The Batman (2022) Comic Book Inspirations and Theories for the Sequel

The Batman

Comic Book Influences, Easter Eggs and Theories

This is a post primarily going over the comics that inspired The Batman film. Matt Reeves has done an incredible job creating a new original story and distinct Batman film that takes inspirations from neo-noir films, Fincher films etc. but also of course Batman comics. There are also plenty of influences and parallels from previous films, as well as games like Arkham Origins, Knight and Telltale, but for the sake of this post I'll focus on comics. For a review or summary of my thoughts on the film in general, I made a summary after my second viewing which you can see here.

First I'll mainly be dealing with the major or most important books that inspired the film's story and portrayal of characters directly, there are a ton of more possible minor influences for the portrayal of the characters but I'll be focusing on the most important. I also have a small honorable mention of a possible influence I have yet to see anyone mention. Of course I naturally have to put some theories down there at the end as well for people who've followed my posts before, including my last post for The Batman.

Speaking of, I hope to make a Dark Crisis post soon for those expecting that. I've actually yet to read Justice League Incarnate #5 as of writing this but as I've stated before I'm absolutely loving the series and what Williamson has been building. I have a ton of things to say if ever I get to make it. I'll take my time on it and maybe wait until after JL #75 before finalizing.

So without wasting any more time, in no particular order...

WARNING: Major Spoilers for The Batman below!

Major Comic Book Influences

Batman: Ego

The first inspiration that Matt Reeves brought up in DC Fandome 2020, was Batman: Ego by Darwyn Cooke. From that moment, my faith and excitement for this movie grew (also thanks to the teaser). This was by far more obscure or underrated stories that few fans put on the same pedestal as the others on this list, but I had read it so that really impressed me.

For the most part the influence this comic has is primarily on Bruce's character and psychology, as he reflects with his Ego, an embodiment of his fear, pain and anger as Batman, on his life, why he does what he does, and how he should go moving forward. There are a lot of flashbacks alluding to different aspects of the mythos and Bruce's own arc throughout comic book history. Bruce does not hallucinate his shadow self, a giant Bat-Spectre or talking Bat-monster in this movie, but nonetheless the influence is significant and ties into how the film takes from the other books here, including his moral code being tied to Thomas' Hippocratic Oath...

...and his arc of making Batman not just a symbol of fear for criminals,

...but of hope to the good people of Gotham.

Batman: Year One

Now it may seem strange for a "Year Two"/non-origin story to take inspiration from Year One, or maybe you're annoyed that another live-action Batman film is taking from Frank Miller, but the film does take elements from the book that Batman Begins missed out on.

Though the Nolan Trilogy was generally grounded and realistic, it did go big from the start with Begins, having the plot climax with the League of ~~Assassins~~ Shadows plaguing Gotham with Fear Toxin. The mobsters and normal criminal elements played a larger role in The Dark Knight. In contrast, this film embraces the grounded noir tone and elements of Year One, and that even includes the aesthetic David Mazzucchelli's art and narrative choices like Bruce's internal narration. The "Drifter" disguise he uses in this film of course resembles his first night out in Year One. The book also takes inspiration from Taxi Driver's Travis Bickle as well, which Matt Reeves took note of.

The film also takes inspiration from its portrayal of Selina, her early years, look, living situation, her stray cats etc. Her friend Annika somewhat resembles Holly Robinson. It's not 1-1 of course. She works as a waitress/escort in the Iceberg Lounge but not exactly a prostitute. She knows Batman and may be inspired by him already but isn't in complete awe when she first meets him. Though perhaps she was still inspired by him to have her Catwoman-ish-but-not-yet suit and may have influenced her view and relationship with him. Other than those, there's also Carmine Falcone debuting in this story (where he also gets his scar from Catwoman) and Jim Gordon's origin and prominence as a GCPD lieutenant being important for The Batman's Falcone and Gordon.

Batman: Shaman

Set before, during and mainly after Year One is Batman: Shaman written by Dennis O'Neil with art by Ed Hannigan and John Beatty. This takes the young Year One Batman and puts him in a detective story that dabbles in mysticism. This story inspired Robert Pattinson, fascinated by the supernatural elements hinted at in this (and many other stories). Pattinson's also stated his view of Batman being a consulting detective for the GCPD, as one similar to being a Shaman.

There is also a moment in this book where Bruce further reinforces the deception" that Batman is a supernatural being, defeating a false Shaman and getting him to use a gun to no avail. However, Bruce later realizes his tricks shouldn't have worked and somehow he survived getting shot anyway. From the very beginning, Batman being a dark creature of the night, a being of the shadows and unstoppable figure of vengeance is emphasized.

Batman: The Long Halloween

The Long Halloween by Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale is another major influence on the Nolan Trilogy, inspiring elements of Begins and one of the main influences of The Dark Knight. However, The Batman does not have the trio of Batman, Jim Gordon and Harvey Dent. In fact, the D.A. here is part of the corruption. There is no shortage of dark tragedy in this film but it doesn't have a counterpart for Harvey's fall either. Instead, this film focuses on the serial-killer and murder mystery aspects of this book. Yes, the Joker also had a killing spree in TDK, but here the reasons and motives of the Riddler are initially shrouded in mystery and Batman and Gordon continuously work together to uncover this mystery, just like with the Holiday Killer.

Speaking of, Holiday does influence Riddler much in this film. Traditionally, the Riddler is not above murder but his main M.O. is theft. Besides the murders, Edward Nashton himself somewhat resembles Alberto Falcone, the second Holiday, thematically and visually. His actions lead to the fall of the main figures of organized crime in Gotham and opened the door to the rise of the supervillains we know, he proudly embraces his identity in custody, and even his haircut and glasses at times resemble Alberto (even if he's had them before). Funny enough, The Long Halloween animated movie, despite changing it so Alberto wasn't Holiday, gave him a knack for crossword puzzles.

This story is also brings back Carmine Falcone and it is here that he gets to do the most as the No. 1 Crime Boss in Gotham, before ultimately being shot by Two-Face. Falcone in the film is even more powerful and evil, and also dies from a bullet, this time from the Riddler. Both killers did so in a misguided mission to end the rule of crime and evil in Gotham no matter what it took.

Back to Carmine, it is also here that the Falcones and Waynes are first linked, through Thomas saving his life in emergency surgery in his own home.

Bruce witnessed this event first hand and was in awe. The film specifically has Bruce and Falcone confirm this happened, with Bruce bringing up the Hippocratic Oath Thomas took as a doctor. Both this book and film have the true culprit and reason for the Waynes' death as mysteries, with the movie opening the possibility of either Maroni or Falcone being behind it should it not have been a random mugger. Should it be Falcone, it would come full circle to Lew Moxon's Pre-Crisis history as the gangster who Thomas saved in surgery and hired Joe Chill to have him killed.

Selina is also prominent in this story, and Batman and Catwoman's first confrontation in the book parallels the fight scene at Mayor Mitchell's office. Though the biggest influence from Loeb and Sale would be from...

Batman: Dark Victory

The sequel, also written by Jeph Loeb (who happened to be one of Matt Reeves' screenwriting teachers who inspired him to pursue filmmaking) with art by Tim Sale.

This time we have the Hangman Killer, who leaves incomplete games of Hangman as clues for Batman and Gordon to solve. This is even closer to the Riddler here, as there is a specific message to decipher for each murder with an ulterior motive behind all the killings.

It is also here that Selina possibly being a daughter of Falcone originates from, and it plays a pivotal role in this story. The film makes it so she knows this for a fact since childhood, has Falcone be the murderer of her mother as well (which she learns later), and gives her an arc with Bruce stopping her from giving into vengeance and murdering him. Both this book and the film has Batman ultimately decline Selina's advances or invitation and leads to her leaving Gotham and them parting ways. With Falcone's money, perhaps she could similarly take on the guise of a socialite Selina Kyle just like here and in Long Halloween.

Another important part of this book is Richard "Dick" Grayson's origin as Robin. There is no Robin in this film, and I hope the go for Dick, Jason or Tim in the future, but there is a character here that acts as a parallel to one, the son of Mayor Mitchell. It is through Bruce's empathy for the boy that the film introduces the death of the Waynes (without showing it again) and emphasizes the important reason for his crusade. It's even implied that the child notices Bruce staring at him the same way Batman did. Bruce saves his life, and later he does not hesitate to take Batman's hand. Also, he even wears a red dōgi/kimono/Ninja costume for Halloween that almost looks like a Robin costume.

Batman: Hush

Another book by Jeph Loeb, this time with art by Jim Lee. This is story is another mystery that introduces Hush (Thomas Elliot) who was Bruce Wayne's childhood friend and mirror, who had attempted to murder his parents and hated Bruce out of jealousy due to Thomas saving his mother before he and Martha died.

Hush was directly alluded to with the reporter who Falcone had killed for Thomas being named "Elliot" and Riddler's video of such emphasizing the "Hush" money payment attempt with "Hush" in large letters on the screen. The Riddler in the film also has some similarities to Hush, with the mask, cling wrap around his head and coat resembling Hush's bandages and trench coat. Edward being an orphan in the Wayne Orphanage and hating Bruce since then also somewhat resembles Elliot.

Almost ironically, the Riddler is not only part of the original Hush story, but was the true mastermind after all. It's interesting to see this film give Riddler elements of Hush, especially when the DCAMU animated adaptation does the same but far more extremely to lesser effect as they simply turn the Riddler into Hush. Here he was was able to finally deduce Batman is Bruce Wayne, however does not reveal this to the world as a riddle everyone knows is worthless. I was suspecting this was the case for the film, and it may still be so, but ironically it seems that Edward here was blinded by his hatred of Bruce Wayne and admiration of the Batman, that he didn't figure it out. Finally, there are some small possible/minor parallels in the Bat Cat kiss, and the moment Bruce stops her from killing Carmine reminds me of Jim stopping him from killing the Joker. "How many more lives will we let him ruin" "I don't care, I won't let him ruin yours" and "He needs to pay!" "But you don't have to pay with him, you've paid enough".

Batman: Zero Year

Zero Year by Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo present the New 52 origin for Batman. While Year One committed to a grounded style and story, this embraces the fantastical with Red Hood, Dr. Death and the Riddler as the villains.

The Riddler here in this new continuity is the most dangerous and effective he's been, pairing his riddles with a large ambition and proficiency in technology surpassing his previous iterations. As early as here, he successfully floods Gotham and broadcasts himself to the city, with the film doing the same (but in reverse and through social media), giving Gotham a new "Zero Year".

The character and relationship arcs in this film with Bruce and Alfred do resemble the film's. Bruce initially refuses to take responsibility with Wayne Enterprises and reclusively hides from the public in both, has a tense relationship with Alfred mended as the story progresses and also learns that Batman must symbolize something for the good people of Gotham and not just a vessel for vengeance. The city is put on crisis with soldiers being sent in. Batman has to operate out in the open, in the daylight, with the city witnessing his heroism. Duke Thomas (later a "Robin" in We are Robin, before becoming Signal) also resembles the Mayor's son somewhat in his interactions with Bruce.

The Red Hood gang here has been theorized to be inspirations for the drops gang, or even the Beyond Jokerz-looking gang Batman confronts in the opening of the film, which we may learn more about in the GCPD prequel mini-series on HBO Max. Lastly, Bruce ends this story embracing Batman over love with Julie Madison, similar to this film's ending with Selina.

Batman: Earth One

Last but not least, is Batman Earth One written by Geoff Johns with art by Gary Frank and Jon Sibal. The Earth One Graphic Novels line aimed for modern, alternative takes on the DC Universe and characters. Batman Earth One had 3 volumes released over roughly a decade. All 3 has similarities/influence on this film.

Similar to Zero Year (which was released after volume 1 and before the others), Bruce was more reclusive and lacking in philanthropic work or involvement with Wayne Enterprises and the Wayne Foundation. Throughout the 3 volumes, these are things he learns to get past. He starts off the crusade for personal vengeance, and even has his own "vengeance" line, which likely inspired the film along with BTAS. He then resolves to "build a better Batman", builds a batcave in an abandoned Wayne subway station,

and even recruits many allies to make his own team.

As Bruce, he creates a new Arkham Asylum and creates programs for the city to help itself.

His relationship with Alfred is also similar, but it went even more different as Alfred is less of the traditional gentleman British butler. Instead, Alfred is a more gruff, ex-royal marine, hardened by war and hired by Thomas to be his bodyguard. They had been in war together, with Alfred saving his life in battle and Thomas giving him a prosthetic leg, with Alfred being someone he can trust. Instead, Alfred becomes Bruce's legal guardian to protect him from social services, despite Alfred's hesitations as he believes cannot be a father. Alfred becomes Bruce's mentor, teaching him much of his skills.

The film takes much from this iteration of Alfred. He is ex-SAS like the more traditional Alfred but his scar and limp has been said to hint at some history with war. Andy Serkis also describes this Alfred as desensitized by that war, and the film has him admit that he could teach Bruce to fight but that Bruce needed a father. He also admits to have spent a long time wondering who killed the Waynes, just like in Earth One.

Speaking of Thomas, it is in this book that he ran for mayor. It's also here that Martha is an Arkham and not a Kane, with her father being murdered by her mother and her being institutionalized. The film directly takes all of these elements and they are important for the story.

The Riddler is the main villain in the second volume, and here he is the closest to the film's, as he's a serial killer with an ulterior motive targeting corrupt officials, even using more grounded technology and tactics. There are small parallels and references in there such as with with the question mark coffee cup and his face being hidden for most of the story. One difference is that this Riddler gives riddles to his victims as an illusion of a chance at survival however he in reality did not care if they answered correctly.

Finally, Mayor Bella Real being a true, non-corrupt, Mayoral candidate who reached out to Bruce so he can help her save Gotham through philanthropy, very much parallels Jessica Dent. Unlike Real, Jessica is the twin sister of Harvey Dent, a childhood friend and later love interest for Bruce before her fall as Two-Face. Paralleling Martha, Bruce proceeded to make sure the best efforts and resource went into rehabilitating her of her mental illness.

Honorable Mentions

(minor parallels and unconfirmed inspirations):

Detective Comics #27

"The Case of the Chemical Syndicate"

Matt Reeves, Robert Pattinson and Jeffrey Wright have all emphasized the film going back to Batman's detective roots, with Wright specifically referring to his origins in Detective Comics. Now, there are many 'Tec runs and Detective Batman stories outside of the title, but this naturally made me think of Batman's earliest appearances in the Golden Age, especially his first appearance and it's possible Matt Reeves did as well.

In this story by creator Bill Finger with art by Bob Kane, Bruce and Gordon together go to the first crime scene to investigate Lambert's murder in his study, just like Batman and Jim investigating the first crime scene of Mayor Don Mitchell's murder in his study in the film. Both Lambert and Mitchell's sons were the first to find his dead body and were questioned by police. It's an interesting parallel that may be a deliberate homage.

The Court of Owls

In this film, Bruce uses contact lenses that can record and transmit video of what he sees directly to the Batcomputer, and at one point used in conjunction with face recognition technology. This is straight from the beginning of Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo's run, the first issue in fact, in the Court of Owls.