Batman: Zack Snyder proves he doesn't understand the 'no kill' rule

Let me start off by saying the Snyderverse had the potential to be epic. It was unfortunate that we got a watered-down product thanks to studio interference. Zack Snyder deserved better after giving us the classic that was Man of Steel. However, the Rebel Moon director recently stirred the pot by critiquing Batman's iconic "no-kill" policy, suggesting that restricting Batman from killing somehow diminishes his character.

According to Snyder, avoiding situations where Batman might need to kill is overly protecting him and makes him irrelevant. Snyder seems to think that putting Batman in a no-kill box is like swaddling a deity in bubble wrap — here's the problem. Batman’s "no-kill" rule isn't a limitation — it's his crowning glory. This isn't about making him a sanctified figure, untouchable and out of reach. No, this is about honoring the heart and soul of what makes the Dark Knight who he is. Then again, this is coming from a man whose Batman used a Gatling gun.

There is an argument to be made in favor of a hero that kills. Judge Dredd and the Punisher, are elevated by their fandom because of their readiness to kill. Some may argue that it’s simpler to adhere to a "no-kill" policy, because of our deep-seated moral compass. But let’s take a step back.

The real question we should be asking is, what truly separates these heroes from the villains in the eyes of those they vow to defend? Is death the only answer to crime? To Batman, the answer is no, and that's where Snyder falls short. It's not a limitation it's a strength.

Batman is a guy who's been through the wringer – watching his parents fall victim to the very kind of mindless brutality he vows against.

Writers are forced to challenge Batman with moral dilemmas but not drive him to fatal measures. That's not baby-proofing Gotham's guardian, that's spotlighting his capacity to rise above the grime and gore. That is a testament to Batman's ability to outsmart and outmaneuver without crossing that final, irreversible line. This is Batman’s “prep time” in all its glory – his cerebral gift that outshines any superhuman power. Something Snyder failed to realize in his films, and Batman fanatics rave about.

Batman as a beacon of hope in the gloom of Gotham isn't a stale trope — it's the core of his legacy. That kinda goes away if he's slaughtering bad guys left and right. How then can he stand as living proof that even in the bleakest of nights, there's a way to fight crime without mirroring its cruelty? That’s not making him irrelevant, Mr. Snyder; that’s making him immortal.

Simply put, Batman’s no-kill rule isn't about putting him on a pedestal. It’s preserving the integrity of a man who believes, against all odds, in the potential for redemption and the power of justice. That, my friends, is not just heroic— it’s legendary. And that’s the Batman we champion – a figure of mercy, justice, and undying hope.