JLA: Tower of Babel is a comic book storyline published by DC Comics, running through issues 43 to 46 of the monthly JLA series beginning in July 2000. Written by Mark Waid, the story explores a profound crisis of trust within the Justice League of America. The narrative centers on Batman, who has secretly compiled detailed contingency plans to neutralize each of his superpowered teammates should they ever go rogue or be compromised.
The plot is set in motion when the immortal eco-terrorist Ra's al Ghul steals these files from the Batcomputer. Recognizing their lethal potential, Ra's al Ghul modifies the non-lethal incapacitation strategies into deadly traps and executes them simultaneously against the League. The attacks are tailored to each hero's specific vulnerabilities: Martian Manhunter is set ablaze, Aquaman is made deathly afraid of water, and Plastic Man is frozen and shattered, among other brutal assaults.
The storyline is widely regarded as a modern classic in superhero literature, celebrated for its high-stakes drama and its deep dive into the psyche of Batman. It raises compelling ethical questions about preparedness versus paranoia, and the nature of trust among allies who possess god-like powers. Tower of Babel remains a touchstone for discussions about Batman's character and his relationship with the wider DC Universe.