills to outsmart and outmaneuver him.
*   **Willpower:** Batman's indomitable will is legendary. He will never give up, even against impossible odds.
*   **Exploiting Weaknesses:** Batman knows Superman's weaknesses (Kryptonite, red sun radiation, magic) better than almost anyone and knows how to exploit them.

**Who Wins in Different Scenarios:**

*   **Random Encounter, Straight Fight, No Prep:** **Superman wins, easily.** Batman would be flattened in seconds.
*   **Batman Has Prep Time (and knowledge of the threat):** **Batman has a very high chance of winning.** This is where his genius shines. He would develop a plan, probably involving Kryptonite, red sun radiation, or some other ingenious method to incapacitate or neutralize Superman.
*   **Superman is Brainwashed/Mind-Controlled and Batman has to Stop Him:** **Batman wins (or finds a way to stop him without killing him).** This is a classic comic book scenario, and Batman always finds a way, even if it means risking his own life.
*   **A Fight to the Death, Both Wanting to Kill the Other, No Holds Barred, with Prep:** This is the most brutal and hypothetical. While Batman could potentially kill Superman with enough prep and ruthlessness, it would be incredibly difficult and likely costly for Batman himself. Superman could still quickly end the fight if Batman's plan wasn't perfectly executed.

**Conclusion:**

**Superman is physically stronger, more powerful, and more durable.**
**Batman is strategically stronger, intellectually superior, and more adaptable in complex situations.**

The common consensus among fans is that **Superman could beat Batman in a direct, unprepared confrontation, but Batman could defeat Superman if given enough prep time.** Batman's true strength lies in his mind, and his ability to *always* have a plan.

They are both incredibly strong in their own ways, representing different kinds of heroism.
