If the only available insight into Batman and Superman's relationship comes from Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, they probably seem like little more than two body-building orphans. In reality, decades of comic book history have shaped their tumultuous and - some say - subtextually sexual relationship. Though this relationship is easy to miss if you're not looking for it, many claim Batman and Superman's attraction has been palpable from the moment they first locked eyes in 1952.
Though the two heroes were best friends throughout the World's Finest run of the Golden and Silver Ages, their relationship became strained in the '80s as superhero comics embraced increasingly darker themes. Mutual admiration and respect between the two Justice League founders became interwoven with distrust and ethical disagreements: Superman upholds the law to the letter, while Batman upholds justice itself. Bruce feels forced to set his own rules in a cruel, unfeeling world, while Kal-El feels indebted to a planet that has adopted and embraced him.
Batman is the darkness to Superman's light - two sides of the same coin. Those who perceive the on-page (and onscreen) tension between them claim they'd have a lot less to fight about if they'd just give in to their desires.
Superman Is Seemingly Attracted To Dominant Personality Types
Clark Kent's dating history reveals the Kryptonian has a thing for people who aren't afraid to be the dominant partner in a relationship. In 2012, alleged proof of his preferences emerged, thanks to DC's collaboration with dating website Match.com, which promoted Superman's New 52 romance with Wonder Woman.
Superman's dating profile, compiled by Dr. Helen Fisher, reveals that Kal-El is apparently attracted to 6-foot tall, black-haired, blue-eyed "warriors" - many pointed out that another Justice League member fulfills those qualifications besides Diana.
Batman Is Seemingly Attracted To Powerful, Unattainable People
The most consistent loves in Batman's double life - Catwoman and Talia al Ghul - reveal his draw to raven-haired, powerful people that challenge and frustrate him. Most notably, these are people he can't or shouldn't be able to have.
Superman may not be a villain or an anti-hero like Selina or Talia, but he is one of the most unattainable people on the planet, and not just because he's usually committed to Lois Lane. As Superman is likely the closest thing on Earth to an actual god, his seduction seems like an almost impossible achievement for most mortals.
Bruce Wayne Enjoys The Power Play Of Being Clark Kent's Boss
Batman's true superpower seems to be money. After all, what could be a bigger power play than holding sway over the civilian life of the most powerful Justice League member? Though Bruce Wayne purchased The Daily Planet to keep it free from Lex Luther's clutches, he seems to relish dropping by just to slyly remind the most powerful man in the world that Bruce Wayne himself is the one paying his reporter's salary.
Both Batman and Superman have canonically courted Wonder Woman. Batman paired up with her during writer Joe Kelly's run on Justice League and - in on-screen continuities - flirted with her heavily during the Justice League cartoons, as well as during Batman v Superman.
Meanwhile, Superman had a thing with the Amazon princess during the New 52 continuity,and the two even have a son together in more than one possible future timeline.
Even Lois Lane, the Juliet to Superman's Romeo, has wedded both the World's Finest and even considered moving to Gotham for Bruce when they dated during Superman: The Animated Series.
In World's Finest #289, the Man of Steel and the Dark Knight enjoy a very emotionally charged handshake. Superman even claims, "We're like night and day, you and I, and yet, we're closer than we realize, closer than twins, because we complement each other. We fit each other... like hand and glove."
Bruce Wayne and Clark Kent were forced to share a bed in a retelling of their initial meeting for the first Superman/Batman Annual. After some shenanigans involving the double-booking of a room on a luxury cruise ship, the heroes spend the night in the same bed. Fans have suggested that if they really did hate the situation, one of them could have taken the floor.
