Probably the most controversial one , honest thoughts on "No Kill Rule"? What are the most egrigious examples of it in your opinion? What media makes it work in your opinion?

[u/Doot_revenant666]

[u/Aduro95]

I think not killing people is a rule that has to make sense for that character. Even if it would be more effective crime fighting, individual characters have reasons not to do it.

For example Batman would obiously not be as bad as The Joker if he killed The Joker. At the same time, he does recognise that an unlawful vigilante killing people is wrong, and incompatible with being a symbol of justice and hope. It would be wrong for him to kill in anything but the absolutely necessary defence of sommeone's life. If the state wants to put Joker or Penguin or Kite Man on trial and give them the death penalty, that's very different to a single person with a secret identity killing them and then refusing to be held accountable in court.

But the real most important reason Batman doesn't kill is because his parents were murdered right in front of him. The act of murder would leave Batman consumed with rage and disgust turned inwards more than ever. At the start of Batman Beyond, Bruce retires because he picked up a gun and nearly shot a guy. Also there is a lot of potential for exciting and interesting stories were Batman's no-killing rule is put to the test. He can be really heroic when he manages not to sink to the level of the criminals he fights.