Warning! Spoilers for Justice League: Last Ride #4 by DC Comics
In DC's Justice League: Last Ride series, Batman and Superman's iconic friendship has been fractured after the death of Martian Manhunter. The incident nearly destroyed the Justice League, but the heroes begrudgingly agreed to work together in a mission more important than their hatred for one another. Now, DC Comics has showcased in full the incident that broke Batman and Superman's relationship.
Justice League: Last Ride has teased the moment Superman and Batman's friendship ended - as Superman blamed Batman for the death of Martian Manhunter. Throughout the series, J'onn J'onnz's death has hung heavy on the two heroes, creating conflict as the Justice League is forced to reform. Batman and Superman have continued to show resentment towards one another as they help the Green Lantern Corps hide Lobo on Apokolips, so he can await a fair trial for wiping out the New Gods. However, as they deal with the current deadly mission, the incident that shattered the Justice League has been revealed.
In Justice League: Last Ride #4 by Chip Zdarsky, Miguel Mendonca, Enrica Angiolini, and Andworld Designs, the story flashes back to the battle on Apokolips where Martian Manhunter lost his life. As Darkseid and his army overcome the Justice League, Batman determines the only way to stop them and boom nukes heading for Earth is to shut down the planet's power supply. With little time to turn it off, Batman asks if anyone in the League can get through a safety hatch to drain the power. Unfortunately, Wonder Woman is too injured, and while Superman volunteers, he's preoccupied with Darkseid. Martian Manhunter volunteers despite knowing his weakness to fire will kill him. Superman begs Batman not to let J'onn go, but Batman shakes his fellow heroes' hand and lets him sacrifice himself to save everyone.
Superman blaming Batman for Martian Manhunter's death makes sense, but in reality, he most likely blames himself for not being able to get past Darkseid and drain the core himself. Seeing the Man of Steel plead with Batman not to let Martian Manhunter sacrifice himself is incredibly heartbreaking.
Ultimately, both heroes were in unwinnable situations. Batman agreed with Martian Manhunter that the only way to stop the attack on Earth was to sacrifice himself. But, he didn't want his fellow hero to die. It was the only option. Meanwhile, Superman knew he could turn off the power, but he could not get there in time thanks to Darkseid. The tragedy is complicated and the moment that broke Batman and Superman's friendship and nearly destroyed the Justice League caused real pain to both parties. Justice League: Last Ride #4 is in comic book stores now.