The Ultimate Arkhamverse Spin-Off: Breaking the Bat Family Mold

Rocksteady Studios revolutionized the presence of DC Comics in the gaming world when they released Batman: Arkham Asylum in 2009, long before the superhero trend took off. The subsequent installments in the Batman: Arkham franchise solidified its legendary status, but the future of its legacy has been uncertain. It has been almost a decade since the release of Batman: Arkham Knight in 2015, and fans have been eagerly awaiting a direct continuation of the Arkham experience. While Rocksteady has explored spin-off titles in the broader Arkham universe, one underrated character has yet to make a comeback.

With numerous portrayals of Batman on screen and the departure of the iconic Kevin Conroy, it is evident that the studio behind Batman: Arkham Knight is more interested in passing the torch rather than revisiting familiar material. The upcoming game Gotham Knights, set to be released in 2022, distances itself significantly from the Arkham series with its distinct focus. Rocksteady is also forging ahead with its own spin-off, Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League, which will further push the franchise in a new direction. As the games move further away from the original experience of controlling Batman, Azrael from the Arkham universe presents an opportunity to bridge the gap.

Azrael’s Arkham Knight Storyline Sets Him Up as Batman’s Successor

Azrael, a vigilante of Gotham's underworld, made his enigmatic presence felt in Arkham City, adding an air of mystery to the game's open-world setting. However, it was in Arkham Knight that his character truly unfolded, establishing him as one of the most memorable anti-heroes. Challenging Batman's role as the city's protector, Azrael emerges as a potential successor to the Dark Knight himself.

Through a series of simulated battles, players assume the role of Azrael, one of the playable characters in Arkham Knight. These encounters prompt Batman to contemplate passing on his legacy to this enigmatic vigilante, a topic he discusses with Alfred. Yet, the situation with Azrael is far from straightforward, mirroring the complexities that permeate the entire Arkham series. Unbeknownst to many, Azrael's true identity is that of Michael Lane, a disgraced former Gotham City police officer who has been brainwashed by a religious extremist group known as the Order of St. Dumas.

While Azrael's main objective in Gotham City is to protect it, he is also tasked with gaining Batman's trust in order to ultimately assassinate the caped crusader and claim the title of the city's protector for himself. If players choose the option of attempting to kill Batman, he will defeat Azrael and have him arrested. However, players also have the opportunity to follow Azrael's Arkham Knight storyline, where he chooses to betray the Order of St. Dumas and redeem himself, striving to live up to the principles of a true successor.

Azrael’s Darker Batman has Untapped Potential

Azrael, the character who took up the mantle of the caped crusader during the 90s era of DC Comics, has become famous for his role in the Knightfall storyline. In this iconic arc, Batman is incapacitated by the villain Bane, leading to Azrael being entrusted with the responsibility of protecting Gotham City. The original incarnation of Azrael, Jean-Paul Valley, maintained his religious fanaticism and brainwashed nature. However, these mental struggles ultimately corrupted his efforts as Batman, making him one of the most brutal and ruthless versions of the character.

A spin-off focusing on Azrael's anti-heroics could bridge the gap between the future of Rocksteady's titles and the origins of the broader Arkham universe. The inclusion of Knightfall's batsuit in Batman: Arkham Origins hints at the potential look and action of Azrael's version of Batman. With his captivating and dark history, Azrael has the potential to enhance the storytelling of the Arkham franchise while upholding its gritty legacy.

Batman: Arkham Knight is available on PS4, Xbox One, and PC.