Fans of the Arkham franchise games have finally received a definitive answer as to whether Batman survived the events of Batman: Arkham Knight. In a surprise appearance in Batman #135, the Dark Knight of the Arkham universe makes an appearance in a multiversal journey in the comics, definitively revealing his fate.
Written by Chip Zdarsky and with art by Mike Hawthorne, Jorge Jimenez, Mikel Janin, Adriano Di Benedetto, Tomeu Morey, and Romulo Fajardo, Batman embarks on a multiversal manhunt on the trail of a new villain named Red Mask. Along the way, multiple versions of Batman from across the multiverse appear, including Michael Keaton, Adam West, Batman: The Animated Series, and Batman Beyond.
The most surprising appearance, however, is the Arkham version, which not only offers insight into how this Batman dealt with the Joker’s death but also definitively confirms what happens after the events of Batman: Arkham Knight.
In Rocksteady’s Arkham video game series, Batman faces tragedy and challenges that would push any hero to the limit. In Arkham Knight, he experiences the loss of Jason Todd, Talia al Ghul, and the death of the Joker, along with the near-destruction of Gotham City and the loss of his secret identity and fortune.
The game’s ending features Scarecrow unmasking Batman in front of everyone, and though Batman manages to capture him and remove the Joker’s infection from his blood, he loses everything in the process. The story concludes with Bruce destroying Wayne Manor in an explosion as reporters congregate outside, apparently destroying his secret identity.
Soon after, a new Batman appears in Gotham, one who uses Scarecrow’s fear toxin, but players never got definitive confirmation of whether this Batman was Bruce Wayne or someone else. Although Rocksteady’s creative director, Sefton Hill, confirmed on Reddit that the Batman at the end of Arkham Knight was Bruce Wayne, this information was not widely known.
In Suicide Squad: Kill The Justice League, the upcoming game set after Arkham Knight featuring Batman, it is also unclear whether it is Bruce or someone else under the Batsuit. This only added to the confusion among fans as to Batman’s fate at the end of Arkham Knight.
Now, DC Comics has put an end to this uncertainty once and for all by including the Arkham Batman in the comics, making explicit reference to the events of Arkham Knight. This unequivocal inclusion shows that Batman survived the challenges presented in the game and continues his fight against crime.
Fans can now enjoy this appearance of Arkham Batman in the comics and explore the consequences of the events of the game more thoroughly. The definitive answer regarding Batman’s survival at the end of Arkham Knight provides fans with a satisfying closure and strengthens the narrative of the Arkham universe.
In summary, DC Comics has confirmed that Batman officially survived the events of Batman: Arkham Knight in the multiversal universe of comics. His appearance in Batman #135 makes it clear that the Dark Knight continues his fight against crime and demonstrates once again his ability to overcome even the most harrowing situations. Fans can now enjoy this definitive answer and explore new stories starring the iconic hero in the Arkham universe.
