Batman Goes Too Far
We’ve already discussed the Caped Crusader’s guilt, but not what it resulted in him doing in Batman #28. In a fit of rage, he nearly breaks his one cardinal rule: to not kill his adversary.
In his battle with the two assassins, Batman knocks down Deadshot but doesn’t let up. He screams and continues to pummel the villain even after he’s incapacitated. It’s a moment that summarizes how much pent-up anger and frustration the war has caused on Bruce’s conscience.
Later, during a conversation between the Bat and Gordon, it’s revealed that Deadshot’s upper jaw, orbital socket, and right cheekbone were shattered in the fight. Furthermore, a blood clot ruptured between his skull and his brain and he required emergency surgery. Gordon concludes by saying the doctor declared him stable after eight hours and a wonder that he survived such head trauma.
Yip, the Dark Knight’s golden rule only stayed intact due to the miracles of modern medicine – not his own doing or restraint. This war has obviously pushed him to the breaking point.