A certain legendary superhero is celebrating a major milestone this week, his 1,000th issue. No, this blog is not about that, but it does address a certain rule that he and most associated with him do follow: the “no killing” rule. The rule is, basically, regardless of how evil an individual is or what they’ve done, said hero will not end the villain’s life, at any cost. Now, think about that for a moment. On the surface it appears to be the most moral of rules. It shows respect for all life and also shows that there is another way. How wonderful is that? Or is it? 

Let’s look at this for a moment. How many times has Batman fought Joker? How many times has Superman fought Lex Luthor? Has being merciful improved these characters any? No, it has not… not ever! Because of Batman’s mercy, Barbara Gordon was attacked and paralyzed and Jason Todd was beaten to death (yeah, I know he’s back, but you know the story). That’s just two deaths that are directly caused by Bruce’s mercy. How many innocents have been killed, how many citizens of Gotham’s lives have been irrevocably changed by the Joker, all because Batman refuses to kill him? And how many have suffered at the hands of Lex Luthor? Hell, he was even president at one time… and was arrested because of the evil he was guilty of! And yet, Superman refuses to mete out the justice Luthor obviously deserves. This is just two examples, but there are many more who follow this rule… and why? I think that , for the characters, it makes them feel good. For the writers, they are tied to the character’s “bible” and they have to follow what is canon – regardless of the fact that it makes for bad writing or an illogical outcome.

Think about it. There are consequences for our actions, right? Break the law, you get punished, usually. But to offer mercy over and over again to your arch enemy who refuses to legitimately change their ways makes no sense at all. Now, I’m not advocating cold blooded murder, but if there is physical conflict and there is no other option, and you know this individual will only continue to do evil, it is the duty of a hero to end it. Otherwise, the next life that this villain effects is due to your inaction. In that situation, in my opinion, the moral thing to do is to end that cycle by any means necessary. That does leave you with the moral quandary of what to do if and when that situation arises, in fiction and in life.  But that is what being human is about and we can all relate to that.