WARNING: The following contains major spoilers for Dark Knights of Steel #1 and Death of Doctor Strange: Avengers #1, on sale now from Marvel and DC Comics.

The heroes of the Marvel and DC universes are the stuff of legends. They are those that we dream to be, the inspirations that drive us to become more than what we are. For all their wonder and splendor, however, there are times when even our heroes lose a bit of their luster. In Dark Knights of Steel #1 (by Tom Taylor, Yasmine Putri, and Wes Abbot) and Death of Doctor Strange: Avengers #1 (by Alex Paknadel, Ryan Bodenheim, Rachelle Rosenberg, and VC's Cory Petit) both Batman and Thor prove to share a trait that’s rather unbecoming of a hero.

Dark Knights of Steel presents a world unlike that of the mainstream DC Universe. It is a world of knights and castles, swords and sorcery. Aboard a spacecraft departing from doomed Krypton, a young boy is born on this medieval Earth. Growing up, Kal-El becomes friends with a young man named Bruce whose armor resembles that of a bat. Bruce has sworn to protect Kal-El from harmful magic and bids him not to accompany him on his mission. Kal-El retorts by asking if Bruce is any less vulnerable to magic. Bruce just scowls silently at Kal-El and rides off.

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Meanwhile, in Death of Doctor Strange: Avengers the world is facing a terrible dilemma: Doctor Strange, Earth’s Sorcerer Supreme, has been killed and a terrible danger is encroaching on the planet. Following a disastrous battle against mystical enemies known as The Three Mothers, the Avengers come to terms with their defeat and the dire situation they now face. As Captain America and Captain Marvel discuss the events surrounding them, Thor sits alone in another room, brooding terribly.

It’s a strange state to see both Batman and Thor take losing so poorly. Both heroes are lauded as being among the very finest their respective universes have to offer, yet they result to more childish coping methods when faced with losing. In Batman’s case it was something as simple as having a strong counterpoint raised to him; in Thor’s case it was tasting defeat in battle. Between the two heroes, Thor has a much better reason to react the way he did, but his actions are still unbefitting for a hero.

Historically speaking however, Batman and Thor’s reactions are completely in character for them. As “The World’s Greatest Detective,” the stalwart protector of Gotham City holds himself to a standard of absolute perfection in everything he does, in and out of battle, physically and mentally. There are few people capable of standing toe-to-toe with Batman in a contest of wits and intellect, but among them is his butler, Alfred. Never bowing to Master Wayne's dour expression and demeanor, Alfred has always told Bruce the truth in everything they discuss, whether he wants to hear it or not, often resulting in Batman telling Alfred to shut up.

Related: Thor Confirms Doctor Strange Could've Stopped Marvel's War of the Realms

Thor is a mighty warrior of Asgard, who is defined by his sense of honor. It’s an interesting balance that defines the Asgardian, as he must always maintain his status of being worthy enough to wield his enchanted weapon, the hammer Mjolnir. This "worthiness" consists of a broad spectrum of traits that Thor must possess at all times, including loyalty, honesty, humility, honor, and integrity. Sulking might not be chief among those traits, but feeling anger and frustration at being unable to help one’s friends isn’t something that would disqualify Thor from being able to wield Mjolnir.

Nevertheless, it’s moments like these that give the heroes a much needed sense of humanity. Being heroic does not make one perfect. At the end of the day, Batman and Thor are just men. For all of their powers, exploits, and successes, they are still beholden to the same emotions common to all people. They may not always be the shining pinnacles we know and expect them to be, but it’s nice to know that they share commonalities with regular people from time to time.

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