Batman Does Not Kill To Inspire Others
Among Heroes, killing can be a divisive topic. Some, like the Puncher, see nothing objectionable about it. Others such as Wonder Woman or Captain America will kill, usually only as a last choice. Some, meanwhile, flatly refuse to take another person's life under any conditions. Batman is maybe the most well-known hero who defies death; his "no-kill" policy is well-known. Batman has offered several explanations for his lack of killing throughout years. He occasionally refuses to cross a personal line. Other times Batman worries he wouldn't be able to stop.
Batman's justification here makes great sense. Being a vigilante gives him little opportunity to justify his actions to the city; thus, his work usually speaks for itself. Should Batman kill a criminal, that would give a lot of room for interpretation and in a city like Gotham, someone would most certainly take it the wrong way. The city is terrible enough without more vigilantes trying to replicate Batman's path. Batman just doesn't kill to make sure Gotham doesn't get worse than it currently is, instead of running the danger of inspiring people's darkest ideas.
Batman clarifies the smartest reason why his "no kill" rule has to stand.
Although Batman's current defense for not taking a life is his best yet, he has reasoned his No-Kill Rule countless times before. Batman: Dark Age presents a different sort of Caped Crusader shaped by actual events. This Dark Knight likewise thinks in not killing, but for a far more sensible cause.
Bruce Wayne, back from Vietnam and aggressively patrolling Gotham as Mark Russell and Michael Allred's Batman: Dark Age #3's new Dark Knight, The False Face Society sadly controls the city like a chokehold. Once he beats a gangster team, Batman's new friend Superman wonders if Batman kills. From Batman's point of view, narration boxes show Bruce doesn't murder as killing begs questions about why. Bruce worries that people would assume he kills for the causes they favor. Worse, Batman feels he would unintentionally encourage others to believe they could get away with murder.
Gotham Safer Thanks to Batman's No-Kill Rule
Gotham certainly has a lot of issues. Batman is familiar with the people living in his city; he understands that others would feel justified to act in such manner should he suddenly start killing. Batman's No-Kill Rule was not developed haphazardly. Bruce knew that killing will just produce more killers and considered every possible influence killing could have on the civilization he is fighting to defend. Although some might believe that without a no-kill rule Batman's life would be simpler, it is actually improving Gotham greatly.
Now available from DC Comics is Batman: Dark Age #3.
Batman is one of DC's most iconic heroes.
Batman, the vigilante superhero form of millionaire Bruce Wayne, is among DC's most recognizable heroes. Bruce devoted his life to become the top martial artist, investigator, and tactician in the world after sorrow with the death of his parents drove him. Bruce battles evil as the dark knight of his city, Gotham City, gathering a whole family of allies and sidekicks.
Batman: Third Dark Age 2024 (2024)
