Batman: 80 Greatest Ever Moments
24. Epilogue - Justice League Unlimited
The DC Animated Universe remains the most successful adaptation of DC's books in any medium, and it's no surprise that Batman was at the centre. Voiced by Kevin Conroy in over three shows and over five films related to the DCAU, the Dark Knight gave birth to the series with Batman: The Animated Series and remained a staple from start to finish.
Epilogue, although not the final episode of Justice League, does conclude Bruce Wayne's animated journey immaculately. It ties into Batman Beyond by telling one of the character's final adventures with the Justice League, one which illustrated the character's oft disregarded heartfelt tendencies.
Earlier in the show, it was revealed that the government had been trying to make a League of their own. One of the most powerful figures in their arsenal was Ace, a troubled young girl who had the power of telepathy, telekinesis, and the ability to alter reality itself. When she resurfaces with a new Royal Flush Gang she's given only hours to live. When she dies, the resulting psychic blast would kill thousands.
Batman, having already known Ace, volunteers to comfort her before her death. He emerges later, with Ace having died in peace. A more emotional Batman moment you will not find.
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23. “Try Me.” - Final Crisis
Final Crisis arrived during the peak of Grant Morrison's tenure on Batman, or rather Bruce Wayne's Batman. The series would end with the Dark Knight's death before the cowl was passed on to Dick Grayson, resulting in one of the most successful periods in the character's history.
Up until Final Crisis, Bruce Wayne had never been killed off. Other characters might be overly familiar with the revolving door of superhero based death, but not Bruce. So, when he was killed by Darkseid in the concluding issue of Final Crisis, it was a big deal. Fortunately for Bat-fans, the way he bowed out was spectacular.
Bruce goes to confront Darkseid certain that that he'll meet his end - and he does, but not before he fires a fatal dose of Radion into the Lord of Apokolips' chest. Bruce dies, but his final rebuttal to the tyrant is magnificent; a final declaration that the Dark Knight will not be intimidated by anyone, even when faced with certain death.
"Try me."
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