The Worlds of Gotham: DC Elseworlds and the Infinite Possibilities of Batman

Through creative narratives exploring alternate timelines and realities, this analysis unveils how divergent tales of the iconic hero interrogate destiny, morality, and identity.

Batman is the superhero that has had the most impact in Cinema and Television history. The Batman franchise has spanned over 50 films and over 20 television series in various mediums and genres, with Batman himself starring in over 60% and 75% of them, respectively, since his debut back in 1943 in the 15-chapter serial by Columbia Pictures ‘Batman (1943)’.

In recent years, the Elseworlds label has been passed from mouth to mouth. Especially after James Gunn mentioned Matt Reeves' The Batman Universe is considered part of the Elseworlds banner as part of the rest of the DCU. Some believe DC Comics is just following the “multiverse trend” that started in the late 2010s. Yet, the comic publisher was the one who first experimented with the concept back in 1953 with ‘Wonder Woman #59’. Across its history, DC Comics has had at least six distinct multiverses, but by far one of the most beloved by readers owes its existence to The Dark Knight.

Many consider the first Elseworlds title to be 1989’s ‘Gotham by Gaslight’ by Brian Augustyn, even though it wasn’t released under the publication imprint, its success directly led to its creation. Still, the first comic to display the Elseworlds logo was Alan Brennert’s 'Batman: Holy Terror'.

Reality’s Twisted Knight

Batman absolutely owns Elseworlds, with almost half of the nearly 114 publications having The Dark Knight as the protagonist. These stories are regarded as some of the best Elseworlds stories. The Batman has had an intense reputation in each Elseworld; in some, he is a hero, others see him as a monster, and there are ones where he is neither.

In ‘Batman: In Darkest Knight’, Batman fails in his first year attempting to fight crime, as he lies wounded in his study, Green Lantern Abin Sur’s ship crashes on the Wayne property instead of the desert area of New Mexico causing the ring to choose Bruce Wayne due to his yearning to overcome his fears and desire to protect others.

Yet, the ones I believe show unusual but amazing storytelling are those where Batman is altered drastically. Like seen in 2001’s ‘Batman: Hollywood Knight’ where Byron Wyatt, an actor who plays Batman in movie serials suffers a terrible brain injury convincing him that he is the Dark Knight or the one that started it all ‘Batman: Holy Terror’ in 1991 where Oliver Cromwell survived leading to a worldwide theocracy, here Reverend Bruce Wayne takes the alter ego of Batman to fight against the government that killed his parents twenty-two years before.

Stories like these, regardless of how out-of-line they may seem, encourage exploration of less conventional narratives, reminding creatives of the wonders that come from thinking beyond the cave and the reward of allowing oneself to have fun every once in a while.

Same City, Different Gotham

Batman wouldn't exist without Gotham City, and Gotham would fall into disarray without The Dark Knight’s protection. That couldn’t be clearer than it is seen in Elseworlds. Every time The Dark Knight changes, Gotham will adapt to him and his methods. Whether it is set in an alternate time or sits in the hidden pages of History, each version stays as unique and symbiotic to its vigilante just like Prime Earth’s Gotham is to Batman.

Some of Batman’s stories in Elseworlds are inspired by notable mystery and gothic horror-style narratives, creating astonishing versions of Gotham. Loosely based on ‘Frankenstein’, especially its 1931 film adaptation ‘Frankenstein’ by James Whale. ‘Batman: Castle of the Bat’ reimagines Bruce as Dr. Bruce Wayne, an experimental doctor who attempts to bring his father back from death in search of vengeance against the man who murdered his parents, creating The Bat-Man. Here, Gotham blends into the city of Ingolstadt in Southern Germany in 1819 to create an atmosphere that resembles those from the Age of Enlightenment while keeping the Baroque architecture that perfectly contrasts with Gotham’s Gothic vibes.

Meanwhile, ‘Batman: Masque’ is broadly based on Gaston Leroux's novel ‘The Phantom of the Opera’, set during the late Victorian era. This Gotham fosters a Bruce Wayne entangled in a love triangle with a ballerina and ‘The Phantom’, all while a series of mysterious accidents and murders occur at the opera house during a performance of Edgar Allan Poe’s ‘The Masque of the Red Death’. Gotham's dark atmosphere surprisingly combines quite well with the Romanticism aesthetic. Multiple opera houses and Gothic-inspired spires allow the ambiance to steep in a darker, melancholic tone that builds a sturdy bridge between the two tales.

The Eternal Dark Knight

Batman is one of the most resilient and self-centered characters in the DC universe as a whole, but what happens when Batman stops being Bruce Wayne altogether? DC’s Elseworlds allows us to dive into this intriguing concept.

One of set instances is based on ‘Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde’ by Robert Louis Stevenson, ‘Batman: Two Faces’ not only has Batman fighting off The Joker while in a search to cure Harvey Dent. The psychological thriller also has The Dark Knight fighting against his inner demons and fears, battling the temptation to cross moral lines, dragging him closer to insanity. Or in ‘Batman & Dracula trilogy’ is one of the most well-known ones. Comprised of ‘Batman and Dracula: Red Rain’, ‘Batman: Bloodstorm‎’, and ‘Batman: Crimson Mist’, in this alternate timeline, Count Dracula and his henchmen feast on the homeless in Gotham City. As a final attempt to stop him, The Dark Knight is forced to become a vampire.

Stories like these, despite not being canon, allow audiences to experience the ever-increasing amount of faces The Dark Knight hides behind the mask. Letting us have a look inside the mind of the smartest man in the world, his achievements, and his weaknesses. Reminding us that even though Bruce Wayne may eventually be gone, The Batman will go on... forever.

By Mario Martinez Ignacio