It’s happened again. Five years since I last spiraled into the dark world of Gotham, and now I’m deep in it once more—this time with no signs of slowing down. What started as a casual dive back into Batman: Arkham Origins has snowballed into a full-scale Bat-mania that has completely taken over my life.
I fired up Arkham Origins just to get a taste of the old Gotham, thinking I could just have a bit of fun. Ha! Little did I know it would lead me straight back down the rabbit hole. From the second I suited up, I was hooked again. Gotham’s icy streets, Batman’s early struggles—everything feels rawer, edgier than the other Arkham games, and I’m loving every second of it. It’s not just about beating up thugs; it’s about feeling that weight, that relentless determination to clean up the city. And of course, after revisiting Origins, there was no way I could stop there.
In between sessions of gliding across the rooftops and taking down bosses like Deathstroke (still one of the best fights in the series, by the way), I found myself drawn back to Batman: The Animated Series. I didn’t plan for it to happen, but suddenly, I’m watching episode after episode. Five years ago, I wrote about how much this show captured the soul of Batman (Part 3), but now, it’s even more apparent. The noir style, the deep moral questions, the flawless voice work by Kevin Conroy and Mark Hamill—it’s all there, still as good as ever. I’m already halfway through season one, and let’s be honest, I’ll be rewatching the entire thing by the end of the month.
As if that wasn’t enough, I’ve been diving headfirst into the Shadow War arc in the comics, and it’s exactly the kind of story I’ve been craving. The stakes are through the roof with Ra’s al Ghul pulling strings and manipulating everyone around him. It’s not just Batman who’s caught in the crossfire—his entire Bat-Family is being tested. The tension between them is palpable, and every issue throws in another twist that keeps me glued to the pages.
Reading this alongside playing the games and watching the shows makes everything feel interconnected, like I’m fully immersed in Gotham’s sprawling, chaotic universe. There’s something special about juggling all these different mediums, each offering a different perspective on Batman’s world, yet all coming together to form a larger, cohesive whole in my mind.
In Shadow War, Ra’s al Ghul’s grand manipulations pit Batman against his own family at times, blurring the lines of trust and loyalty. It’s the kind of story that forces the characters to confront their values while also delivering some jaw-dropping action sequences. The artwork is incredible, capturing Gotham’s gritty atmosphere while the story itself is filled with the sort of moral dilemmas that Batman stories do best.
The best part? The twists just keep coming. Right when I think I’ve figured it out, the plot flips on its head, dragging me deeper into the conflict. Reading this arc while I’m knee-deep in Arkham Origins and binge-watching The Animated Series makes me feel like I’m living in Gotham 24/7. It’s overwhelming in the best possible way, and honestly, I’m here for every bit of it.
And yes, because apparently, I can’t do anything in moderation, I’ve also been listening to Batman Unburied, the audio drama that’s been my constant companion during drives or when I’m just trying to unwind. If you haven’t heard it, you’re missing out—it’s hauntingly immersive. The sound design alone makes you feel like you’re walking the streets of Gotham, with every echo and footstep bringing the city’s dark, gritty underworld to life.
The story itself is a fresh take on Batman’s origins, with a psychological twist that sets it apart from the traditional retellings. It starts off with Bruce Wayne working as a forensic pathologist, unaware of his identity as Batman. Instead of Gotham’s hero, he’s solving crimes from within the medical field, analyzing bodies and piecing together the bigger picture. But, of course, things aren’t what they seem, and soon Bruce is pulled into a dark conspiracy that forces him to confront the truth about himself and Gotham.
What really stands out, aside from the eerie atmosphere, are the performances. Winston Duke plays Bruce Wayne/Batman, bringing a deeper, more introspective quality to the character. His portrayal makes you feel every internal struggle as Bruce uncovers his forgotten identity and steps back into his role as the Caped Crusader. The cast is stacked with talent, and every actor brings their A-game, giving the whole thing the cinematic quality of a live-action series but in audio form.
Each episode hooks you more and more, drawing you deeper into Bruce’s fractured psyche. The villains are just as compelling, with some familiar faces showing up in surprising ways, making you rethink what you know about them. It’s refreshing to see these characters explored in such an unconventional format, and it keeps you guessing about what’s real and what’s a manipulation.
Batman Unburied has been the perfect companion to my Batman binge. While Arkham Origins, The Animated Series, and the comics have been feeding the visual side of my Bat-obsession, this audio drama lets me take Gotham with me everywhere. It’s dark, it’s gripping, and it’s got all the elements that make Batman stories so damn good—mystery, moral complexity, and, of course, a ton of brooding. I’m already on my second listen, and I’m picking up new details with every episode. If you’re a Batman fan, this is a must-listen.
On top of all this, I’ve somehow found the time to revisit Tim Burton’s Batman (because of course I did). Five years ago, I talked about how much this movie defined Batman for me (Part 1), and honestly, nothing has changed. Keaton’s portrayal, Nicholson’s Joker, Burton’s gothic vision of Gotham—it’s all perfect. Watching it again feels like stepping back into a dream where Gotham is dark, twisted, and completely engrossing. And yes, I’ve already lined up Batman Returns for another watch, because if I’m going to do this, I’m doing it right.
So, what’s next? Honestly, I’m not sure where this ends. I’ve got the rest of the Arkham series on deck, Arkham Asylum ready to be booted up once I’m done with Origins. Then there’s all the Bat-Family comics I’ve missed, from Nightwing to Batgirl, which I plan on devouring soon. Plus, I’ve barely scratched the surface of the animated stuff—I’ll need to tackle Batman Beyond and Justice League at some point.
Looking back at my previous articles (Part 2), I can see how this obsession has evolved. It’s no longer just about revisiting my favorite games or shows; it’s about being completely immersed in the world of Batman. Every piece of media feeds into the next, and I find myself rediscovering why I fell in love with this character in the first place.
The Bat-Signal is shining bright again, and I don’t think I’ll be leaving Gotham any time soon. Whether it’s through the comics, the games, or even the audio dramas, Batman’s world is vast, complex, and endlessly fascinating. Five years ago, I thought I was at peak obsession. Turns out, I was just getting started.