When it comes to the age-old question of whether Batman kills the Joker, there are a lot of different opinions out there. Some people believe that Batman would never kill anyone, even his arch-nemesis.
Others argue that the Joker is so dangerous and unpredictable that killing him might be the only way to end his reign of terror once and for all. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the evidence and try to answer the question once and for all.
The No-Kill Rule
First, let’s talk about Batman’s longstanding commitment to not killing anyone. This is often referred to as his “no-kill rule,” and it’s something that has been a core part of his character for decades. The idea behind this rule is that Batman wants to bring criminals to justice without stooping to their level or becoming a vigilante who takes matters into his own hands.
There are a few different reasons why Batman might have this rule. For one thing, he believes in due process and wants criminals to face trial rather than being killed in the streets like animals.
Additionally, he knows that if he starts killing people, it could be a slippery slope – where does he draw the line? If he kills one person, why not kill another?
The Joker’s Crimes
Of course, when it comes to the Joker specifically, things get more complicated. The Joker is one of Batman’s oldest and most dangerous enemies. He’s killed countless innocent people over the years and caused untold amounts of chaos and destruction in Gotham City.
Some argue that because of this, Batman should make an exception to his no-kill rule when it comes to the Joker. After all, if anyone deserves to die for their crimes, it’s him.
Batman’s Actions
So what has Batman actually done when it comes to the Joker? Has he ever killed him, or come close?
The answer is..it’s complicated. In some versions of the Batman story, he does kill the Joker.
For example, in Frank Miller’s seminal graphic novel “The Dark Knight Returns,” an older, grizzled Batman finally snaps and kills the Joker after years of torment. Similarly, in the video game “Batman: Arkham Knight,” there is a storyline where it appears that Batman has killed the Joker (although this is later revealed to be a hallucination).
However, in most versions of the story, Batman does not kill the Joker. Instead, he simply captures him and sends him back to Arkham Asylum. This can be frustrating for some fans who feel like the Joker always escapes and goes on killing sprees again and again.
The Future
So what does the future hold for Batman and the Joker? Will they continue their never-ending cycle of violence and retribution forever?
It’s impossible to say for sure, but one thing is clear – this is a debate that will continue to rage on among fans for years to come. Whether you believe that Batman should stick to his no-kill rule or make an exception when it comes to the Joker, there’s no denying that this is one of the most fascinating and complex relationships in all of comic book history.
- Some argue that because of his crimes, The Joker deserves to die
- In most versions of the story, Batman does not kill The Joker
- One thing is clear – this debate will continue among fans for years
Conclusion
In conclusion, while there are certainly arguments on both sides of this debate, it seems likely that Batman will continue to adhere to his no-kill rule when it comes to the Joker. However frustrating it may be to see the Clown Prince of Crime escape time and time again, Batman knows that he must stay true to his principles if he wants to keep Gotham safe. Whether or not this will ultimately prove to be the right decision remains to be seen, but for now, it’s the one that Batman has chosen to stick with.