10 Times Batman Died (And What Happened Next)
9. Bruce Wayne Ended His Retirement, Became Batman Again, And Died
In Adventure Comics #462, Bruce Wayne was enjoying his life away from the grit and grime of the streets of Gotham City on Earth 2. He's pulled out of retirement when Bill Jensen takes down the entire Justice Society of America. Soon after, he summons Bruce to meet him at the top of Gotham Towers. When he arrives wearing his costume, he's just in time to see the Flash fall to his death, thanks to a push from Jensen.
Batman joined the fray alongside Green Lantern and Doctor Fate. Unfortunately, Jensen was carrying some heavy-duty magical powers, and he proved himself a formidable foe, who could easily stand up to the Caped Crusader and company.
After he slices open Barman's mask, Jensen recognizes him to be Bruce Wayne, and he loses all control. At this point, his power and rage end up "[consuming] him with a fire not seen on this Earth since creation…and the Batman dies with him!" Bruce's daughter, Helena, watched in horror as her father died before her eyes.
With Batman dead, the remaining heroes are left to mourn him. Helena and Dick agree to follow in his footsteps as Robin and The Huntress with the latter commenting, "But the Batman is dead. Only legends live forever ... Not the men who make them."