WARNING: Spoilers for Dark Knights Death Metal Trinity Crisis #1

The alternate versions of Batman present in DC's Dark Knights series are some of the most formidable foes ever faced in the DC Universe. While the Batman Who Laughs has undoubtedly been the series' breakout villain, an equally unhinged version of Bruce Wayne is proving just as deadly. With only his twisted intellect, Robin King has become one of the multiverse's greatest threats, and he just destroyed an undead hero. In Dark Knights Death Metal Trinity Crisis #1 Robin King killed Jonah Hex.

Jonah Hex's journey through DC's Dark Knights event began when Batman used the Black Lantern's power to resurrect him. Together, the two takedowns a Joker Dragon, and Hex discovers that, as a zombie, he can no longer die. In Death Metal Trinity Crisis, Hex joins a collection of heroes attempting to stop the Batman Who Laughs in Castle Bat. Lead by metal versions of Superman, Wonder Woman, and Batman, the group makes it to the castle after a fierce battle with a group of alternate Batmen. While the Trinity each goes to confront a Crisis, Harley Quinn, Swamp Thing, Jarro, and Jonah Hex stay behind to guide the Trinity back once they're done. However, when Robin King shows up, it becomes clear that there might not be a group when the Trinity returns.

Related: The Batman Who Laughs Just Teamed Up With An Evil GOD

Robin King offers a stern reminder that he is an alternate version of Bruce Wayne by telling the heroes that he has a plan to take out each and every one of them. The R emblem on his tunic contains magic blood that rots Swamp Thing and he has mental blocks to counteract Jarro's psychic powers. Humorously, all he packs for Harley Quinn is a simple mallet that he uses to quickly dispatch her before pulling out a gun and shooting Jonah Hex. Harley laughs off the futile attempt to kill Jonah, but it's Robin King who gets the last laugh. The bullet he fired was made out of a substance that eats necrotic flesh. Stunned, Hex tells Harley to remember that she matters. As Harley screams, Jonah Hex's body fades away, killing him for the last time.

Infusing the death with poignancy is Hex's conversations with Harley. Both acknowledge that the only reason they're on the mission at all is that they are expendable. Looking at the dialogue closely, it can be read as meta-commentary by writer Scott Snyder. Jonah Hex isn't one of the world's most recognizable characters like Batman or Superman, and this version of Harley is from an alternate universe. DC might temporarily kill off one of their main superheroes, but fans can always be assured that they'll come back eventually, which is not the case for someone like Jonah Hex. Looking at it this way, Hex telling Harley that everything matters is a way of telling comic fans that even minor characters deserve respect. Aiding this theme is the artwork by Francis Manapul. The way Manapul draws Hex fading away is stark but beautiful in showing a hero's last moments.

Jonah Hex has been a character that DC has repeatedly attempted to shove into the limelight. He made numerous appearances in DC animated projects before getting his own film, which infamously flopped. Though these appearances have rarely helped Jonah Hex, he's DC's most well known western character for a reason. Dark Knights Death Metal Trinity Crisis #1 is a perfect example of how to kill off a minor character in a meaningful way.

Next: ROBIN KING May Be DC's Most Horrifying Villain Yet