You know, there's one problem that I have with the DC universe, or specifically, Batman and Superman's shared universe. I know that a demigod existing in a semi-realistic but still fantastical world (which is what Gotham City is) was somewhat addressed with Dr. Manhattan in Watchmen, but it seemed to be more because
But in the DC universe - and yes, I know this was explored (although not enough, since, at the end of the day, it's still a comic book; you've got to suspend your disbelief sometimes) in The Dark Knight Returns too, so that can kind of count, even if it's non-canon - I've never gotten why Superman, who's unlike Manhattan in that he's the ultimate boy scout who wants to do good for Earth, couldn't just fly into Gotham City and tell the criminal underworld to fuck off or he'll threaten to laser their shit up. I know that Supes isn't the threatening type, but come on, if he's the government's *****, they could surely persuade him to do it, for the greater good.
And it wouldn't take much for him to just make some kind of TV appearance or appear to Carmine Falcone and say, "Stop doing crime, or I'll kill you and the rest of you crooks." And then do the same thing to the nutjobs in Arkham Asylum. There, problem solved. Then he can go back to fighting off supervillains that actually pose a threat to him in his own city, while Batman can just retire and not have to look like such an underpowered but still haxxed character alongside such superheroes as Superman and Wonder Woman in the Justice League.
Dr. Manhattan just ceased to give a crap about Earth anymore, and when he went, everything went down the shitter. But the fact of the matter is, when he turned up and started working for the government, he continuously won wars for the US and kept Russia in check.
But in the DC universe - and yes, I know this was explored (although not enough, since, at the end of the day, it's still a comic book; you've got to suspend your disbelief sometimes) in The Dark Knight Returns too, so that can kind of count, even if it's non-canon - I've never gotten why Superman, who's unlike Manhattan in that he's the ultimate boy scout who wants to do good for Earth, couldn't just fly into Gotham City and tell the criminal underworld to fuck off or he'll threaten to laser their shit up. I know that Supes isn't the threatening type, but come on, if he's the government's *****, they could surely persuade him to do it, for the greater good.
And it wouldn't take much for him to just make some kind of TV appearance or appear to Carmine Falcone and say, "Stop doing crime, or I'll kill you and the rest of you crooks." And then do the same thing to the nutjobs in Arkham Asylum. There, problem solved. Then he can go back to fighting off supervillains that actually pose a threat to him in his own city, while Batman can just retire and not have to look like such an underpowered but still haxxed character alongside such superheroes as Superman and Wonder Woman in the Justice League.
