Events on an epic scale have shaped the Marvel and DC universe as well as characters. These events have ripple effects that impact everything around them for years that will follow. Some of them are world-ending, universe-ending, or character-building. It’s these events that keep fans eager to read more. Each side has had its fair share of events that are huge in-universe and among fans. Perhaps the biggest and most iconic one was Civil War which pitted Iron Man against Captain America. The government decided to step in and force superpowered beings to register as government operatives. Cap and Iron Man did not agree on this issue and led two different sides to accept or deny the issue. DC on the other hand, rarely goes into this issue even though they have the players to do it. Batman and Superman could easily be the faces of each opposing side. It was touched upon in the Injustice games but it didn’t have the strong ripple that Civil War did. But Batman has been a spark of conflict in DC. Some of his ideas and beliefs have put him on the bad side. So, if the Dark Knight was in the Marvel universe, he could easily spark another Civil War.
Perhaps the main source of conflict was the events that happened in the Tower of Babel storyline. In it, it is revealed that Batman has been studying his allies to discover weaknesses. Once found, Batman creates contingency plans against his allies in the event they are mind-controlled, cloned, brainwashed, or anything of the sort. Granted his plans were made to subdue them so he or others could figure out how to snap them out of it. Soon enough though, enemies of the Justice League got a hold of those plans, modified them to be lethal, and carried out their plans. Much of the Justice League was attacked. When they survived, and it was revealed to them it was Batman that initiated these plans, mistrust and betrayal soon followed. This was played in the animated movie Justice League: Doom which led to Batman leaving the Justice League because, despite nearly killing his allies, he still believed in those plans and thought it was a mistake of his team to be naïve. Needless to say, Batman will implement these exact same tactics within the Marvel universe.
Regardless, if those plans get leaked by an enemy, an ally, or Batman himself, there will be repercussions. At the same time, however, there could be an understanding. Plans like this can be viewed as an invasion of privacy, lack of respect, and betrayal. Batman sees it otherwise. Some heroes will no doubt be furious with Batman. They could lose the respect they have for him because they feel that Batman sees that as a threat, even though they are not. However, some heroes could support this idea. A character like Bruce Banner is always seeking ways to get rid of, subdue, or at the very least control Hulk. But plans are always made to make sure the Hulk is limited. He could favor Batman’s plans. Another character like Spider-Man could possibly favor this idea. When Spider-Man was under the Symbiote’s control, he was more aggressive, brutal, and losing himself. Even though he didn’t see a problem with his change, others did. Once he realized the damage he caused, obviously he was ashamed of what he did and resented the black suit. Spider-Man may support the idea of having contingency plans for someone before they get too out of hand. Tony Stark believes this idea to some extent. He doesn’t want his blueprints for the Iron Man suit to get out since the suit is a weapon. So he implements his own plans to make sure it doesn’t happen. Many Marvel heroes have fear of their own power and do what they can to make sure it doesn’t get out. So, having someone – an ally, no less – to create contingencies to make sure their power doesn’t hurt themselves and others will be a welcomed idea. Obviously, though, the other side of that is heroes won’t be so kind that an ally does see them as a threat and betrayed their trust to understand their weaknesses. Having those two opposing beliefs will put them on different, conflicting perspectives.
The villains will want in on it too. Just like the heroes, Marvel villains won’t be so kind to know that their weaknesses are known by Batman. But villains are opportunistic. They will go after those plans just like the villains in DC did. These are the type of plans that a villain like Doctor Doom would love to get his hands on. He is someone who thrives on being five steps ahead of everyone, just like Batman himself. Doom could have these plans around just to hang them over the heads of all the heroes. He could use it as a deterrent. But perhaps the most dangerous villain these plans could fall into is Ultron. These plans are digital, behind Batman’s firewall. Since Ultron is run by technology and wants to eliminate life on Earth and sometimes beyond, having these plans in his arsenal will add to his sadistic nature. Red Skull, Loki, and Baron Zemo are other villains who will benefit from these plans since they all have the ambition to rule over everything. Having no heroes in their way will make that process much easier. Once the villains get wind of these plans, it could lead to a nasty power grab. Having the knowledge of enemy weaknesses –heroes and other villains alike –will be a major source of power. A major conflict within the circle of villains. That will put more stress on the heroes. As they fight among themselves, they would have to fight many villains that are setting the world on fire to get Batman’s contingency plans.
Although Batman is a great hero, he is also the center of a lot of drama. His way of thinking could prevent many problems but at the same time create a lot more. In this, if he was in the Marvel universe, he would spark a major war. Much more than another Civil War but a three-way war among heroes, heroes, and villains. What makes Batman’s dilemma here that much more troubling is that he will be regretful about the villains getting their hands on his plans but not upset that his allies found out. He would keep the plans to stay true to his idea that his allies could turn into enemies.
