WARNING: The following contains spoilers for The Batman, now playing in theaters.
The Batman is in-debted to the original stories about the titular superhero, with the film referencing and refining a number of elements from various comic plotlines. But there are some interesting and unique additions to the canon that could help this Batman stand out, including a surprising family connection that could ripple into how this new DC Universe portrays multiple major Gotham heroes. The movie makes a major change from the typical Batman canon by turning Bruce Wayne’s mother into a member of the Arkham family. But on top of inviting some unique readings of Bruce’s mission as the Dark Knight, it also presents the chance to approach Batwoman from a wholly unique perspective.
One of the big reveals of The Batman has to do with the secrets of the Wayne family — specifically Martha Wayne. In most continuities, Martha is established as hailing from the Kanes, another powerful and illustrious family of Gotham. But in the version of the DC Universe that appears in The Batman, she’s actually an Arkham — a family name with a far more complicated and controversial history than the Kanes. On top of being the founders of one of Gotham’s most infamous institutions, the Arkham family is also one that’s dealt with a lot of mental distress over the years, including Martha herself, who actually spent time at the asylum as a patient.
It’s an interesting concept and one that could quietly alter a lot of little details about this version of Bruce Wayne, especially considering how Martha has been impactful on other versions of the character. Wayne’s connection to Arkham also gives his habit of putting dangerous criminals into the asylum a darker connotation, effectively continuing the legacy of his family by enforcing a strict definition of mental wellness in the city. The twisted legacy of Arkham’s patients now rests within Bruce as well, impacting his decision to be the city’s defender. The history of mentally unwell people in the Arkham family could be argued to now have an implicit impact on Bruce and his own inner darkness, making his crusade as Batman now a more complicated affair.
But the reveal is also potentially a huge gamechanger for any version of Batwoman who appears in this version of the DC Universe. Kate Kane is typically portrayed as Bruce Wayne’s cousin through their connection to the Kanes. It gives them a unique family bond that doesn’t rely on a hidden Wayne family member and helped flesh out Martha’s family in the modern age. But if that connection were to remain, then Batwoman would likely also be turned into an Arkham. While it’s possible that she could be retroactively turned into a Wayne or lose her family connection to Batman completely, it’d be far more interesting to see Batwoman’s role in the city become part of the twisted legacy of Arkham. It would allow a heroic character to tackle the twisted legacy of that family line more directly than Batman likely ever will.
Suddenly, Kate Kane’s family having a dark undercurrent of mental illness presents her battles with her unhinged twin sister Alice all the more impactful. It also could present an interesting way to approach her military service and more ruthless nature, hinting at a family legacy that’s found in situations where there’s no chance for change or rehabilitation. And more complex attributes afforded to characters like Astrid Arkham (aka the Arkham Knight) from the core-DC Universe or Lady Arkham from the Telltale Studios Batman games could present the opportunity for a more complicated and unique take on Batwoman. So, while Martha’s connection to the Arkhams alters this version of Bruce, it will also likely have a major effect on his supporting cast.
To see how the Arkhan twist changes everything, The Batman arrives in theaters March 4.
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