The question of whether Batman or Superman is "stronger" depends entirely on how you define strength. If you are comparing them based on raw physical power, the answer is undisputed. If you are comparing them based on overall capability and outcome, the debate becomes much more complex.

Here is the breakdown of why the answer changes depending on the criteria:

### 1. Raw Physical Power: Superman
In a direct physical confrontation, **Superman is vastly stronger.**
*   **Superhuman Physiology:** Superman’s power comes from his Kryptonian cells absorbing yellow solar radiation. He can move planets, fly at speeds faster than light, and withstand nuclear explosions. 
*   **The Inevitability:** Unless Batman has specific tools prepared, Superman could end the fight in a fraction of a millisecond by simply moving faster than Batman can blink or by flicking him with enough force to cause fatal damage. 

### 2. Tactical and Intellectual "Strength": Batman
If "strength" is defined as the ability to outmaneuver, control, and defeat a vastly more powerful opponent, **Batman is the stronger character.**
*   **The "Prep Time" Factor:** Batman’s defining trait is that he is always prepared. He keeps contingency plans (and weaponry) for every member of the Justice League. He knows Superman’s weaknesses (Kryptonite, red solar radiation, magic) and psychological triggers.
*   **Psychological Warfare:** Batman understands that Superman is a quintessential "good guy" who wants to minimize harm. Batman has no qualms about using psychological manipulation or high-stakes gambits to neutralize Superman without needing to overpower him physically.

### 3. The "In-Universe" Reality
In the comic books, the results of their fights usually follow a common theme:

*   **When they fight for real:** Writers almost always depict Superman as the one Batman is terrified of. Batman acknowledges that if Superman truly wanted him dead, he would be dead before he even knew the fight had started.
*   **The "Stalemate":** Because Superman is a hero, he holds back. In many of their iconic confrontations (such as in *The Dark Knight Returns* or *Batman: Hush*), Batman survives only because he exploits Superman’s morality and uses Kryptonite gadgets to level the playing field. 

### The Verdict
*   **If you put them in an arena with no preparation and no gimmicks:** **Superman wins 10/10 times.** His physical superiority makes the fight non-competitive.
*   **If you put them in a narrative context where they are fighting to the death:** **Batman often wins (or forces a tie)** because he refuses to fight fair. He wins through ingenuity, resources, and an obsessive need to find the "off switch" for every threat he encounters.

**Summary:** Superman has the **force**, but Batman has the **leverage.** In the DC Universe, many characters (including Superman himself) consider Batman the most "dangerous" person on Earth, not because he is the strongest, but because he is the most capable of dismantling anyone—no matter how powerful—through planning and willpower.
