Entertainment

Which Superman Is The Best Superman?

by Amy Mackelden

While critics are still torn over whether Batman V Superman: Dawn Of Justice is any good or not, most fans seem pretty happy with the movie. If ticket sales are anything to go by, someone is certainly watching the film, as Batman V Superman made more than $501 million dollars worldwide in the first five days after its released. As a huge Smallville fan, I couldn't help but picture Tom Welling as Superman. Welling came into his own as an actor during 10 years on the TV show about the origins of Superman. Henry Cavill obviously has some talents, but so does Tom Welling, and it feels like a vital moment to ask a pertinent question. Who's the better Superman? Henry Cavill or Tom Welling? Consider this an extremely serious investigation.

Cavill has played Superman in two movies so far, to largely positive reviews. He certainly looks the part, having both the face and the physique to convince the audience that he's the Man of Steel. Still, I don't want to discount Tom Welling just yet. Although Welling never got to properly wear the suit, I'm hopeful that one day we'll see him in full Superman glory, possibly as a guest star on Supergirl. Without further ado, is Tom Welling or Henry Cavill the better Superman?

1. Who Wears The Suit Best?

Henry Cavill instantly steals the competition when it comes to wearing the suit, because Tom Welling never really got to wear it. Cavill really pulls off the skin-tight Superman outfit too, and spends a big portion of Batman V Superman wearing it, which helps.

2. Who Has Better Chemistry With Lois Lane?

Batman V Superman: Dawn Of Justice spends a lot of time developing the love story between Clark and Lois, and the pair are clearly in love. However, Erica Durance, who played Lois Lane in Smallville, always had such amazing chemistry with Tom Welling. Plus, Smallville spent a lot of time developing the initial hatred, flirting, and friendship between Clark and Lois, so when their affection turned to love, the connection was palpable. Henry Cavill and Amy Adams work well together, but they can't compete with their TV counterparts when it comes to snappy putdowns and playful jibes.

3. Is Cavill Or Welling The Most Convincing Clark Kent?

You might think that it's unfair to compare Tom Welling and Henry Cavill as Clark Kent, especially as Welling spent 10 years developing the character in Smallville. Personally, I think there's something a little too cool about Henry Cavill, and he never quite convinces me as Clark Kent. Welling always nailed the nerdy aspects of Clark Kent, and was great at embarrassing himself to protect his identity, even if it meant making jokes about having a weak bladder. Cavill's Clark Kent never goes to this amount of effort and seems to think that just wearing the glasses is enough of a disguise.

4. Which Is A Family Man?

Clark Kent is fiercely loyal to his parents, Jonathan and Martha. Sadly, Jonathan always dies in Superman's story, and his death is part of what makes Clark into the hero he is. Man Of Steel veered from canon somewhat by having Jonathan Kent die during a storm, while his son watched. Clark could've stepped in and saved him but Jonathan didn't want Clark's secret to be revealed. This was so out of character for Superman, who would take any opportunity to save a person they possibly could. In Smallville, Clark would've done anything to prevent his father's death, and, as such, shows a way stronger commitment to family.

5. Who's The Most Realistic Hero?

Tom Welling's Superman never gets the adulation he so deserves because he never properly graduates to wearing the suit and saving the world. Henry Cavill's Superman is a fully fledged hero loved across the globe, so there's really no contest.

6. Is Welling Or Cavill Better At Teamwork?

Eventually, Cavill's Superman does the right thing and teams up with Batman and Wonder Woman to defeat Doomsday, but, prior to this, he goes it alone. Somewhat different from Welling's Superman who is always supported by a team of people, especially his bestie Chloe Sullivan.

7. Which Has The Most Humility?

Welling's Clark Kent was always the cutest, and in my eyes, Cavill just can't compete. Plus, IRL, Henry Cavill has a bad habit of making irritating comments in the press, something that Tom Welling would never do.

While I'm sure many people will disagree with, I firmly believe that Tom Welling is the best Superman of all time and the clear winner of this contest. Henry Cavill may look good in a tight suit, but Welling will always be Clark Kent for me.

Images: Warner Bros. Pictures; Giphy (14)