Allowing Batman to Redefine His Canon for a Thriving Future in DC

In the realms of DC Comics, Batman stands as the unwavering protector of Gotham City, bound by a strict code of ethics. This commitment prevents him from descending into the same chaos he combats nightly. However, a compelling argument arises: is it time for the Dark Knight to challenge some of those longstanding principles? Many narratives within the Batman franchise tend to recycle familiar events and traits, potentially stunting the character’s evolution over time.

Renowned for his “no guns”and “no kill”policies, Batman’s core tenets are rarely altered by creators, except in unique contexts such as alternate realities or adaptations beyond comic books, like the renowned Elseworlds series.

Zack Snyder: Yeah, that’s cool. For me, if someone says in a hero’s canon, he’s not allowed to do blank, I immediately want him to do that thing because I feel like if a character can’t withstand breaking his own canon, then he’s not really worth anything, you know?

Frank Miller: Right. And then what defines him? I mean, at first, Zack, I approached this kind of thing almost like just a rebellious adolescent. I was told Batman could never fire a gun. I was told by the editor with absolute conviction. So, I came up with an excuse for him to fire a rifle, even though it was just a grappling hook into the side of a building, but it was just to get that picture of him holding it. I don’t like these absolute dicta.

In a recent interview with Inverse, filmmaker Zack Snyder and comic legend Frank Miller discuss the need for Batman to occasionally transcend his established canon. They suggest that for the character to flourish, a reevaluation of his constraints might prove beneficial.

The Case for Breaking Canon: Insights from Snyder and Miller

A Shared Perspective: Snyder and Miller’s Agreement

Comic book art: close up of Batman in silhouette as he perches on a wire.

During their conversation, the duo touched upon a variety of topics, from Miller’s influence on Snyder’s cinematic vision to the philosophical implications of superhero narratives as modern myths. Their dialogue eventually fixated on Batman’s potential for transformation through canon-breaking actions. Miller argued that placing a hero in morally ambiguous situations can ultimately shed light on their true nature. He stated, “It’s again the deconstruction thing where you can get to a character’s essence by having them wander far astray,” which garnered Snyder’s enthusiastic agreement.

Snyder bluntly emphasized, “If a character can’t withstand breaking his own canon, then he’s not really worth anything,” a sentiment echoed by Miller. Miller shared how the constraints imposed during the creation of The Dark Knight Returns pushed him to justify Batman using a firearm, albeit symbolically, showing a willingness to bend established rules to serve the story.

Bending Canon with Purpose: A Necessary Evolution for Batman

Ben Affleck as Batman in the DCEU and Batman The Dark Knight Returns

Zack Snyder articulated that merely creating scenarios that restrict Batman’s morality is “not creative.”He proposed that there exists a vital distinction between the moral implications of killing versus the practical use of tools. This differentiation allows for nuanced storytelling that respects the essence of the character while still exploring new narrative territories. The potential for deeper exploration of Batman’s character can be particularly advantageous within the contexts of the Dark Multiverse and Elseworlds stories, which have produced innovative and thrilling interpretations involving drastic changes to his character.

That’s not realistic. Now we’re just creating scenarios that his morality can work inside of, rather than the other way around.

Frank Miller: Absolutely right, Zack. That’s not creative.

Zack Snyder: And I think that’s what Dark Knight did for me, it was like, “Oh wait, Batman can actually live in my world,” which I think was cool.

Frank Miller: Batman can’t shoot somebody dead, he cannot murder, but that’s a completely different issue than using essentially a tool.

While Snyder has previously championed the idea of Batman taking lethal action as a last resort, this should be viewed as an extreme deviation from his core tenets. Exploring themes of violence and morality can enrich the narrative landscape if approached carefully. The recent narrative decision to include the tragic death of Alfred serves as a poignant example, demonstrating how alterations to established canon can yield compelling storylines that resonate with audiences.

Embracing New Narratives: “Absolute Batman”as a Blueprint for Evolution

Absolute Batman Scott Snyder — By Arya Fong

Though it can be challenging to break Batman’s canon effectively within comic books, other media—such as films, video games, and animated series—frequently explore innovative dimensions of his character. Recognizing this evolving landscape, DC has recently introduced their Absolute Universe, offering a fresh, continuity-free narrative approach in a manner reminiscent of Marvel’s Ultimate Universe. Within this framework, “Absolute Batman”serves as an exemplary starting point for both new and seasoned readers, presenting a version of the Dark Knight that diverges from traditional norms.

The narrative showcases a gritty version of Batman unencumbered by the standard trappings of wealth, technology, and heritage—wherein Martha Wayne is alive, leading to fresh, inventive storytelling. This approach profoundly honors the essence of Batman as a character, ensuring that his legacy continues to evolve and resonate with audiences.

Source: Inverse

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