Batman and Joker’s relationship is one of the most iconic rivalries in comic book history. The Caped Crusader and the Clown Prince of Crime have been going head to head for over 80 years, with their epic battles and psychological warfare capturing the imagination of fans worldwide. But there’s one question that has been on everyone’s mind – Does Batman Kill Joker in the Comics?
To answer this question, we need to take a closer look at the history between these two characters. Batman has always held himself to a strict moral code, never resorting to killing his enemies, no matter how heinous their crimes may be. This moral code is what sets him apart from other superheroes, making him a symbol of justice and hope.
On the other hand, Joker is a psychopathic villain who revels in chaos and destruction. He has committed countless atrocities over the years, including murder, torture, and even genocide. His ultimate goal is to break Batman’s spirit by proving that his moral code is meaningless in a world as twisted as theirs.
Despite their intense rivalry, there have been moments when Batman has come dangerously close to breaking his moral code and killing Joker. In Frank Miller’s “The Dark Knight Returns,” an older Batman finally snaps after years of battling Joker and kills him in cold blood.
However, this version of Batman exists outside of mainstream continuity and does not represent the character’s core values. In fact, most comic book writers have avoided having Batman kill Joker because it goes against everything he stands for.
One notable exception was in Alan Moore’s “The Killing Joke,” where it was left up to interpretation whether or not Batman actually kills Joker at the end of the story. The two characters share a moment of laughter as the police arrive on scene, but it’s unclear if they’re laughing because Joker has finally broken Batman or if Batman has killed him.
Another example can be seen in Scott Snyder’s “Death of the Family” storyline, where Joker kidnaps Batman’s allies and puts them through a series of horrific challenges. Batman finally confronts Joker and tells him that he is tired of their endless cycle of violence. Joker responds by offering Batman a chance to end it all by killing him, but Batman refuses, proving once again that he will never break his moral code.
In conclusion, while there have been instances where Batman has come close to killing Joker, it’s clear that he will never actually do so. His moral code is too important to him and represents everything he stands for as a hero. The ongoing battle between these two iconic characters will continue to captivate readers for years to come, as we watch them push each other to their limits in an endless dance of good versus evil.