Answer somewhat with spoilers It is one of the best Comic Book movies ever because it completely turns the ideas of superheroes on their heads. In real life, wouldn't Batman be better off killing the villains so they can't keep escaping and hurting more people? And if there were a Superman, it would be a total waste of his powers to stop petty criminals. Instead, he should use them to say "Listen, Earth, I could destroy this planet in an instant. So be good to each other or I'll fucking do it". This movie explores these kind of ideas. That and, if there are protests or riots going on, who do the heroes side with? The protestors or the police? If there is a War like Viet Nam, do the heroes join in and kill women and children Viet Namese? Are they really heroes? ... It's an awesome movie and graphic novel. Voted one of the best novels of the 20th century by Time Magazine. The only graphic novel on that list. :-) Hopefully I gave a good answer.