Batman has a whole family of companions that a game can utilize, but while some are familiar to gamers, others are ripe for more screen time.
The ever-present popularity of Batman means it likely won’t be too long until he makes a reappearance in games. The fantastic Arkham series is perhaps the best use of the character in the medium, with four mainline games telling a sprawling story about Bruce Wayne’s time as the Caped Crusader, battling familiar enemies and desperately clinging to a shred of law and order in crime-ridden Gotham City.
Those games gave Batman some company, be it the sporadic missions played as Catwoman in Arkham City to the appearance of Nightwing in Arkham Knight and the not-so-surprising reveal of the titular character in the 2015 outing. The Bat Family is a complementary, yet non-essential part of Batman’s wider lore, but while they have had their time in the limelight in gaming, others could be more worthy of a mention, or more, when The Dark Knight reappears with another of his own titles.
- Robin began as the alter-ego of Dick Grayson, but Jason Todd, Tim Drake, Damian Wayne, and more have all taken up the role that made its first appearance in Detective Comics #38 in April 1940.
- Batgirl has been the alias of Barbara Gordon, Cassandra Cain, Stephanie Brown, and more, and made her first appearance in Batman #139 in April 1961.
- Alfred Pennyworth, Bruce Wayne’s butler and trusted confidant, first appeared in Batman #16 in Spring 1943.
- Other members of the Bat Family include Harper Rowe, Batwoman, Lucius Fox, and Catwoman.
The Bat Family Has Been Effectively Covered in Games
One of Batman’s most intriguing traits (and flaws) is his unwillingness to work with others. Batman’s relationship with Superman, for example, often feels like it exists despite Batman’s true nature, and the Bat Family constantly acknowledging Bruce’s one-track mind in the comics. They are a major source of balance for Batman, and over the years they have received a lot of attention across games, comics, and more.
NOTE: Gotham Knights takes place in an original canon that is set after the death of Bruce Wayne/Batman.
Fleeting or somewhat unimpactful appearances in previous games were welcomed by fans, but Gotham Knights was the first time the Bat Family took center stage in modern gaming, particularly without Batman at their side. It was a novel idea and a noble undertaking, but mechanically and narratively didn’t live up to the hype. However, it was still a big, ambitious game that unapologetically shone a light on the Bat Family, so now it might be the time to look elsewhere for character inspiration.
There’s More to the Bat Family Than the Usual Suspects
Characters like Harper Rowe, Duke Thomas, and Luke Fox have plenty of interesting traits and nuances that would make them worthy of a nod in the next Batman game. From Luke’s abilities being reminiscent of his father, Lucius, to Duke’s experiences in Zero Year and during the Batman: Endgame story arc in 2014–15, they all exhibit something new that could add to a fresh project. Fans of Batman and DC Comics at large are already very familiar with the Caped Crusader and those he calls friends, so much so that it can be hard to surprise or satisfy people with characters that have been commonplace for such a long time.
Modern Batman Audiences Require Modern Characters
Being created in the 21st century would also give the game far more diversity and modern sensibilities to make the story feel updated, instead of Robin, Batgirl, and more having to adapt to suit current audiences. That philosophy is one of the reasons Spider-Man: Into the Spider-verse is popular today, as Miles Morales feels like a character molded by modern influence.
by WILLIAM ARTHUR CARTER1 Jan 2024
