If you have spent even five minutes in the deeper corners of DC Comics fandom, you’ve seen it. A single panel where Batman’s fist connects with Guy Gardner’s face, and the loudmouthed Green Lantern drops like a sack of bricks. It’s legendary. It’s the "One-Punch." Honestly, it’s probably the most satisfying moment in Justice League history, mostly because Guy was being such a colossal jerk.
But why did it happen? Was it just a random act of Bat-violence? No. It was the culmination of weeks of ego, power struggles, and a very specific era of DC history that changed the League forever.
The Day Batman Punched Guy Gardner: What Really Happened
It was 1987. The Justice League was in a weird spot. The "Detroit Era" had just ended, and writers Keith Giffen and J.M. DeMatteis, along with artist Kevin Maguire, were tasked with rebooting the team. They created Justice League International (JLI), a group that was less about god-like stoicism and more about workplace comedy with capes.
Guy Gardner was the resident problem child. He spent the first four issues of the run complaining about Batman’s leadership, calling the Dark Knight "Batsy," and generally acting like he was the only one with enough power to run the show. He was loud. He was obnoxious. Basically, he was begging for it.
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Justice League #5: The Breaking Point
In Justice League #5, the tension finally snapped. The team was in their secret headquarters, and Guy was mid-tantrum. He challenged Batman to a fight—no ring, no gadgets, just a "fair" fistfight to decide who should lead. Guy actually took off his Power Ring. Bold move. Stupid, but bold.
He barely finished his sentence before Bruce clocked him.
One right cross. That was it. Guy hit the floor, out cold. The best part? Blue Beetle (Ted Kord) leaning over him and shouting, "One punch! One punch!" It became a running gag that survived for decades.
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Why This Moment Still Matters in 2026
You might think a punch from nearly 40 years ago wouldn't matter much today, but it defines the "Bwa-ha-ha" era of the Justice League. It showed that Batman didn't need a plan or a Kryptonite ring to handle a Green Lantern; he just needed a lack of patience.
It also served a practical narrative purpose. Guy Gardner actually suffered a personality shift after this. When he eventually woke up from the concussion (and after bumping his head again under a console while looking for his ring), he became a sweet, polite, and sickeningly "nice" version of himself for a while. It was hilarious, and it only worked because the punch was so definitive.
The Art of the Punch
We have to talk about Kevin Maguire here. His art is famous for facial expressions. In that specific scene, the look of pure, unadulterated shock on Black Canary’s face and the glee on Blue Beetle’s face are what sold the moment. Black Canary actually missed the punch by seconds and was genuinely upset she didn't get to see it happen.
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- The Issue: Justice League #5 (1987)
- The Creative Team: Keith Giffen, J.M. DeMatteis, Kevin Maguire
- The Aftermath: A years-long rivalry and a recurring meme in DC continuity
Misconceptions About the Fight
A lot of people think Batman "beat up" a Green Lantern. That’s not quite right. He didn't fight a Green Lantern; he punched a man who had voluntarily surrendered his greatest weapon because of his own ego. If Guy had kept the ring on, the outcome might have been different—or Batman would have just used a yellow flashlight. Who knows?
Another common mistake is thinking this was a "dark" Batman moment. It wasn't. This was a comedy book. The punch wasn't meant to show how "badass" Batman was, but rather how annoying Guy Gardner had become. It was a release valve for the readers.
How to Explore This Story Today
If you want to see the fallout of Batman punching Guy Gardner, you shouldn't just look at the 1987 original. The "One-Punch" has been referenced and reenacted several times:
- Justice League of America #0 (2006): Brad Meltzer and Kevin Maguire revisited the scene in a series of flashbacks where the Trinity (Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman) talk about it.
- Batman: The Brave and the Bold: The animated series actually adapted the scene almost line-for-line, proving its staying power.
- Green Lanterns (Rebirth Era): Jessica Cruz eventually pulled a similar move, proving that punching Guy is a rite of passage for many heroes.
Honestly, if you're a fan of character-driven superhero stories, you've got to read the original Justice League International run. It’s where these characters actually felt like people who lived together, hated each other, and occasionally found common ground—usually at Guy's expense.
Your next step: Look for the Justice League International Omnibus or the "A New Beginning" trade paperback. Seeing the context of the four issues leading up to the punch makes the payoff infinitely better. You'll see exactly why Bruce finally lost his cool.