No matter the state of the superhero genre, there are three heroes who will almost always receive a film or television project: Superman, Spider-Man, and Batman. The Caped Crusader might be the most prolific, having dozens of adaptations to his name, withChristopher Nolan’s Dark Knight trilogy likely being the most notable. Not only did it help Nolan build the reputation that allowed him to craft hits likeInterstellarandInception,but it was also a major part of the superhero renaissance. Together withSam Raimi’s Spider-Man trilogy andIron Manlaunching the Marvel Cinematic Universe, The Dark Knight movies proved that superheroes could be both a box office draw and a pop culture pillar. They also inspired the animated anthologyBatman: Gotham Knight.
Set between the events ofBatman BeginsandThe Dark Knight,Batman: Gotham Knighttakes a page fromThe Animatrix’s book and is split into six segments, each focusing on Batman and the effect he’s had on Gotham City. It also featuredKevin Conroyreturning to voice Batman, and since many consider Conroy to bethedefinitive Batman voice, that was a big deal. It’s the segment “In Darkness Dwells” that manages to perfectly link upBatman BeginsandThe Dark Knight,due to the return of a certain villain.
What Happens in the “In Darkness Dwells” Segment of ‘Batman: Gotham Knight’?
“In Darkness Dwells” begins when a riot breaks out in the Gotham Cathedral, leading to a cardinal being abducted and pulled into the sewers. Batman and Jim Gordon (voiced byJim Meskimen) deduce that Jonathan Crane, best known as the Scarecrow, is behind it.As Batman travels underground to save the cardinal,he has to deal with a group of cultists loyal to the Scarecrow, as well as the Scarecrow’s fear toxin, which he’s infected with during a battle. Of all the shorts inBatman: Gotham Knight, it’s “In Darkness Dwells” that features the most connections toBatman BeginsandThe Dark Knight.David S. Goyer, who contributed to the screenplays forThe Dark Knight trilogy, wrote the short, and it’s one of the few shorts to directly acknowledge the events ofBatman Begins. Scarecrow made his base of operations in the wreckage of Gotham’s Narrows following its fiery climax, which is fitting given that he launched his fear toxin in that area of Gotham.
To separate its stories,Batman: Gotham Knightemployed the use ofsix different anime studios. “In Darkness Dwells” was animated by Madhouse, who deliversa shadow-drenched, action-packed Batman story. Whenever Batman moves, his cape feels less like a piece of fabric and more like a living shadow as it disappears into the darkness. Another battle with Scarecrow’s cultists showcases just how skilled the Dark Knight is, as no one can lay a hand on him. He, however, definitely can touch them, breaking bones and sending his foes flying. Madhouse is one of the most well-renowned anime studios thanks to its work onDeath NoteandOne Punch Man, and it was the perfect fit for a Batman story.
‘Batman: Gotham Knight’ Helps Cement Scarecrow as a Major Batman Villain
“In Darkness Dwells” doesn’t just act as the bridge between Nolan’s Batman films. It alsocements the Scarecrow as a recurring foe for Batman; the fear-based villain makes a brief appearance in the opening ofThe Dark Knightwhen he attempts to peddle his fear toxin as a drug, and shows up inThe Dark Knight Risesas the “judge” in the twisted court where Bane (Tom Hardy) sends his enemies. It mirrors how Scarecrow, and other villains, often return to plague Batman in the comics. “In Darkness Dwells” also shows how Crane uses fear as a tool to control others, since his cult is highly implied to be dosed with fear toxin. The short also touches on a theme thatBatman Beginsintroduces:how fear can be used for good or ill. As Batman, Bruce Wayne seeks to strike fear into the hearts of his enemies, while Jonathan Crane uses fear to prey on the innocent.
In Defense of George Clooney’s Batman Nipple Suit
Free the nipple!
“In Darkness Dwells” and the rest ofBatman: Gotham Knightserve as a well-crafted expansion of the Dark Knight trilogy. It’s proof thatanimation and superheroes continue to be the perfect match, but it’s also a reminder to studios that they can step outside of the box when it comes to franchise expansion. As far as Batman animated films go,Gotham Knightis only eclipsed by the masterpiece that isBatman: Mask of the Phantasm.
Batman: Gotham Knight
