Batman’s ending in Endgame is often described as him reviving the Joker, but DC’s accounts do not say Batman deliberately brought Joker back to life. They describe a shared exposure to Dionesium: Batman used it against Joker, and after their final battle both characters were cleansed, lost their memories and eventually returned to their former identities.
What happened to Batman and the Joker in Endgame?
Endgame concludes in Batman #40. DC’s account says Batman used Dionesium against Joker and stopped him just in time to save Gotham. In a later retrospective, DC describes both characters as awash in Dionesium at the end of their battle: they were cleansed, left their former identities behind and eventually returned to them. A DC Q&A adds that they lost their memories after bathing in a Dionesium pit beneath Gotham; Batman later regained his memories, while Joker’s former personality resurfaced.
That account supports a return from a seemingly final or transformed state, but not the claim that Batman consciously chose to resurrect Joker. DC’s summaries frame the outcome as an effect shared by both men, rather than Batman’s stated plan.
Why do readers say Batman “revived” Joker?
“Revived” is a convenient shorthand for Joker’s eventual return, but it can imply a deliberate act that the official summaries do not establish. The documented sequence is more specific: Batman uses Dionesium against Joker; both are caught up in its effects; their memories and identities are disrupted; and their old selves return later.
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One interpretation is that the shared transformation temporarily blurs the line between Batman and Joker, before their return to their established identities restores their conflict. DC’s retrospective presents the story as a clash of good and evil, with both characters eventually returning to their roles. That is an interpretation of the outcome, not evidence that Batman intended Joker’s return.
Where to read the story
DC’s collected edition, Batman Vol. 7: Endgame, collects Batman #35–40, including the conclusion in issue #40. See DC’s edition details.
Quick Recap
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Rank #4
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Rank #3
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- Perfect Gift for Fans – A fantastic gift set for Christmas or any holiday, great for Batman fans, graphic novel lovers, or superhero enthusiasts.. By Sticking with Batman - You know the content is age appropriate!
- No Indie or Marvel Fillers – Streamlined collecting experience with no unnecessary comics, focusing solely on the Dark Knight.
- Ideal for All Ages – Whether you're a long-time Batman fan or a new reader, this set appeals to all superhero comic book lovers (though recommended for 10+).
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Rank #2
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