Introduction
At first glance, Batman does not seem like a character that would be easy to compare to any classic literary hero. It might seem especially difficult to compare him to a widely known hero like Sherlock Holmes. The two characters, however, can be compared in multiple ways. This paper explores what Frank Miller’s Batman and Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock have in common and what makes them fundamentally different heroes.
Similarities
Both Batman and Sherlock Holmes are extremely intellectual characters who use their wit to achieve their goals. Sherlock Holmes operates beyond the limits of law and resorts to his methods of solving crimes (Conan Doyle). He defies rules and always tries unconventional ways of finding the correct answer (Conan Doyle). Batman is similar to Sherlock Holmes in that he uses his intelligence unconventionally to build strategies that help him bring justice to Gotham City (Miller). His method is outsmarting his enemies, going a less usual way, similar to that of Sherlock Holmes.
Both authors give their heroes a high level of complexity and provide them with similar motivations for their actions. Batman is a deep character who has to fight his inner demons and deal with the memories of his past (Miller). Sherlock Holmes does not look like a character tormented by the past; he is unbothered by his issues and takes pride in them. For example, he seems to be detached from his emotions.
However, this is what makes both of the characters complex. What is entirely similar, however, is that both heroes are driven by a sense of justice and a desire to help and protect others. This motivation, however, is only an outer layer, while both characters have several other layers of motivation underneath.
Differences
Even though both Batman and Sherlock Holmes rely on their intelligence to solve problems, their methods of approaching difficulties cannot be entirely similar. To begin with, Batman still resorts to physical methods more often than mental ones. He literally “crashes a party of the wealthy who routinely finance and run the city’s politicians” (Nash 3). He is violent and openly hostile to those who go against his goals.
Holmes, however, never resorts to physical methods. His primary weapon is his intelligence, which is all he has. Moreover, despite their motivation being somewhat similar, the roots are entirely different: Batman is haunted by past events, in particular, the death of his parents, which he wants to avenge. Batman, especially in the eyes of Miller, is a much darker character than Holmes (Avila). The desire of Sherlock Holmes is less dark and is more explained by his love for solving mysteries. Overall, the two characters are fundamentally different but have some similarities that make them comparable.
Conclusion
Miller’s Batman and Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes are heroes that can be compared in terms of intelligence, strategic thinking, complexity, and motivation. However, deeper layers of their personalities demonstrate that despite some similarities, the depicted heroes’ essence is completely different. The heroes are driven by entirely unrelated factors and approach their goals differently, with one preferring more violent methods.
Works Cited
Avila, Mike. “Why Frank Miller’s The Dark Knight Returns is Still the Most Influential Comic”. Syfy, 2020, Web.
Conan Doyle, Arthur. The Complete Sherlock Holmes. Barnes & Noble Books, 2018.
Miller, Frank. Batman: The Dark Knight Returns. DC Comics, 1997.
Nash, Jesse W. “Gotham’s Dark Knight: The Postmodern Transformation of the Arthurian Mythos”. Contemporary Literary Criticism, edited by Janet Witalec, vol. 177, Gale, 2004. Gale Literature Resource Center, Web.