Batman vs The Doctor -- a "dispute"

[mjr]

The Mrs. and I are having a fun dispute over whether or not The Doctor should be considered a "superhero".

I contend that if Batman is a superhero, then so is The Doctor.

Consider the following:

• Batman and The Doctor both have "companions"
• Batman and The Doctor both have superior intellect
• Batman and The Doctor both have tragic backstories (Batman's parents murdered, The Doctor and Gallifrey)
• Batman and The Doctor both use gadgets to help with their "solutions"
• Batman and The Doctor both have secret identities (Bruce Wayne, The Doctor's real name)
• Batman has no notable super power. The Doctor can regenerate.

So based on that, I contend that The Doctor is just as much a Superhero as Batman.

[Ironclad Alibi]

Furthermore:

• Batman is not an alien, The Doctor is, as is Superman.
• The Doctor uses an alien gadget, as does Green Lantern.

[EricKei]

They regularly put their lives at risk in order to help others and/or keep the world/universe/whatever from falling apart, and they do so with the help of devices and/or skills that most people simply do not have and never will, even if they tried to obtain them. I'd say they both qualify.

[mjr]

Furthermore:

• Batman is not an alien, The Doctor is, as is Superman.
• The Doctor uses an alien gadget, as does Green Lantern.

Eh...Bruce Banner and Peter Parker aren't aliens. Neither is The Flash.

[Jay 2K Winger]

Eh...Bruce Banner and Peter Parker aren't aliens. Neither is The Flash.

Being an alien is not a prerequisite for being a superhero. Neither is having superpowers, although that's a subject for separate debate.

[Ironclad Alibi]

Eh...Bruce Banner and Peter Parker aren't aliens. Neither is The Flash.

Bruce Banner was altered by gamma rays.
Peter Parker was bitten by a radioactive spider.
The Flash was bathed in a mixture of chemicals after they were struck by lightening.

Are there any superheros that are normal humans, unenhanced by outside forces or gadgetry?

One of my favorites is the Spirit, but he is better described as a crime fighter, not a superhero.

[Jay 2K Winger]

Are there any superheros that are normal humans, unenhanced by outside forces or gadgetry?

That's the central part of the debate, isn't it? As far as the average person is concerned, if you wear a costume/mask and fight crime, you're a superhero.

I personally would call Batman or The Spirit "costumed vigilantes," even heroes, but not superheros, since they don't have superpowers.

But that's not the point of this thread, is it?

[Ironclad Alibi]

It just occurred to me that here in the US of A we did have a superhero that was a normal human, unenhanced by outside forces or gadgetry: JOHN WAYNE!

Now don't nobody go dissing John Wayne.

[Jay 2K Winger]

It just occurred to me that here in the US of A we did have a superhero that was a normal human, unenhanced by outside forces or gadgetry: JOHN WAYNE!

Now don't nobody go dissing John Wayne.

John Wayne was a god given flesh, so that's kind of cheating.

[Ironclad Alibi]

John Wayne was a god given flesh, so that's kind of cheating.

Amen Brother, Amen.

[wolfie]

It just occurred to me that here in the US of A we did have a superhero that was a normal human, unenhanced by outside forces or gadgetry: JOHN WAYNE!

If John Wayne qualifies as a superhero, then so does Chuck Norris.

[mjr]

If John Wayne qualifies as a superhero, then so does Chuck Norris.

If John Wayne and Chuck Norris would have teamed up, they would have been the greatest crime fighters in history!

This would also make a funny ERB...John Wayne vs Chuck Norris.

[Jay 2K Winger]

If John Wayne qualifies as a superhero, then so does Chuck Norris.

John Wayne, while undeniably badass, and Chuck Norris, while undeniably not someone you ever want to fuck with, both pale in comparison to the late Sir Christopher Lee.

That is all.

[Tama]

Go the simple route. The Doctor IS Batman.

He is Batman

It's part of a one off strip the artist did.

[MoonCat]

As far as I'm concerned, the Doctor is WAAAAAAAAAAAY cooler than any superhero. He has saved uncounted civilizations, too many planets to count, and even the universe itself.

And he does it all without wearing tights, fer chrissake.