Can Thor defeat Superman?

[Updated with video]

For over half a century, comic fans have staged theoretical match-ups between some of the biggest superheroes and villains ever to hit the printed page. The super-powered showdowns weren’t limited to good guys vs. bad guys either: fans young and old have debated which iconic heroes would come out on top in an all-out brawl. Green Lantern vs. The Flash; Wolverine vs. Deadpool; Wonder Woman vs. Captain Marvel – with strengths and weaknesses on both sides, die-hard readers have enjoyed smart (and sometimes outrageous) debates – going to bat for heir personal favorites.

However, one matchup is especially fun to revisit: Batman vs. Superman. On the surface, a god-like superhuman with the Man of Steel’s powers would make quick work of a billionaire in a cape and cowl; yet, Bruce Wayne is more than your usual costumed vigilante. Even before Batman V Superman was officially announced, we explained why moviegoers shouldn’t assume it would be a piece of cake for the Kryptonian. But with the Batman V Superman marketing machine kicking into gear, it’s time to dismiss all the naysaying and explain how the Dark Knight actually could beat the Man of Steel in a fight.

Throughout DC Comics history (not to mention non-print media), Batman and Superman have gone toe-to-toe on multiple occasions. Whatever the reason for their conflict – mind-control, differences in ideology, etc. – the Dark Knight and Man of Steel haven’t always been on the best of terms. As often as they set aside their differences and fight shoulder-to-shoulder, at the most basic level, the pair have different perspectives on exactly how to best dispense justice.

In particular, the Caped Crusader is often depicted as wary of the Man of Steel – and has, in the past, created myriad contingency plans in the event that the Kryptonian becomes power-hungry, goes insane (recently depicted in the Injustice: Gods Among Us video game), or simply loses his patience. For that reason, it’s no surprise Ben Affleck’s Dark Knight in Batman V Superman seems suspicious, looking to actively knock “Metropolis’ Savior” off his high horse.

But how can a mere human beat a superpowered extraterrestrial? Fans will have their own theories (which they are free to share and discuss in the comments below) but for readers who are less familiar with prior Batman vs. Superman showdowns, here are four ways the Dark Knight can beat the Man of Steel.