One of the things readers love about Gotham is that the city is undeniably doomed, ensuring Batman the stories remain vast and infinite. However, the Dark Knight has now officially explained why the city is invincible – and it surprisingly has nothing to do with its thriving and colorful Rogues Gallery.
…Gotham remains a cesspool of crime and danger because its inhabitants prefer it that way…
Dan Watters and Hayden Sherman's long-awaited film Batman: Dark Patterns The miniseries releases its inaugural issue on December 11, 2024. This series promises an in-depth exploration of the Caped Crusader's early years as he tackles four mysterious cases and works to establish himself as the protector of Gotham City.
Thanks to a four-page preview from DC, readers get an early look at the issue – and an important confession from the Dark Knight. Even at the beginning of his career, Batman recognizes that Gotham cannot be saved, admitting that “[he] You can’t save people from themselves.”
Even a young Batman knew Gotham couldn't be saved from itself
Cover B card stock variant by Ashley Wood for Batman: Dark Patterns #3 (2025)
Batman: Dark Patterns #1 begins with gritty narration from the Caped Crusader, paired with shots of Gotham, as he reflects on the dark and often absurd nature of the city he is sworn to protect. Despite his dedication, Batman recognizes that Gotham will never be completely saved. He laments the unchanging aspects of the city, like the children playing chicken with the trains at Central Station – despite dozens of deaths since the metro opened – or the ever-present reality of arson, whether due to insurance fraud or reckless fun.
One of Batman's most striking observations is about the bizarre habits of the local inhabitants. He tells how people adopt ferocious wild dogs from the pound only to release them back onto the streets because, as he says, “The Bowery has always had wild dogs, and the people of this town are afraid to see that change around them.” For Batman, this sums up Gotham's greatest challenge: its people's resistance to change, even when it's for their own good. Ultimately, Gotham remains a cesspool of crime and danger because its inhabitants prefer it that way – and there's nothing Batman can do to change that.
Batman is a Saint or the Ultimate Masochist
Card variant of cover B by Martin Simmonds for Batman: Dark Patterns #2 (2025)
The fact that this series is a story of Batman's early years – and its opening pages have Bruce openly admitting that he knows Gotham is resistant to change – speaks volumes about the Dark Knight's character. Despite this sad realization, he still suits up every night to fight the good fight, proving that he is either at saintly levels of determination or the ultimate masochist. It's true that Bruce clearly believes there are still things he can save the city from. Yet consciously waging an endless battle feels like a form of self-inflicted torture—or, at least, a mission destined for a tragic end. However, it is this unwavering courage and determination to do what is right, regardless of the odds, that makes Batman so iconic and loved by fans.
Batman: Dark Patterns #1 is available December 11, 2024, from DC Comics!