Batman’s worst fear could come true if his ruthless personality, Zur-En-Arrh, kills the Joker.
Certain comic book villains can be rehabilitated. Harley Quinn, Poison Ivy, and Magneto are three examples of this. And then there’s the Joker. There’s no redemption for him. He’s the most vile human to ever appear in a fictional story. He’s so far beyond his peers that even they don’t want to be affiliated with him. Because of this, many readers have wanted Batman to take him out. The problem is the Dark Knight doesn’t kill.
Despite his rule, Bruce has admitted that he’s wanted to torture and kill his nemesis. He’s aware that Joker isn’t like the rest of his foes. This is why Batman has decided to take him down once and for all. However, fans know that “for good” means putting him away again. Nevertheless, after what happened in Batman: Mind Bomb, DC Comics fans may get our wish.
Back in Batman No. 126, Bruce let out a protection against psychic attacks called Zur-En-Arrh. Since then, that personality has been influencing Bruce’s actions. He’s forced him to alienate his family (Gotham War) and go further than he normally would. That was before Zur-En-Arrh had complete control. Now he’s free from Bruce’s mind and ready and willing to kill Joker.
Considering how bad things have gone for Bruce since Alfred died, things getting worse isn’t surprising. On top of being stuck inside his mind, he’s in there with versions of Zur-En-Arrh from across the multiverse. Bruce will have to battle alternate versions of the worst part of him and then prevent his own Zur-En-Arrh from killing the Joker.
While it’s likely that Batman will come out victorious, he won’t come out unscathed. Maybe Zur-En-Arrh kills a version of the Clown Prince of Crime. Murdering someone (even Joker) would be the crescendo of Bruce’s downfall. If this happens, what will he do? Also, will this force the cat burglar who knows Bruce is Batman to speak up?
Stay tuned to Bam Smack Pow to find out.
What do you think? Will Zur-En-Arrh actually kill Joker?