Why Batman Should Have Been Killed Off in BATMAN V SUPERMAN: DAWN OF JUSTICE

Batman should have died at the end of Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice. Justice League is built upon the premise that with the death of Superman at the end of Batman v. Superman, hope has left the world. The issue with this premise is that Superman, by the end of Man of Steel, is still struggling to accept his superhero identity, an idea that carries over into Batman v. Superman. To establish Superman as the hope of the world when the majority of the film is about the controversy of Superman existing in the world creates a flimsy foundation for the themes of the film. Batman’s death at the hands of Doomsday would have been a valiant sacrifice showing that even the fallen can redeem themselves; it would have been the act to inspire hope in Superman. 

The opening of Justice League, featuring a hopeful and vibrant Superman, would immediately show the impact of Batman’s sacrifice. The growing threat of the parademons forces Superman to take over the role of Batman in the film and seek out the other members of the Justice League. Being disguised as Clark Kent is a much more low-key role than Bruce Wayne, one that would facilitate his ability to trackdown leads on Aquaman, Cyborg, and the Flash using Batman’s intel. Of course, other tweaks to the story would need to be made to account for Superman’s power set. 

Batman’s resurrection is still needed to unite the team and to develop a plan for dealing with the problem at hand. Alfred will suggest using the Lazarus Pit, a last ditch effort based on how it can affect the user’s mind. Seeing no other option, our intrepid heroes use the Lazarus Pit to revive Batman, who in true Batman form, proceeds to take down each of the Justice League heroes before finally being brought to his senses. One of the biggest issues I had with Justice League was that Batman was more of a background player. If you are a fan of the animated films, such as I am, then you know there are scenarios where Batman is integral in taking down Darkseid. Having Batman hold his own against the Justice League, even for a short amount of time would keep Batman on his pedestal.

I realize that we could speculate all day on what could have been. I think the issue with killing Batman, in general, points to another issue with DC and Warner Brothers. Batman is a money maker and is key for carrying the animated and live action films, similar to how Iron Man is for the MCU. However, Disney and Marvel have done a much better job of balancing out Iron Man’s role within the larger MCU. Granted, Iron Man merchandise is still a top seller, but Disney and Marvel have learned how to diversify their various cash cows.

DC and Warner Brothers need to learn how to do the same. I have enjoyed many of the animated films, in particular, the Batman ones, but I am yearning for a more diverse film set. I would love to see a Plastic Man or even Elongated Man film. Animal Man has a unique brand of deep storytelling that rides the line between family and horror. Booster Gold and Blue Beetle (Ted Kord) make for an interesting pair. Not to mention the various Green Lanterns and potential other Lantern storylines.

I love Batman, but I would gladly let the character die for a time, and I mean truly die and not get lost in time if that meant that other characters and storylines would have a chance to surface. 

Sound off below with your thoughts!

Guest Article By Joseph Fridley (@brother_fridley)