Why is Batman willing to kill Scarecrow?
In the new miniseries "From the DC Vault: Death in the Family - Robin Lives," Batman almost kills Scarecrow after he tortures Jason Todd with fear gas. Batman is enraged by Scarecrow's actions and brutally assaults him, only stopping when the Gotham City Police Department intervenes. This is notable because it marks the second time Batman has almost killed an A-list villain in this alternate timeline, following his near-death of the Joker earlier in the issue. This incident suggests that, despite Jason Todd's survival, Batman's character arc is still on a path of violence, with him potentially spiraling into a cycle of violence that could lead to him killing villains.
How does Jason Todd's survival affect Batman's character development?
In the original "A Death in the Family" storyline, Jason Todd's death leads to Batman becoming increasingly violent, which prompts Tim Drake, the third Robin, to intervene and try to save Batman from himself. In this alternate timeline, where Jason Todd survives, Batman is still on the same trajectory of increased violence. He nearly kills both Scarecrow and the Joker, suggesting that Jason's survival did not alter Batman's underlying struggle with violence and his internal conflict between his vow against killing and his rage towards those who harm his loved ones.
Does Batman's willingness to kill in this alternate timeline mean that he is a more violent character overall?
While Batman's willingness to kill Scarecrow and nearly kill the Joker in this alternate timeline suggests that he is more violent than in the original storyline, it's important to remember that this is an alternate reality. It is a fictional exploration of what might have happened if Jason Todd had survived his encounter with the Joker. It doesn't necessarily reflect Batman's character in the main DC Universe. Batman is a complex character with a deep sense of justice, but he is also a man haunted by his past and driven by a relentless desire to protect those he cares about. His struggles with violence are an important part of his character, and this alternate timeline offers a glimpse into what might have been.
Did Batman really intend to let the Joker drown?
In the issue, Batman pursues the Joker by boat after the clown's brutal attack on Jason Todd. The chase culminates in Bruce ramming his boat into the Joker's, causing the Joker to fall into the water and begin to drown. Batman watches passively until Superman arrives and saves the Joker. Superman asks Bruce if he knew that he was trailing him and intentionally let the Joker fall into the water. Bruce's response, "If that’s what you’d like to believe, Superman–who am I to contradict you?" suggests that he may have intentionally allowed the Joker to drown. This answer is concerning because it indicates that Batman may be willing to cross his "No Killing" line, even if it means letting someone drown.
Is there any hope for Batman to overcome his violent tendencies in this alternate timeline?
While Batman's near-killing of Scarecrow and his passive observation of the Joker's potential drowning are alarming, it is still too early to say whether this alternate timeline will see Batman become a truly murderous vigilante. It is possible that Batman's near-death experiences with Scarecrow and Joker will serve as a turning point for him. He may realize that his violent tendencies are dangerous and harmful and that he needs to find a new way to deal with his anger and grief. Perhaps, he will find solace in the fact that he was able to save Jason Todd, and that may lead him back to his core values of justice and compassion. Ultimately, the future of Batman in this alternate timeline is still up in the air, but there is still hope that he can overcome his violent tendencies and find a path to redemption.
Is Jason Todd's survival the only factor that affects Batman's violence in this alternate timeline?
While Jason Todd's survival is a major factor contributing to Batman's violent behavior in this alternate timeline, it is likely not the sole factor. Batman's personal struggles, the severity of the threats he faces, and his ongoing grief over the death of his parents are all contributing factors to his violent impulses. Jason Todd's survival might have exacerbated these underlying issues, pushing Batman closer to the edge, but it is not the only cause of his struggle with violence. Understanding the complexities of Batman's character and the various factors that contribute to his violent tendencies provides a deeper understanding of his journey and the challenges he faces in maintaining his moral code.
