I believe that it was either Shakespeare or R. Kelly who said:

“There goes my hero, watch him as he goes
there goes my hero, he’s ordinary”

(actually it was the Foo Fighters)

This quote works for Batman, because he’s an ordinary hero who makes himself extraordinary. The latest Chris Nolan created Batman series truly sticks to this principal where Christian Bale as Batman exists in a (potentially) real world. The dark and believable nature of Batman is why more people dig him now over Superman. The Dark Knight is probably the most eagerly anticipated film of the summer, in huge part because of the death of Heath Ledger (as the Joker), but also because Batman is one of the most relatable super heroes. Is Batman realistic enough that it could be possible to become batman? Dr. E. Paul Zehr suggests this in his recent book Becoming Batman: The Possibility of a Superhero Dr. Zehr discussed this possibility with Scientific American.

So who is the most realistic superhero?

Batman (Bruce Wayne) –

Abilities – Intelligence, martial arts expert, detective abilties, extreme conditioning, high tech gadgets, unlimited financial resourses.

Verdict – With some major money and discpline, maybe.

Robin (Dick Grayson) – No love for Robin in the new series yet, but, its a good bet he’ll show up eventually.

Abilities – martial arts expert, high tech gadgets, acrobat, ability to make a crazy rich friend.

Verdict – With great physical abilities and a well established hero friend, it could be possible.

Daredevil – Ben Affleck killed this guy a few years ago.

Abilities – martial arts expert, acrobat, fine tuned senses and echolocation (ability to sense environment through echos)

Verdict – Its not totally impossible, but some of Daredevils sensing abilties are a way over the top.

Green Hornet/Kato – The Green Hornet will be getting some attention soon as a movie version with Seth Rogen in the title role is set to come out in 2010. Bruce Lee played Kato in the 60′s.

Abilities – Detective skills, martial arts expert, gadget filled car, simple to purchase eye mask.

Verdict – Possibly the most realistic Superheros ever, although they’ve been fighting a battle with being relevant for 40+ years – there’s a good chance you’ve never heard of them. Also, Kato is the Green Hornet’s “Asian Manservant,” that’s not exactly Super.

Punisher (Frank Castle) – There’s a new Punisher movie coming out soon with the guy from the HBO Rome Miniseries. He’s no Ivan Drago.

Abilities – tactical and demolitions expert, extreme tolerance to pain, ability to create craptastic movie with B level actors (Dolph Lundgren, Tom Jane, Ray Stevenson)

Verdict – Realistic, but, you might stick out walking around with a skull on your chest.

Iron Man (Tony Stark) – Summer 2008′s Superhero Box Office Champ (for a few more hours)

Abilities – Millionaire monies, a badass yellow and red weaponized suit

Verdict – Robert Downey Jr. is the man in the movie, but in real life you’ll have a better chance being a plain old alcoholic drug addict, verses an superhero alcoholic drug addict.

Dad

Abilities – poor fashion sense, truly amazing use of puns, pays for stuff, ability to have “catch”.

Verdict – Although my dad is my hero, theres got to be higher qualification for superhero then getting someone knocked up.

Conclusion – Better start beefing up now if you want to be a Superhero, learn some karate and get some serious cash…oh yeah, and start knitting a rad costume.

Epilogue – Of course, in our humble opinion there is only one real superhero…

Mr. T!

Abilities – Fool pitying, extreme distain for Jibber Jabber, uncanny accessorizing, he’s even got his own cereal! Truly a Superhero.

This article was originally published by BuzzPirates.com.

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