Where did the Itachi vs Minato debates even come from?

[Ovan]

It took the greatest force known to man in the NV to put them in their graves. Plot no jutsu.

 

[Meekz89]

It started off as who was smarter. Keep in mind this was wayyyy before Hiruzen comment about Itachi, an all we had was Jiraiya's praise of Minato.

 

[Xāvî1]

from fanboys.....

 

[Amaterasuice]

They're both kind of "flawless" personality wise, minus the fact Minato put a demon in his son and Itachi killed his family, joined a criminal organization, and tortured his own brother twice.