DC Comics heroes are usually portrayed as incredibly powerful, almost legendary figures – like gods among us. That’s why it’s so shocking when one of them kills another. DC stories often explore ideas about right and wrong, what people leave behind, and the responsibilities that come with great power, so when a hero takes a life, it really resonates with readers.
DC Comics heroes are typically portrayed as very virtuous, so when they make mistakes or fall from grace, it feels truly heartbreaking, not just chaotic. But what would drive one hero to kill another? It usually comes down to disagreements about what’s right, someone being manipulated, or a desperate situation. Sometimes a hero feels trapped with no other options, or a villain cleverly orchestrates the events to make it happen.
7. Wonder Woman Kills Superman
In Wonder Woman: Dead Earth, a devastating conflict breaks the powerful connection between Superman and Wonder Woman. Following a nuclear war that destroys Themyscira, Wonder Woman is left heartbroken and loses faith in humanity. She blames Superman, believing his loyalty to humans led to the destruction of her home. This isn’t just a battle between two iconic heroes; it’s the downfall of everything they once represented – hope, empathy, and togetherness. In a fierce and tragic fight at the Fortress of Solitude, Wonder Woman uses Kryptonite to weaken Superman before ultimately delivering a fatal blow, killing him.
6. Superman Kills Green Arrow
In the game Injustice: Gods Among Us, Superman transforms from a beloved hero into a ruthless dictator following a terrible tragedy. After the Joker kills Lois Lane and their unborn child, Superman is consumed by grief and becomes convinced that only absolute control can bring peace. Green Arrow opposes Superman’s tyranny and sides with Batman’s rebel group, fighting to restore freedom. The conflict reaches a critical point at Superman’s Fortress of Solitude, where a desperate attempt to find a weapon to stop him goes wrong. During a struggle, Green Arrow unintentionally wounds Jonathan Kent, Superman’s father. Enraged, Superman then fatally beats Green Arrow.
5. Apollo Kills Grifter
I’m a huge fan of Apollo! He’s one of the most powerful characters in the DC Universe, and it’s amazing how he started over in the main DC world after being a big deal in the WildStorm universe. What really grabs me is that he was a founding member of The Authority – they don’t shy away from doing what they think is right, even if it’s controversial. It makes him such a compelling and fascinating character!
In issue #21 of The Authority (2003), Apollo killed Grifter. Grifter, who had been a member of the Wild C.A.T.s for a long time, clashed with Apollo and the rest of the Authority. At this point, the Authority, known for its forceful approach to justice, had become even more strict under Jack Hawksmoor’s leadership. Their confrontation escalated, and Apollo ultimately killed Grifter in a shocking and violent encounter that surprised even his teammates.
4. Batman Shoots a Hero Cop
In Grant Morrison’s Final Crisis (2008), Batman nearly killed Dan Turpin, a police officer and ally of Superman and the Justice League. Turpin had been taken over by the villain Darkseid, who was attempting to conquer Earth by spreading a mind-controlling force called the Anti-Life Equation. Darkseid used Turpin’s body as a way to come to Earth, completely taking control of him and posing a threat to the entire universe. By the time Batman confronted Turpin, the original man was effectively gone. Turpin, a heroic figure inspired by Jack Kirby’s character, represented the difficult choices heroes must make when facing overwhelming odds.
3. Hal Jordan Kills Kilowog
One of the most devastating moments for the Green Lantern Corps happened when Hal Jordan killed Kilowog, an event central to the “Emerald Twilight” storyline (Green Lantern Vol. 3 #50, 1994). This occurred as Hal Jordan was losing his mind following the destruction of Coast City – and the deaths of millions of people – caused by Mongul and the Cyborg Superman.
Overwhelmed with sorrow and determined to restore his city and family, Hal becomes fixated on taking the full power of Oa’s Central Power Battery – something the Guardians of the Universe have strictly forbidden. He violently fights his way towards it, overpowering many of his former Green Lantern allies. Even Kilowog, his dear friend and mentor, tries to reason with him, begging him to stop. But Hal, lost to grief and anger, tragically kills Kilowog in a brutal confrontation.
2. Wonder Woman Kills Maxwell Lord
In 2005, Wonder Woman made a shocking decision when she killed Maxwell Lord in Wonder Woman #219. Lord was a skilled manipulator who could control people’s minds, and he had taken control of Superman, causing him to act violently. While under Lord’s control, Superman attacked Batman and nearly killed Wonder Woman.
Wonder Woman uses her Lasso of Truth to question Maxwell Lord, demanding he free Superman. Lord explains that the only way to stop him is to kill him. Facing no other choice and with Superman still dangerously powerful, Wonder Woman breaks Lord’s neck, killing him. Maxwell Lord began as a complex supporter of the Justice League International, helping to create and fund the team in the late 1980s and aiding in global protection efforts. While he later became corrupt and was redefined as a villain after the Infinite Crisis, he initially served as a genuine ally and contributed to saving the world.
1. Batman Kills Green Lantern
The “Dark Nights: Metal” comic book series reveals a dark alternate reality (Earth -32) where Batman becomes a being called the Dawnbreaker. In this version of events, Bruce Wayne receives a Green Lantern ring the same night his parents die. Unlike typical Green Lanterns, Bruce’s incredible willpower is driven by his anger and pain. This allows him to bypass the ring’s safety features and use its full, deadly power, even going so far as to kill other Green Lanterns. This origin story is detailed in Batman: The Dawnbreaker #1.
As a child, Bruce witnessed the death of Joe Chill, an event that deeply traumatized him and drove him to become a relentless vigilante. This inner darkness began to taint the power of the Green Lantern Corps. When the Guardians of the Universe and the Green Lanterns attempted to intervene, Bruce responded with lethal force, killing them all without mercy.
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2025-12-07 20:43