Lois Lane is a must - include. She can be the love interest and also a strong - willed journalist. Jimmy Olsen is also great, providing some comical relief and being Superman's friend. Lex Luthor is an obvious choice as the main villain, always plotting against Superman.
One idea could be having Superman face an enemy that can manipulate time, causing chaos in Metropolis. Another could be a story where he has to deal with a powerful alien artifact that is affecting his powers. Maybe also a plot where he teams up with a new superhero from another planet.
Alfred Pennyworth is quite popular too. He can offer his wisdom and support to Batman, and his interactions with Superman can be both humorous and heartwarming. He's like the glue that holds things together in the Batcave, and his presence can bring a sense of home to the story.
It's more modern in terms of art and storytelling. The New 52 version has a different aesthetic compared to older comics. It often has a faster - paced plot.
Lex Luthor is often an interesting character in such fanfictions. He might be the one pulling the strings behind the scenes, fueling Batman's distrust of Superman. Another could be Alfred. His wisdom and influence on Batman can add depth to the story. He might try to talk Batman out of fighting Superman or help him in a more covert way. And then there's Wonder Woman. She could be caught in the middle, trying to mediate between the two or having her own motives for getting involved in their conflict.
Catwoman can also be a popular character. She could be in a love - triangle situation with Batman, and her thieving ways might put her at odds with the female Superman who stands for truth and justice. There could be some really interesting interactions between the three of them, like Catwoman trying to steal a valuable item that the female Superman is protecting, while Batman is caught in the middle, not sure who to side with at first.
Wonder Woman could also be involved. She might be caught in the middle, trying to stop the fight at first. But if she realizes that Superman is being a threat for some reason, she could side with Batman, or at least not interfere in Batman's attempt to defeat Superman.
One of the best is 'The Dark Knight Returns'. In this story, an older Batman comes out of retirement and has a memorable encounter with Superman. It shows their ideological differences and the complex relationship between them. It's a gritty and thought - provoking take on their dynamic.
Batman vs Superman's story involves a complex web of events. There's public pressure, personal vendettas, and a looming threat that forces them to either work together or destroy each other. It's a battle of wills and powers.