The Joker Finally Kills Batman in DC K.O.

Batman and Joker have been locked in their deadly dance for over 85 years, but that iconic rivalry has finally reached its shocking end. In a moment destined to reshape DC lore, the Dark Knight and the Clown Prince of Crime’s story concludes with one of their deaths. And yes, this shocking development unfolds within mainstream continuity, making it an official part of the canon.

DC’s crisis event officially kicks off with Scott Snyder, Joshua Williamson, Xermánico, Javier Fernández, and Alejandro Sánchez’s DC K.O. #1. During this crisis, heroes and villains of Earth-Prime are forced into one-on-one tournament-style death matches, battling to amass enough Omega Energy to become Earth’s champion and take on a more powerful-than-ever Darkseid.

But in a shocking twist, Joker kills Batman before the tournament even begins, marking a historic moment in DC lore as this legendary rivalry finally comes to an end.

Joker Kills Batman During DC K.O.’s Surprise Gauntlet

Cover O Greg Capullo Variant for DC K.O. #1 (2025)

Before the tournament begins, DC’s heroes unleash Mister Terrific’s T-spheres to capture the planet’s most dangerous villains, locking them in the Phantom Zone for safekeeping. Their goal is to prevent any of these foes from participating in the tournament, as a victory would grant the winner the status of being the “sole celestial entity” of the DC Universe, giving them the power to reshape reality in any way they desire.

At first, the heroes appear to succeed in containing Earth’s deadliest villains. But their plan quickly unravels on the tournament’s opening day, as they are forced to face a brutal, unexpected gauntlet before the official matches begin. Countless heroes fall amid the chaos, and the stakes skyrocket when the previously imprisoned villains make a shocking and violent return.

The villains’ return is announced when Joker brutally spears Batman from behind while the hero is distracted by Superman. Hence, the Dark Knight dies during the gauntlet before he can properly participate in the tournament. Meanwhile, Giganta, Starro, Joker, Lex Luthor, King Shark, and Cheetah survive the deadly trial, solidifying their spots in the upcoming deathmatch.

How Joker Shockingly Replaces Batman in DC K.O. and What It Means for the Fate of the Universe

ComicSketchArt NYCC 2025 Clay Mann Variant for DC K.O. #1 (2025)

Batman’s death is particularly shocking because DC had officially listed him on the tournament bracket, showing all 32 contestants set to participate in the K.O. deathmatch. His unexpected death during the gauntlet, especially at Joker’s hand, stunned fans, as there had been no prior indication that the Clown Prince of Crime would be involved in the events of DC K.O.

To underscore the twist, DC K.O. ends with the same tournament bracket previously released by DC. However, Batman’s picture and name are now stamped over with a red grin, signaling that Joker has claimed the Dark Knight’s spot. He is set to face Star Sapphire first and, if successful, will battle either Jason Todd or Damian Wayne.

While it’s unsurprising that villains like Joker would participate in deadly one-on-one matches, many may wonder how DC’s heroes could agree to such a plan. Their hand is forced: thanks to Doomsday Time Trapper, they know Darkseid will defeat them in the future. This tournament represents their last desperate attempt to stop him before it’s too late.

Whoever wins the tournament will become the “sole celestial entity” of the DC Universe, able to reshape reality and bring the dead back. This is how heroes like Superman justify participating in a tournament where the contestants fight to the death. However, if a villain like Joker wins, those who have died, including Batman, could face permanent death, as their resurrection depends not only on the champion defeating Darkseid but also on having the goodwill to restore everyone else to life.

DC K.O. #1 is available now from DC Comics!

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  NAME

  Arthur Fleck

  Alias

  Red Hood, Clown Prince of Crime, Ace of Knaves

  Created By

  Bill Finger, Bob Kane, Jerry Robinson

  POWERS

  Criminal Mastermind, Expert Chemist, Weaponized Props, Psychological Manipulation, Combat Skills, Unpredictability, High Pain Tolerance, Charisma, Escape Artist

  RELATIONSHIPS

  Batman (archenemy), Harley Quinn (former psychiatrist, on-and-off girlfriend), Penguin (frequent collaborator), Two-Face (frequent collaborator)

  HISTORY

  The Joker’s history has been depicted with various origin stories, the most common being his transformation into the Joker after falling into a vat of chemical waste that bleaches his skin white, turns his hair green, and lips bright red. This disfigurement drives him insane, leading him to become Batman’s greatest nemesis.

  The Joker is a psychopathic criminal mastermind with a warped sense of humor. Initially introduced as a remorseless serial killer, the character evolved over time, often oscillating between a prankster and a homicidal maniac. His relationship with Batman is one of the most complex in comic book history, defined by their mutual obsession. Over the decades, the Joker has become an enduring icon of chaos and madness, embodying the antithesis of Batman’s order and justice.

  
  

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  Alias

  Bruce Wayne

  FIRST APP

  Detective Comics #27 (1939)

  Created By

  Bob Kane, Bill Finger

  Franchise

  D.C.

  Race

  Human

  First Appearance

  Detective Comics

  One of DC’s most iconic heroes, Batman is the vigilante superhero persona of billionaire Bruce Wayne. Forged by tragedy with the death of his parents, Bruce dedicated his life to becoming the world’s leading martial artist, detective, and tactician. Recruiting an entire family of allies and sidekicks, Bruce wages war on evil as the dark knight of his hometown, Gotham City.