DC Comics unveils the perfect Gotham design for the DCU's Batman ahead of The Brave and the Bold's release. Every live-action Batman comes with his corresponding live-action Gotham, which suits the Dark Knight's tone and aesthetic. Whereas Batman's 1989 Gotham was stripped out of Tim Burton's unique creative vision, Christopher Nolan's Gotham didn't look too different from real-life US cities in The Dark Knight.
In 2025, DC is giving the Caped Crusader a fresh start with Batman #1. This Batman wears a grey-and-blue Batsuit and uses a wide array of gadgets. These two qualities are ideal material for the DCU's Batman, who's likely to be a very different adaptation to every previous portrayal so far.
Batman #1 main cover
But beyond the Dark Knight himself, Batman #1 also presents a version of Gotham City that looks like the ideal setting for Batman's DCU adventures.
Batman #1 Introduces A Perfectly Modernized Gotham Ahead Of The DCU Reboot
Batman #1; Written by Matt Fraction; Art by Jorge Jimenez & Tomey Morey
The Dark Knight glides over Gotham City square in Batman #1
As soon as Batman receives an update on an out-of-control Killer Croc in Batman #1 (not to be confused with Absolute Batman's Killer Croc), he glides over Gotham. Gotham looks breathtaking in one specific panel, with the sunset casting a warm light on Gotham's main square. The square's bright screens provide a drastic contrast with the gothic architecture of the surrounding buildings, and tall, shining skyscrapers can be spotted in the background.
Batman #1's Gotham City is the perfect mix of gloomy, modern, and fantastical. In only one panel, Batman #1 brings together Tim Burton and Matt Reeves' Batman inspirations, with a speck of James Gunn's comic-booky Metropolis sprinkled in. This blend is just as fitting for DC Comics' current Batman as it may be for the DCU's Dark Knight.
In Andy Muschitti's The Brave and the Bold, each part of Gotham could have its own distinct look. Some parts may be realistic and gritty, while others could look more modern or fantastical, and others could look gloomy and gothic. For instance, Arkham could be inspired by Arkham Asylum: A Serious House on Serious Earth while other, more grounded stories could draw inspiration from comics like Batman: Year One.
The DCU's Gotham Is Already On The Right Track
Clayface Set Photos Show A Gritty Gotham City
batman villain clayface smashing a building while gigantic
Clayface set footage reveals several details about the DCU's Gotham City. Clayface's torn-down city corners, GCPD cars, and Gotham City Hall don't look too different from The Batman's version of Gotham. Since Clayface seems to be a character-driven solo origin movie, it makes sense for Gotham to be grounded. However, other DCU projects could show another face of the city.
The Brave and the Bold and other Batman-related projects might feature more extravagant architecture. Creature Commandos confirmed that Batman has already faced enemies as colorful as Doctor Phosphorus and a fully-monstrous Clayface. If villains like these already exist in the DCU's Gotham, anything is possible.
