re: So maybe I'm missing some piece in the DC Universe, but how can Batman beat

It depends on the writer, Batman is usually given the upper hand because he's willing to cross certain lines.

It's implied that along with Batman's paranoia, Superman also trusts him with crossing the lines to stop his going rogue.

So we get things like Batman putting on a kryptonite ring to punch Superman as a distraction while Catwoman throws Lois Lane from a building.


I guess the "knightmare" sequence is the closest we'll ever get to a live action Red Son.


And Batman's fluffy hat.