Everyone loves an underdog story. David versus Goliath is the most popular example, and it’s cited every time a team with a losing record manages to pull off a surprise victory. But the underdog story takes on a new element when both parties involved are popular heroes. It’s one thing for David, the clear “good guy” in the books of Samuel, to defeat Goliath, the representative of “evil paganism,” but it’s something completely different if David defeats Hercules.

So what happens when Batman, often the David fighting Goliaths such as Bane, Killer Croc, or Mr. Freeze, takes on the modern Hercules, Superman? Superman is a hero in his own right, often portrayed as an underdog in a battle with a cosmic threat, which he always manages to overcome. So how is it that anyone can expect an even greater underdog to defeat the Man of Steel?

With Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice hitting theaters in 2016, a lot of casual fans have been raising this question. After all, Superman is basically a god, while Batman is just a rich human with psychological issues. Superman can move a planet; Batman has no such superpowers. So how is it that we are expected to believe Batman has any chance in a fight with Superman?

Comic book fans know the answer. Batman always wins. Especially against Superman.

In the comic arcs The Dark Knight Returns, Hush, and Red Son, the Caped Crusader leaves the Man of Tomorrow lying after a pugilistic defeat. But how? And from a writing standpoint: why?

The reason Batman is so beloved by fans across the globe is that he is human. He is flawed but brilliant. His numerous psychoses make him a dangerous man, and his paranoia especially guarantees he is prepared for any contingency. The Dark Knight must even be prepared to bring down his god-like best friend when the man from Krypton becomes a threat to humanity.

Even within the fictional world of DC Comics, it is understood that no one but Batman can bring down the Man of Steel. Even ultra-powerful heroes Shazam, Wonder Woman, Captain Atom, and Green Lantern have tried and failed. Most interesting of all, it is Clark Kent himself who entrusts Bruce Wayne with the kryptonite that can stop him cold. Kent knows that, despite his psychological issues, Batman can be trusted to do the right thing if Superman were ever to step out of line.

There is a strange degree of respect and admiration between DC’s two pillars. Batman admires Superman’s sense of honor and duty, even though they are not traits the Dark Knight shares. Superman respects Batman’s mind and his drive to achieve the unachievable. They find a common bond in their respect for human life, above all. Despite the cataclysmic opposition they face, the two heroes — at least in mainline canon — do not kill. It is that respect for human life that causes Kent to trust Wayne above all others in case he were to ever go rogue. As shown in the Injustice comics, when Superman crosses the line and begins to kill in the name of justice, his worldview becomes skewed and only the Dark Knight can stop him.

Superman and Batman represent conflicting ideals and outlooks — and even different ideas of what a superhero is. If we assume a superhero must have powers above that of a normal human being, Wayne is no superhero. But Batman risks his life every night, often performing seemingly superhuman feats despite his limitations. It is his drive and will to change the world that make Batman super. Superman, on the other hand, is defined by his capacity to hold back. The Man of Steel lives in a world of paper. Steel and concrete are as easy to break for Superman as glass is to a normal human.

Batman is a pessimist, often seeing the worst in people, and always expecting it. He is paranoid, angry, and driven by a sense of vengeance. Superman is an optimist, sees the best in everyone, and is happy, trusting, and bound by a sense of duty. Superman is how America sees itself: naturally strong, overwhelmingly powerful, exceptional, idealistic, and representative of freedom and justice. Batman is what America really is: incredibly wealthy, willing to throw money around to get the job done, heavily armed in ridiculous technology, built by hard work, and constantly engaged in a never-ending war.

But Superman and Batman need each other. Batman’s spiteful attitude and cynicism need to be offset by Superman’s kindness, and Superman needs Batman to help set him straight when his head is in the clouds and when the answer to a problem requires more than just punching really hard and flying really fast.

Superman should be unbeatable, but it’s the Dark Knight who truly can’t be stopped. No matter the situation, Batman is prepared. In The Dark Knight Returns, an older Wayne is dead-set on continuing his mission even when President Reagan sends Superman to stop him. Batman represents the power of the human will to overcome even the steepest of odds to achieve a goal. Using everything at his disposal, Wayne is able to bring down the Man of Tomorrow.

Batman needs to beat Superman. It’s part of what makes the characters special. Superman is the most powerful being on the planet, and his stories are about how even stronger monsters push him to his known limits, only for Supes to find even greater strength within himself to bring down the destructive force. No matter how strong or indestructible the force is, Superman is able to rise above. It’s the idea perpetuated in the Independence Day movie: even the most powerful nation on planet Earth has to fight something even more powerful in the form of an alien invasion.

Batman, on the other hand, represents what really happened on America’s Independence Day: a true underdog, bold enough to take on the seemingly impossible task ahead of him. Batman is brash, bold, and seemingly fearless. When pitted against insurmountable odds, which happens more often than not, the Bat is ready — and he overcomes. The Dark Knight is the human being who fights against God. He may never defeat Darkseid in a fistfight, but Batman will still find a way to win. Wayne is the one obstacle that Kent can’t overcome, as he should be. It is humbling to know that the most powerful being in the galaxy can’t beat a simple human. Superman is boring if he defeats Batman. There is no drama in that.

Superman is the status quo. He represents corporate culture, the social ideal, and an impossible to achieve goal of perfection. Superman reminds us that those with power aren’t necessarily bad and can wield their power to achieve great change. Batman, despite being a capitalist juggernaut, is the opposition culture, the social truth, and the gritty, real world of flaws and problems. Yes, he was born wealthy, but he is defined by the struggles and adversity he faces in pursuit of a greater goal.

Batman defeats Superman to remind us that the voiceless can still beat the media conglomerates, that the meek can still topple the powerful, and that, in the end, even the mightiest institutions can be brought down by a well-organized opposition.