WARNING: Contains Potential Spoilers for Batman #157!
Batmanis known for two main rules: no guns and absolutely no killing. However, in a recent comic release, the Dark Knight has pushed the boundaries of both. As more instances of Bruce testing these limits continue to emerge, it becomes increasingly clear that these rules are not ironclad absolutes but rather flexible guidelines.
…Batman’s No-Gun Rule takes a backseat when using firearms becomes the only way to prevent greater loss of life.
Chip Zdarsky’sBatmanruncomes to a close with the action-packedBatman#157, brought to life in stunning detail by artists Tony S. Daniel, Jorge Jiménez, and Tomeu Morey.
In this issue, Batman faces his final confrontation with Leonid Kull, a Russian-based villain who has been manipulating the Riddler, Commander Star—later revealed to be KGBeast in disguise—and the Court of Owls to sow discord in Gotham and spread anti-American propaganda.The high-stakes showdown unfolds mid-air aboard a jet, pushing the boundaries of both Batman’s No-Kill and No-Gun ruleslike never before.
Comic Page Comes From Chip Zdarsky’sBatman#157 (2025) – Art by Tony S. Daniel & Jorge Jiménez
During Batman’s confrontation with Kull, the villain and his goons pull their guns on the Dark Knight—an all-too-familiar situation for him. However, the stakes escalate when one of the goons falls out of the open cabin door mid-flight, forcing Batman to split his focus. While struggling against the immense drag of the plane, he holds onto the airborne goon with his grapple gun while Kull continues firing at him. With no other option, Batman goes on the defensive, using his gauntlets to deflect the incoming bullets. However,this has unintended consequences—the ricocheting bullets strike the plane’s controls and fatally wound Kull in the chest.
Although Batman didn’t pull the trigger, Kull’s death was a direct result of him deflecting the bullets. Of course, this wasn’t Batman’s intent, but the situation still pushes the boundaries of his No-Kill Rule. Given that Bruce is regarded as the smartest human in the DCU, it’s difficult to believe he didn’t recognize the possibility that the bullets he deflected could be lethal. That’s not to say he shouldn’t have defended himself, but this scenariohighlights the acceptable margin of risk when it comes to his potential involvement in the loss of human life.
Though Once a Gift, Batman’s No-Kill Rule Has Become a Big Problem For One Disturbing Reason
Batman’s no-kill rule was originally one of the Dark Knight’s most respected vigilante codes, but one change to Gotham made it a serious problem.
Batman Ditches His ‘No-Guns’ Rule to Save Lives
In addition to pushing the boundaries of his No-Kill Rule, Batman also tests the limits of his No-Gun Rule—this time in a far more direct way, ashe willingly picks up two massive automatic rifles.However, the context of this decision is crucial. As previously mentioned, the ricocheting bullets destroyed the jet’s controls, causing the aircraft to plummet toward Gotham and endangering thousands of lives. In true Batman fashion, he quickly forms a plan and contacts Harvey Bullock to clear the street where the jet is expected to crash. However, there’s still a major problem: the jet’s hundred-foot wingspan.
Batman realizes that if the wings remain intact, they could devastate the surrounding buildings upon impact. To prevent this, Bruce makes the call to pick up two automatic rifles and simultaneously shoot off the jet’s wings. His internal monologue reveals how much he despises wielding guns, yethe acknowledges that he is willing to break his No-Guns Rule if it means saving lives, stating,“I do what I have to, to save everyone.“This moment proves that, for Batman, his No-Gun Rule takes a backseat when using firearms becomes the only way to prevent greater loss of life.
Bruce Wayne’s ‘No-Gun’ Rule Doesn’t Apply to Absolute Batman
Comic Page Comes from Scott Snyder’sAbsolute Batman#1 (2024) – Art by Nick Dragotta
DC has also been testing the limits of Bruce’s No-Gun Rule in other continuities beyond Earth-Prime narratives. A recent standout example comes fromAbsolute Batman#1 by Scott Snyder and Nick Dragotta. In this issue, Bruce steals hitman Alfred Pennyworth’s shotgun during a confrontation—then, in their next encounter,he shoots Alfred in the face. Yes, you read that correctly. However, there’s a twist: Bruce had previously modified the gun to be non-lethal, altering it to fire miniature batarangs instead. This moment highlights how DC continues to push the boundaries ofBatman’sNo-Gun Rule in increasingly creative ways.
