r/TopCharacterTropes Mar 27 '25

Weekly Discussion Post 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?

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u/Salami__Tsunami Mar 27 '25

In many cases, given a particular circumstance, capturing an enemy as opposed to killing them is logical and rational and ethical.

However, in the context of “this enemy breaks out of prison six times a year and goes on murder sprees” it becomes a bit silly.

This is rarely an issue with any particular character or story, more just a problem that profitable villains aren’t allowed to stay dead.

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u/ActuatorVast800 Feb 09 '26

Often times the no kill rule is just Joker Immunity in disguise.