No. 6: Batman
Likely the biggest controversy surrounding the new DCEU is that one of the main themes of Batman v Superman is that Batman has lost his way. His frustration with 20 years of battling crime in Gotham while things only seem to have gotten worse has taken its toll. Batman's ethical standards have faltered and he it no longer concerned with the lives of those who have no concern for others. In other words, he will not hesitate to kill. This is something we know was meant to represent a flawed, yet redeemable Batman in BvS.
A serious issue to be addressed in future films. But many fans don't see it that way.
This has split us into roughly 3 categories. Those who will not accept flaws in Batman's willpower and cannot appreciate a temporarily corrupted Batman. There are those like myself, who can accept it as long as it is treated as a real problem that needs to be properly resolved within the story. Then finally there's a smaller demographic who just like Batman killing because "it's more badass"...I can't speak for them.
Although Batman in the DCEU has experienced a fall from grace, I still consider Ben Affleck's Batman to be overall the better portrayal. When Affleck was cast it was met with much resistance from fans, but he came in strong and won practically everyone over to team Batfleck. Even people who disliked the film agree that Affleck is a phenomenal Batman. I thought Christian Bale fared well but also found his Bruce Wayne to be somewhat hollow and his forced Batman voice to be a bit of a joke. Plus, we have to consider that we can't let Bale's Batman off the hook for the deaths he caused either. Particularly to members of the Brotherhood of Shadows. These kills were never addressed like the ones BvS plans on resolving. With the addition of DC Chief Creative Officer Geoff Johns as writer/producer and the promise of an upcoming Affleck/Johns solo Batman film, this is a Batman that will only get better!
So there you have it. 6 aspects I enjoyed more in the DCEU than in TDK trilogy. Again I wish to point out that this does not reflect an overall preference for one or the other, just offering a different point of view on the internet's favorite new punching bag!
Thanks for Reading!!
Lance David Fier is a Contributor to ComiConverse. Follow us on Twitter: @ComiConverse
