Is Speeding Bullets Batman Superman?

What If Superman Was Batman? Exploring “Speeding Bullets” and the Power of What-Ifs

The iconic image of Batman, a brooding vigilante cloaked in darkness, is almost antithetical to the bright, hopeful symbol of Superman, the last son of Krypton. Yet, in the 1993 Elseworlds tale Superman: Speeding Bullets, writer J.M. DeMatteis and artist Eduardo Barreto daringly blurred those lines, crafting a chilling and compelling “what if” scenario that resonates even today. This isn’t a simple costume swap; it’s a profound exploration of how environment shapes even the most extraordinary individuals.

The premise is simple, yet revolutionary: Kal-El’s rocket ship crash-lands not in Smallville, Kansas, but in Crime Alley, Gotham City. Instead of being raised by loving parents, young Kal-El witnesses the murder of his adoptive parents, a trauma that fundamentally alters his development. The powerful Kryptonian abilities remain, but they are channeled not into a beacon of hope, but into a weapon of vengeance. This is Superman, but shaped by the brutal darkness of Gotham, becoming its ultimate predator: the Batman of Krypton.

Speeding Bullets is less about action-packed superheroics and more about a chilling psychological study. We see a Superman consumed by grief and rage, a being capable of unimaginable power wielding it with brutal efficiency, his methods mirroring Batman’s, yet amplified to terrifying degrees. The familiar Gotham rogues gallery is present, but their encounters with this Kryptonian Batman are far more one-sided and deadly. The usual nuance of Batman’s moral code is replaced with a cold, calculated ruthlessness – a stark contrast to the typically compassionate Superman.

The comic brilliantly explores the nature of nurture versus nature. It showcases that even with otherworldly abilities, the shaping influence of upbringing and circumstance is paramount. Kal-El’s inherent goodness isn’t erased; it’s suppressed, twisted into something monstrous by the trauma he endures. This raises a fascinating question: is the heroic nature of Superman intrinsically linked to his upbringing, or is it a fundamental part of his Kryptonian DNA? Speeding Bullets compellingly argues for the former.

Beyond the central concept, the artwork of Eduardo Barreto perfectly captures the grim atmosphere of the story. The dark, gritty visuals perfectly complement the tone, emphasizing the brutal efficiency of this Kryptonian Batman and the chilling consequences of his actions.

Superman: Speeding Bullets isn’t just a fun “what if” scenario; it’s a thought-provoking exploration of character, morality, and the profound impact of environment. It’s a powerful testament to the enduring appeal of these iconic characters and the endless possibilities that arise when you dare to question the familiar. This Elseworlds tale remains a compelling example of how a simple premise, executed with skill and vision, can leave a lasting impact on the reader, long after the final page is turned.