Image credit: DC Comics
Writer Mark Waid once said “…when you scratch everything else away from Batman, you’re left with someone who doesn’t want to see anybody die.” This is a fair statement, as in most incarnations the Dark Knight avoids lethal force. However, he recently broke his code against killing in a big way to take out a major villain in a recent DC comic book.
The killing occurred in DC K.O. #4 by Scott Snyder, Joshua Williamson, Xermanico, and Javier Fernández. The DC Comics crossover event centers around a cosmic tournament. The winner gets to tap the same Omega Power that created Darkseid, hopefully allowing them to stop the New Gods‘ tyrant from destroying the DC Universe.
(Image Source: DC Comics)
As the fourth round opened, only four contenders were still standing: The Joker, Lex Luthor, Superman, and Wonder Woman. Their intended opponents were the Absolute Universe‘s Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman. This battle was officiated by Darkseid himself, who had possessed the body of the hero Booster Gold.
(Image Source: DC Comics)
Ever the coward at heart, The Joker turned on the other contenders. He offered his allegiance to Darkseid, saying it was more in his character to be on the side of destruction. Besides, he didn’t really care about the tournament, he just wanted a chance to kill Batman.
Batman Finally Kills The Joker
Batman was not quite as dead as believed, however. The Dark Knight had previously figured out a way to remove himself from the tournament so he could return at the end. Even with the Omega Power punishing him for this cheat, he was still able to overcome a trial by fire.
This trial, outlined in the DC K.O.: Knightfight miniseries, saw Batman reborn into a series of increasingly awful alternate futures. Still, he prevailed and returned as intended. Ironically, he killed Joker in the same way Joker had tried to kill him, impaling him through the chest.
(Image Source: DC Comics)
It should be noted that The Joker’s death is a temporary measure, even by the standards of superhero comics. The DC K.O. event, while boasting a high body count, has also affirmed that all the dead will return at the end. Nevertheless, the image of Batman impaling The Joker is a striking one. It also seems to be cathartic for Batman, as he can be seen smiling as he strikes down his archenemy.
DC K.O. #4 is now available at comic shops everywhere.
