Is Batman: Assault on Arkham Canon to the Arkham Games?
The Arkham series, developed by Rocksteady Studios and published by Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, is a critically acclaimed and beloved franchise of superhero games based on the character of Batman. The series includes Batman: Arkham Asylum, Batman: Arkham City, Batman: Arkham Knight, and Batman: Arkham VR. However, with the release of Batman: Assault on Arkham in 2014, there was a question on fans’ minds: is Assault on Arkham canon to the Arkham games? In this article, we’ll delve into the evidence and explore the relationship between Assault on Arkham and the Arkham series.
What is Batman: Assault on Arkham?
Batman: Assault on Arkham is a CGI animated film produced by DC Entertainment and Warner Bros. Animation. The movie serves as a spin-off of the Arkham series and features a unique storyline and characters. The film focuses on the Suicide Squad, a team of supervillains led by Amanda Waller, who are assigned to infiltrate Arkham Asylum and extract key information from the Riddler. The team members include Deadshot, Deathstroke, Harley Quinn, Captain Boomerang, and Killer Frost.
Is Batman: Assault on Arkham Canon to the Arkham Games? Evidence and Analysis
To determine the canon status of Assault on Arkham, let’s examine the evidence and discuss the implications.
Internal Consistency
Assault on Arkham takes place concurrently with the events of Arkham City. In the film, the game is mentioned, and Kevin Connolly, a main character, is shown working at the Arkham Asylum’s security desk, where he is monitoring Arkham City’s perimeter cameras. This internal consistency and nod to the Arkham series suggest that Assault on Arkham is, at the very least, not entirely disconnected from the primary timeline.
Intrusions into the Arkham Universe
Assault on Arkham introduces several DC Comics characters, including Task Force X, which doesn’t exist in the comics during the time period explored in the Arkham games. However, this anomaly could be attributed to DC Comics’ willingness to reinvent and rebrand familiar characters for the sake of the film. This injection of new characters into the Arkham universe doesn’t necessarily disqualify the film from being considered part of the canon.
Arguments For/Against Canon Status
Arguments For Canon Status:
- Internal Consistency: As mentioned earlier, the film’s events appear to take place concurrently with Arkham City, hinting at a connection.
- References and Nods: The mention of Arkham City in the film and the portrayal of Kevin Connolly on Arkham Asylum’s security desk demonstrate an interest in maintaining continuity.
- DC Comics Reboot: The DC Rebirth initiative, which recontexualized the DC Comics universe, could potentially assimilate Assault on Arkham into the main continuity, considering the film’s alternate timeline and reimagining of characters.
Arguments Against Canon Status:
- Non-Core Characters: The inclusion of non-canonical characters from the comics, such as Task Force X, contradicts the Arkham games’ focus on established heroes and villains.
- Alternate Timeline: Assault on Arkham’s storytelling and character interpretations differ from those in the Arkham games, suggesting a branching timeline or alternate universe.
Conclusion
Batman: Assault on Arkham does exhibit some connections to the Arkham series, especially regarding internal consistency and references to Arkham City. Despite introducing non-canonical characters and deviating from traditional Batman lore, the film’s nods to the source material and willingness to push the boundaries of the characters could be seen as an attempt to expand the Arkham universe.
Canon In-Canon
If Batman: Assault on Arkham is considered canon to the Arkham series, it would mean that the events within the film are considered legitimate and part of the DC Comics universe. However, considering the film’s focus on the Suicide Squad, Task Force X, and other non-canonical characters, it’s possible that Arkham Asylum’s managing director, Quincy Sharp, could have created a shadowy organization or covert task force to deal with this type of situation, thereby segregating Assault on Arkham’s events from the mainstream continuity.
In Closing
Batman: Assault on Arkham’s relationship to the Arkham series remains unclear. While the film shows some signs of embracing canon, its introduction of new characters and deviations from established lore raise questions. The answer ultimately lies within the creative decisions made by Rocksteady Studios and WBIE. If you asked Kevin Connolly, though, he’d probably smile knowingly and say, "Assault on Arkham? That’s just some Arkham City business…"
Table 1: Canon Inferences from Assault on Arkham
| Element | Canon Status? | Reasons |
|---|---|---|
| Internal Consistency | Canon | Concurrency with Arkham City, Kevin Connolly’s presence at Arkham Asylum |
| New Characters | Non-Canon | Introduction of Task Force X and other non-canonical characters |
| In-Canon Storytelling | Canon? | Alternate timeline/perspective, but potential fit within the Arkham Universe |
| DC Reboot | Canon | Potential assimilation of Assault on Arkham into the DC Rebirth initiative |
Bullet Point Summary
• Batman: Assault on Arkham explores a unique storyline and introduces non-canonical characters within the Arkham universe
• The film exhibits some internal consistency with the Arkham series, specifically during its events and Kevin Connolly’s presence
• Assault on Arkham’s story deviates from traditional Batman lore and introduces alternate character interpretations
• The Canon In-Canon theory attempts to reconcile the film’s deviations with the Arkham series’ core narrative
