Here we are with episode two of my Batman obsession, and let me tell you, the Bat-mania has only grown. I’ve been knee-deep in Arkham Origins, now about halfway through, and it’s just as intense as ever. The storyline is gripping, with a younger, more reckless Bruce Wayne still figuring out what it means to be the Dark Knight. Every time I take down a villain or crack a case, it feels like I’m inching closer to understanding this raw, aggressive version of Batman. But more on that later—there’s been so much more happening in my Bat-journey.
The Tim Burton Batman Era: A Revisit of All Four Films
I recently finished rewatching all four Batman films from the late ’80s and ’90s—yes, that includes Batman & Robin. And let me tell you, despite what some might say about the latter entries in the series, I absolutely loved revisiting them all. Let’s start with the first two: Batman (1989) and Batman Returns.
In Batman, Tim Burton redefined what a superhero movie could be. His version of Gotham feels like a living, breathing character—gothic, dangerous, and dripping with atmosphere. Michael Keaton’s Batman remains one of my favorite portrayals of the character. He plays Bruce Wayne as a quiet, almost awkward billionaire who transforms into this cold, calculating vigilante when the cowl goes on. There’s no over-the-top growling or melodrama—it’s subtle, and yet, every movement Keaton makes as Batman is filled with purpose. It’s no wonder the film still holds up, with Keaton’s understated performance anchoring the entire thing.
And then there’s Jack Nicholson’s Joker, a performance that I still can’t get over. He’s campy, menacing, and unpredictable—everything you want in a Joker. Watching him pull off his zany schemes while still feeling like a true threat was an absolute treat. Burton’s Gotham City was the perfect playground for Nicholson to bring the Joker to life, with its towering skyscrapers and gritty streets creating a shadowy battleground for the characters.
Batman Returns: Burton’s Dark Fairy Tale
Now, onto Batman Returns. If the first movie was gothic, this one went full-on dark fairy tale. Burton really leaned into his vision of Gotham as a twisted, surreal nightmare, and the result is stunning. The movie is overflowing with style—Gotham is grimier, more claustrophobic, and filled with larger-than-life characters. Danny DeVito as the Penguin? Absolutely grotesque and tragic, a villain who’s as pitiful as he is terrifying. And Michelle Pfeiffer’s Catwoman? A revelation. She plays Selina Kyle with a mix of vulnerability, humor, and menace that makes her one of the most memorable characters in the Batman franchise.
Batman Forever & Batman & Robin: Campy, but Fun
Then there’s Batman Forever and Batman & Robin, which I admit don’t have the same dark edge as Burton’s films, but still, there’s something undeniably fun about them. Batman Forever brings a neon-lit Gotham to life, and Jim Carrey’s Riddler is wonderfully over-the-top. And yes, Batman & Robin is silly—ice puns galore—but it’s got its charm. I can appreciate the campy tone, the ridiculous costumes, and the unashamed comic-bookiness of it all. Arnold Schwarzenegger as Mr. Freeze? Pure gold, even if it’s for all the wrong reasons.
Deep Diving Into the Comics: Dark Days and Dark Nights
While all this cinematic goodness has been happening, I’ve also dived back into the comics. Specifically, I’ve gone back to re-read the Dark Days and Dark Nights: Metal storyline, which introduced one of my all-time favorite characters—the Batman Who Laughs. I’ve always been fascinated by multiverse stories, and this arc doesn’t disappoint. The Batman Who Laughs is such a terrifying concept: what happens when the world’s greatest detective gets infected by the Joker toxin and turns into a sadistic, twisted version of himself? It’s like all the darkest parts of Bruce Wayne’s psyche brought to life, and I can’t get enough of it.
The storyline is a wild ride from start to finish, blending horror, cosmic elements, and apocalyptic stakes. It feels huge, like the very fabric of the DC universe is at risk, and Batman is at the center of it all. Seeing Batman face off against his darkest reflection, a version of himself who has no limits or morals, is a perfect example of why Batman is such a compelling character. I’m excited to finish this arc and explore how the repercussions continue to ripple through the Bat-Family in other comics.
The 80th Anniversary Animated Collection and Justice League Dark
As if all that wasn’t enough, I recently got my hands on a Blu-ray collection of 18 animated Batman films from the 80th Anniversary back in 2019. I haven’t started watching yet, but I’m already buzzing with excitement. These animated films are such a crucial part of Batman’s legacy, and they dive into so many different eras and interpretations of the character. I can’t wait to see which stories stand out—whether it’s Under the Red Hood with its emotional gut punches, Mask of the Phantasm revisiting the noir roots of the character, or The Dark Knight Returns adapting one of the most iconic Batman comics.
On top of that, I’ve also picked up Justice League Dark, and let me tell you, I’m pumped. The whole idea of Batman teaming up with the darker, magical side of the DC universe is fascinating to me. Seeing him interact with characters like John Constantine, Zatanna, and Swamp Thing is something I’ve always wanted to explore more. Magic and Batman aren’t two concepts you usually put together, but in Justice League Dark, it works brilliantly. I’m expecting a lot of supernatural chaos and for Batman to still be the smartest guy in the room, even when magic is involved.
Halfway Through Arkham Origins
Now, let’s talk about my progress in Arkham Origins. I’m halfway through, and the game is still delivering on all fronts. The early days of Bruce Wayne as Batman are so raw and full of unrefined energy. There’s this youthful recklessness to his actions, and you can see how he’s still figuring out the best way to be Gotham’s protector. I love how the story dives into his relationship with Alfred and the weight of what it means to be Batman, something we don’t always get to explore in the other Arkham games.
The fight with Deathstroke was, as expected, a highlight. The precision and intensity of that battle is something I’m still thinking about days later. Every time I swoop through the city, taking down criminals and working through Black Mask’s convoluted plans, it feels like I’m living in Gotham’s early days. And I’ve still got so much to look forward to as I inch closer to uncovering the full plot.
Looking Forward: Batman Beyond and More
With Arkham Origins, the animated movies, the comics, and the upcoming dive into Justice League Dark, my Bat-obsession is in full swing. I’m already planning to dive into Batman Beyond as soon as I finish The Animated Series, because let’s face it—I’m not stopping this train anytime soon.
So, that’s where I’m at with my current Batman binge. Every corner of Gotham is calling, and there’s so much more to explore. Stay tuned, because this Bat-fanboy has a lot more to say in the next episode!