The Unusual Ending to Batman: Ten Nights of the Beast, and what it suggests about Batman

November 27th, 2019

KGBeast is already a strange character, made worse by the fact that his first appearance resembles that of a leather daddy. But his first story is compelling and interesting for multiple reasons. The plot ties in to real world events, such as the Star Wars Defence Initiative, and President Ronald Reagan. KGBeast arrives in Gotham with the mission of killing ten people all tied to the SDI program, including the President of the United States. Across four issues, we see Batman, Commissioner Gordon, the FBI and CIA attempt to save those on the list, culminating in the protection of President Reagan.

During the climax, Batman chases KGBeast through the sewers of Gotham. Both fighting to stay alive. Eventually, KGBeast runs into a dead-end and starts encouraging Batman to come after him. To his surprise, Batman doesn’t follow him in. While cloaked in shadow, Batman begins to block KGBeast in and talks to him.

“A few years ago I would have jumped at this chance to test myself against you. But time has taught me many valuable lessons. There’s no reason for me to risk my life coming in there after you. It would neither accomplish nor prove anything worthwhile”.

Batman leaves the KGBeast locked in the sewers of Gotham with no visible escape. Despite the character having existed for almost 50 years at this point, Batman’s comment does show a very clear and conscious level of thought. However, given that this action could result in KGBeast’s very slow death, he is essentially breaking his own rule. Compounded by Batman’s commentary as he blocks the door. “Sometimes you have to ignore the rules. Sometimes circumstances are such that the rules pervert justice. I’m not in this business to protect the rules. I serve justice”.

It’s something that the much later Batman: White Knight touches on. That while Batman has these strict rules that he insists on following, he does break them in the name of what he considers justice. Throughout the story, the FBI and CIA both make comments about whether or not Batman should be involved because he is dangerous and holds himself above the law. With this ending, maybe they were right.