The Batmanhas proven to be one of the biggest comic book film successes in a post-pandemic world, with opening weekend numbers second only toSpider-Man: No Way Home. In doing so, it depicted the caped crusader in a bold new interpretation brought masterfully to life byRobert Pattinson.
RELATED:The Batman: 10 Easter Eggs You May Have Missed
Many different storylines from the original comic books went into shaping the look, tone, and aesthetic of this film, right down to the relationships of certain characters. These comics had a hand in bringing this world to the screen and set the stage for what will come next in future sequels and the already confirmed spin-off series for HBO Max.
Editor’s note: The below article contains spoilers for The Batman.
‘Batman - Year One’
The Batmanbegins two years into Bruce Wayne’s career as Batman, skipping over his origin and first year fighting crime. If someone wants to find out what happened, they need look no further than one of the most famous stories starring The Dark Knight.
Year Onenot only establishes Bruce Wayne’s origin story but also develops his Batman persona and his relationships with Catwoman andespecially Commissioner Jim Gordon. The latter gets an equal amount of focus as Bruce, showing his difficult home life and his battle against Gotham’s corruption.
The Riddler (Detective Comics #140)
If there’s one central villain that looms over the film from the opening sequence to the penultimate scene, it’s the Riddler. Of course, this depiction is a radical departure from his comic book counterpart. But he has more in common with his first appearance than one might realize.
For example, there’s his need to inform Batman of his crimes, his ability toremain two steps aheadof everyone even after his defeat, even an evil plot involving a flood. His first plot against the world’s greatest detective is worth a look for anyone fascinated by this legendary villain.
‘Gotham by Gaslight’
Liked seeing Batman go up against a figure resembling the Zodiac Killer? This else-worlds story follows Batman in the 19th century as he deals with Gotham’s newest arrival: Jack the Ripper himself.
Gotham by Gaslightreimagines the caped crusader in this unique period, with Jim Gordon being an inspector, an alternate origin for the Joker, even revealing Bruce Wayne to be a patient ofSigmund Freud. But when the ripper hits Gotham, Bruce begins an investigation, eventually discovering a disturbing connection he had with the Waynes.
‘The Court of Owls’
The film’s central tension and underlying conspiracy involve the most powerful men in the city all being in the hand of Carmine Falcone, all of which unknowingly provide the Riddler with targets. This famous comic deals with a similar conspiracy, albeit one on an even more sinister angle.
RELATED:11 Best Live-Action Batman Villains, Ranked
A mysterious society called the Court of Owls, secretly overseeing Gotham’s movements throughout the city’s history through assassination and abduction to keep their wealth and influence. This disturbing revelation is similar to that of the film, revealing just how corrupted Gotham is, showing Batman might be fightinga war he’s destined to lose.
‘The Long Halloween’
Next to the Riddler, Carmine Falcone is the most central villain inThe Batman. Head of the Falcone Crime Syndicate, he has everyone in Gotham in his pocket and influence.The Long Halloweenshows Batman’s investigation into a serial killer calling himself Holliday, and his connections with Falcone himself.
This comic provided the connection Falcone has with the Waynes, with Thomas having saved Falcone’s life as a surgeon and directly inspired the implication that Selina Kyle is Falcone’s illegitimate daughter. It all builds to Falcone’s indirect hand in creating one of Batman’s signature villains: Two-Face.
‘No Man’s Land’
The ending of the film depicts Gotham facing a disaster as The Riddler bombs the city sea walls, flooding it completely. While the film ends with hope for the future, it also notes that criminals such as the Penguin will use the disaster to their benefit.
No Man’s Landdepicts a similar disaster, albeit an earthquake that cuts off Gotham from the rest of the United States. Soon the city’s criminals take over certain areas to claim it as their own and Batman and Jim Gordon are in a race to get those territories back. While the complete fallout from the flood remains to be seen, it’s likely the sequel toThe Batmanmay do something similar.
‘Penguin - Pain and Prejudice’
Colin Farrell’s Penguin was another stand-out performance. He brought a surprising amount of levity while providing a hint of the menacing figure he’ll grow into. Of course, his origin was left out of the film but has been retold in various comics, TV shows, and of courseBatman Returns, all of which inspired this comic.
RELATED:Look Out Gothamn! ‘The Penguin’ is Officially Heading to Series at HBO Max
Pain and Prejudiceexamines Oswald Cobblepot’s origin from a tragic, deformed child to one of Gotham’s most infamous criminals. The story emphasizes the cruelty given to him by people like his own father, in turn highlighting his cruelty against others.
‘War of Jokes and Riddles’
The film’s penultimate scene revealed a disturbing new development: The Riddler’s new cellmate is The Joker. These two have teamed up and faced off numerous times in TV and comics, albeit not in cinema since 1966.
This storyline involves the Puzzle Master and Clown Prince of Crime facing against each other in a battle of wits, each recruiting several bad guys such as Scarface, Solomon Grundy, Killer Croc, and Mr. Freeze to their sides. This war results in deadly casualties for everyone around them, ensuring people remember why these two are a couple of Batman’s most dangerous enemies.
‘Catwoman - Selina’s Big Score’
Director and writerMatt Reevesdid an interesting job of highlightingSelina Kyle over her Catwoman persona, and this miniseries is no different. It focuses on Selina, this time without posing as Catwoman, believed dead and broke. She migrates from Gotham on a cross-country trip as she seeks out a train full of cash from the mob.
Apart from the aid of a crew she assembles, this is very much Selina’s plan and her own story, serving as a welcome break away from Catwoman and Batman’s romantic dynamic.
‘Batman - Ego’
Robert Pattinson’s depiction of Bruce Wayne is someone who has been completely taken over by hisactivities as Batman, becoming a recluse from the rest of Gotham and devoting every ounce of effort into his vigilantism. This piece takes place on a night after the death of a goon blaming Batman for his ordeal.
When arriving home, Bruce engages in a mental conversation with his Dark Knight persona, wondering if his single-minded pursuit of revenge has truly been worth the cost it’s made to other people and himself. It’s a unique story that corresponds with this Batman’s journey becoming a symbol of hope and not just vengeance.
