What If Batman Killed Superman in Justice League?

It is a well-known fact that in the Justice League (BvS), Batman chose not to kill Superman, opting instead to bring him back to life with the help of others. However, what if the story took a different turn, and Batman executed Superman? This article explores the potential ramifications of such an action on the characters, the story, and the overall franchise.

Shift in Batman's Characterization

The narrative of Batman is deeply rooted in his moral code, which strictly prohibits him from taking a life, even of a villain. If Batman were to kill Superman, it would mark a significant shift in his character. It would represent a dark turn, making him more ruthless and morally ambiguous. This change would heavily impact his psychological state, leading to guilt, paranoia, and potentially a descent into madness.

Such a decision would affect his relationships with other heroes and allies, including his close ties with Wonder Woman and the rest of the Justice League. The trust and camaraderie that Batman has built could be severely compromised, leading to deeper divisions within the team.

Superman's Legacy

Impact on the Justice League

With Superman's death, there would be a significant power vacuum in the Justice League. Key threats like Doomsday and Darkseid would become more prominent due to the lack of a Kryptonian to counter them. The formation and operation of the Justice League might be delayed or fundamentally altered, with Superman serving as a central figure in uniting the heroes. His untimely demise would leave a void that could lead to chaos and instability within the superhuman community.

Public Perception

The death of Superman at the hands of Batman would likely shift public perception of superheroes. The act of killing a heroic figure could instill fear and distrust in society, potentially leading to a backlash against vigilante justice. This could complicate the dynamics between superheroes and societal norms, making it more difficult for characters to operate without scrutiny and consequences.

Villain Dynamics

Rise of New Threats

Without Superman, Batman would need to confront new and more powerful threats. Doomsday and Darkseid could become more prominent, requiring Batman to use his skills and resources in ways he had never anticipated. This shift would change the balance of power in the DC Universe, and Batman would have to adapt to this new reality.

Lex Luthor's Role

Lex Luthor, with his cunning and manipulative nature, would likely capitalize on Superman's death. He could position himself as a savior figure or manipulate the situation to further his own agenda. Luthor might exploit the villains who now have more room to operate, creating new challenges for Batman and the Justice League.

Alternate Storylines

Exploration of Regret and Redemption

The narrative could explore themes of regret and redemption. Batman, burdened by his actions, might seek ways to make amends. This storyline could delve into the consequences of absolute power and the moral dilemmas that arise when heroes are faced with difficult choices. The Justice League might reevaluate their stance and goals, leading to a more complex and morally ambiguous landscape.

Formation of Anti-Heroes

With the loss of Superman, other heroes might take a more aggressive stance against threats, potentially leading to a darker tone for the DC Extended Universe (DCEU). Wonder Woman or Aquaman could become more aggressive and reckless, pushing the boundaries of what is acceptable in their pursuit of justice. This shift would make the DCEU more polarizing and intense.

Fan Reception and Franchise Direction

Polarizing Reception

The decision to have Batman kill Superman would likely polarize fans, leading to backlash against the darker tone of the franchise. This would affect the box office performance and the direction of future films. The DCEU might lean more heavily into themes of despair and loss, affecting the overall tone of subsequent films.

Shift in Themes

The DCEU might evolve to include more complex and morally ambiguous storylines, exploring the consequences of power and the nature of justice. This could lead to a more mature and darker version of the franchise, one that challenges the audience and forces them to question the heroes they once idolized.

In conclusion, if Batman had killed Superman, it would have profound implications for character development, story arcs, and the overall tone of the DCEU. The narrative could become darker and more complex, exploring themes of morality, power, and consequence. Such a drastic change would significantly impact the storyline and the perception of the franchise, making the DCEU a more challenging and thought-provoking experience for its audience.