Why Anti-Heroes Dislike Heroes Not Killing Villains or Criminals

The frustration felt by anti-heroes towards heroes not killing villains or criminals is rooted in a deep-seated desire to bring balance and justice to their world. These anti-heroes or anti-villains, often vigilante types, believe that simply apprehending and imprisoning criminals is insufficient, as it never truly stops them from causing harm.

The Issue of Justice and Punishment

Anti-hero vigilantes, like Razer, the Red Lantern from the 'Green Lantern' series, often view the justice system as inadequate. In their minds, criminals like Razer should not get off with mere incarceration. They feel that only a more definitive punishment would truly deter such individuals and prevent them from carrying out their malicious deeds again. Razer's anguish during his attempted suicide by cop, goading Hal Jordan, the Green Lantern, into killing him, highlights this sentiment. When Hal almost agrees, Razer’s relief sparks an intense reaction from Hal, leading to an even stronger commitment to justice.

The Case of Razer

In the two-part premiere of the critically underrated 'Green Lantern' animated series, we see this dynamic play out with Razer, the Red Lantern, and Hal Jordan. Razer, having realized the horror of his actions, tries to end his life, but Hal, infuriated by Razer's role in a Green Lantern's death, nearly obliges. However, Hal’s hesitation to kill Razer, influenced by the sight of Razer's relief, leads to a more dire decision. Hal decides that Razer must face the consequences of his actions, not just by being incarcerated but also by helping to mend the damage he caused. This reaction from Razer underscores the anti-hero's deep-seated need for retribution and the belief that being made to suffer is essential for true justice.

Supervillains' Perspective

The anti-hero's perspective can be traced to the broader concept of supervillains. For a supervillain, being shown mercy by a superhero is often seen as an ultimate humiliation. It highlights the supervillain's belief that they are the central figure in their own drama, with every action revolving around them. When they are shown mercy, it feels like the world is derailing its focus away from them, forcing them to acknowledge that their perceived importance was an illusion. This psychological trauma often leads to a desperate plea for either correction or annihilation, as demonstrated in the actions of Razer. He goes into a frenzy, calling Hal a coward for not killing him, further illustrating the supervillain's desperate desire for control and punishment.

Consequences of Mercy

This sentiment is encapsulated in the fate of Lex Luthor at the end of 'Kingdom Come,' who is stripped of all his power and influence, reduced to a prisoner's life. For many anti-heroes or supervillains, the worst possible fate is not to face defeat like Thanos or to be forgotten as a bogeyman. Instead, it is to be humiliated and stripped of their power and identity, as Lex Luthor is when forced to serve in Wayne Manor. Similar to Adolf Hitler, who refused to acknowledge his own failures and placed blame on external factors, supervillains similarly demand that their destruction is the only acceptable end to their narrative, never considering the possibility of their own failure.

Conclusion

The dissatisfaction of anti-heroes towards heroes not killing villains or criminals stems from their need for justice and retribution. They firmly believe that only a definitive punishment can ensure that the world is a safer place, reflecting their complex mix of vengeance and heroic intent. Whether through vigilante actions or within the confines of narrative drama, this sentiment underscores the psychological and emotional depth of anti-heroes and their perspective on justice and mercy.