Why Did Batman Actually Not Kill Superman?

In the realm of comic book adaptations, the oft-repetitive narrative of Batman killing Superman stands out as a misconception often perpetuated by the public. However, upon closer examination of the source material and specific storylines, we uncover that such an event never transpired in the traditional sense. This article aims to dispel this myth while delving into the reality of their interactions.

The Notion of Conflict and Resolution

Contrary to popular belief, Batman and Superman's conflicts are not driven by a desire for one to annihilate the other. The crux of their enmity lies in the embodiment of contrasting ideologies: Superman, a symbol of authority and order, versus Batman, a vigilante who adheres to a code of non-violence.

Frank Miller's Vision

One of the most notable instances of this conflict is found in Frank Miller's comic book from 2016. In this series, Batman confronts Superman due to the latter's involvement in the Battle of Metropolis with General Zod. The narrative does not result in either character's fatal end, but rather a unification against the common threat, Doomsday. This storyline underscores the themes of power, responsibility, and moral dilemmas faced by heroes, rather than showcasing the act of killing.

The Graphic Novel Dilemma

In another instance, an older Batman emerges from retirement to battle an altered Superman who has partnered with the government. Inspired by differing moral stances—Batman as a vigilante and Superman as a proponent of structured authority—their conflict escalates into an intense fight. While Batman employs various strategies to subdue Superman, he ultimately does not lead to his demise; the battle leaves Superman severely weakened, but alive.

Zack Snyder and the DCEU's Misadventures

It is essential to acknowledge the impact of Zack Snyder on the DCEU, particularly his influence on the portrayal of Batman in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. Snyder's interpretation of Batman is often criticized for its lack of fidelity to the source material. His defense of Batman's actions, such as killing a character, overlooks the nuanced motivations behind Batman's hesitation to resort to violence.

Prioritizing Misunderstood Themes

In his interview, Snyder remarks, 'Wake the f— up! That’s what I’m saying about once you’ve lost your virginity to this f—ing movie and then you come and say to me something about like ‘Oh my superhero wouldn’t do that’ I’m like ‘Are you serious I’m like down the f—ing road on that.' This statement and others reveal a misunderstanding of the complex themes within the original stories. For instance, in Frank Miller's depiction, Batman's reluctance to kill stems from a traumatic past, as seen in the climax of The Dark Knight Returns, where Batman barely misses the Joker, resulting in the latter's suicide to lay a false guilt on Batman.

Watchmen and the Spiritual Disconnect

Snyder's misalignment extends to his adaptation of Watchmen. He focused solely on action sequences and violent scenes, missing the underlying mature themes such as superhero regulation and the ethical implications of using power to control the fate of humanity. As The Incredibles proved, such narratives can be equally powerful with nuanced storytelling without needing graphic violence.

Conclusion: The Nuance of Heroic Narratives

The stories of Batman and Superman highlight the complexities within heroic narratives. Their interactions and conflicts are rooted in deeper themes such as power, responsibility, and moral dilemmas. Snyder's approach, although well-intentioned, often oversimplifies these layers, stripping away the nuance that makes these characters rich and compelling.

Keywords: Batman, Superman, Zack Snyder, DCEU, Comic Book Adaptation