WARNING: The following contains spoilers for Justice League #44, by Robert Venditti, Xermanico, Romulo Fajardo Jr. and Tom Napolitano, available now.
Since Batman and Green Lantern joined the Justice League, they have not been shy about telling each other the hard truth -- and not in the nicest way, either. The pair of superheroes have a long-standing rivalry that traces back to an iconic comics moment.
In Justice League #44, this rivalry comes into play when the Justice League is influenced by Spectre's magic and the two go at each other with intensity. Their shared history has a major impact on how they interact in this situation.
Here's a look at why Batman and Green Lantern seem to feud so much.
One Punch
This classic DC Comics moment involving Guy Gardner and Bruce Wayne happened in 1987's Justice League #5 by Keith Giffen, J.M. Dematteis, Kevin Maguire, Al Gordon, Gene D'Angelo, Daniel Vozzo and Bob Lappan. The team made Batman their unspoken leader, but it was clearly because he's always been the controlling type. Even though it seemed fine with most JLA members, it didn't sit well with Guy.
For four issues straight, Batman was down Guy's throat, questioning every single tactical suggestion Guy offered. This really annoyed Guy, to the point that he finally confronted Batman's controlling nature. The argument got a little out of hand. Guy proceeded to take off his power ring to make the fight fair -- but he should have kept it on. Batman knocked him out cold with one punch and this moment was later referenced many times by Guy.
John Stewart Defends Hal
In Green Lantern: Rebirth #1, Geoff Johns focused on Hal's fearlessness, but that wasn't the most interesting observation in the comic. This issue makes clear that Hal is conflicted and morally disturbed as Spectre. Other DC heroes, especially Batman, view him as an all-powerful threat who can't be trusted again.
At the end of the issue, in his typical detective fashion, Batman stepped out of the darkness to say some critical words toward Hal in front of the JLA. John Stewart wasn't having it. In fact, it really ticked him off. John had enough of the Dark Knight's jabs at the greatest Green Lantern Corps member. He pointed out Batman's vendetta against Hal for being the only JLA member to not take Batman's words at face value.
Hal Jordan and Batman Feud
Hal Jordan's personality has always been a little too subjective and Bruce Wayne has always been too objective. This chemistry makes the two heroes easy targets for each other. Anytime Batman comes up with an idea for the Justice League, Hal always questions his leadership. When Hal suggests a plan that's morally right, Batman shuts it down as being too rash.
The two have always argued about the direction of the JLA. In Green Lantern #9, Hal makes explicit that Batman believes in everything he doesn't. This makes sense because what drives Batman is darkness and fear while the opposite drives Hal. When Hal is just about done with the antics, he punches Batman straight in the face. The Lanterns are in awe of Hal, including Guy, who cheers at seeing this moment.
In Justice League #44, the League is hit with the effects of the Spectre’s magic -- which makes the League turn on each other. That sets the stage for Batman and Green Lantern to go at it yet again, harkening back to their age-old rivalry.