Batman / Batman Joker

Is It Canon That Batman Kills Joker?

Batman and Joker have been arch-nemeses for decades, and their battles have resulted in some of the most iconic moments in comic book history. One question that has been asked over and over again is whether or not Batman kills Joker.

Canon vs. Fan Theories

The truth is that there is no definitive answer to this question. The comic books themselves have never definitively shown Batman killing Joker, but there are certainly instances where it could be interpreted that way.

For example, in Frank Miller’s “The Dark Knight Returns,” Batman seemingly kills Joker by snapping his neck. However, this story takes place in an alternate timeline and isn’t necessarily considered canon.

The Argument for Killing

Some fans argue that Batman should kill Joker because of the amount of damage he has caused over the years. Joker has killed countless innocent people and caused chaos throughout Gotham City on numerous occasions. From this perspective, it might seem like killing him would be a logical solution to prevent further harm.

The Argument Against Killing

On the other hand, many fans believe that one of the core principles of Batman’s character is his refusal to kill anyone, even someone as dangerous as Joker. This is based on the idea that if Batman were to start killing criminals, he would become no better than them.

What Do the Creators Say?

Ultimately, the decision about whether or not Batman kills Joker falls to the creators of the character and his stories. In an interview with IGN, Scott Snyder – who wrote several popular Batman stories – was asked about this very topic:

“I think it would change who [Batman] is if he killed..I don’t think you lose anything by saying he doesn’t kill.If anything, you gain.”

This seems to suggest that at least some of the people responsible for crafting Batman’s stories believe that he should not kill Joker.

The Bottom Line

In the end, it’s up to each individual reader to decide whether or not they think Batman kills Joker. While there are certainly instances where it seems like he might have, the core of his character is based on his refusal to kill. So while it might be tempting to see Joker get what’s coming to him, Batman is ultimately a hero because he chooses to take the high road.

  • Pro: Killing Joker could prevent further harm and damage.
  • Con: Killing would go against Batman’s principles and undermine his character.

In conclusion

While there is no clear answer as to whether or not Batman kills Joker, it’s safe to say that the majority of fans and creators believe that he should not. Whether you agree with this stance or not, it’s clear that this debate has been ongoing for years and will likely continue for many more.