Is Assault on Arkham Canon?
The Batman: Arkham series has been a benchmark for action-adventure games, offering an immersive experience for fans of the Dark Knight. One of the most popular games in the series is Batman: Arkham Asylum, released in 2009. However, a spin-off game, Batman: Assault on Arkham, was released in 2014, and its canonicity has been a topic of debate among fans. In this article, we’ll dive into the world of DC Comics and explore the answer to the question: Is Assault on Arkham canon?
What is Canonicity?
Before we dive into the topic, let’s define canonicity. In the context of comics, movies, and TV shows, canonicity refers to the level of consistency between different stories and their characters. In other words, canonicity ensures that the events, characters, and plotlines presented in one story align with the established continuity of the series.
The Batman: Arkham Series
The Batman: Arkham series is a collection of video games developed by Rocksteady Studios and published by Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment. The series is based on the DC Comics character Batman and follows the story of Batman as he battles various villains and saves Gotham City from destruction.
Batman: Assault on Arkham
Released in 2014, Batman: Assault on Arkham is a tie-in game to the animated film Batman: Assault on Arkham. The game takes place after the events of Batman: Arkham Origins and follows the story of Deathstroke, a former soldier turned mercenary, as he infiltrates the Arkham Asylum.
Is Assault on Arkham Canon?
The question of whether Assault on Arkham is canon is a complex one. In an interview with IGN, Etrigan Ewing, the game’s writer, stated that Assault on Arkham is part of the Batman: Arkham continuity, but with some creative liberties taken to make the story more unique.
Evidence for Canon
Here are some points that suggest Assault on Arkham is canon:
• In-game references: The game contains references to the events of Batman: Arkham Origins, which suggests that Assault on Arkham takes place in the same continuity.
• Character appearances: Characters like Batman, Deathstroke, and the Joker appear in the game, which confirms the game’s connection to the Batman: Arkham series.
• Story continuity: The game’s storyline is consistent with the overall narrative of the Batman: Arkham series, focusing on the themes of crime and justice.
Evidence against Canon
Here are some points that suggest Assault on Arkham may not be canon:
• Lack of direct references: Despite containing references to other games in the series, Assault on Arkham lacks direct references to the games that came before it.
• Alternative universe: Some fans argue that Assault on Arkham takes place in an alternate universe, separate from the mainline Batman: Arkham games.
• Disconnection from main storyline: The game’s storyline is separate from the main storyline of the Batman: Arkham series, which may suggest that it’s not part of the same continuity.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while there are valid arguments for and against Assault on Arkham’s canonicity, the evidence suggests that it is part of the Batman: Arkham continuity. The game’s references to previous games in the series, consistent storytelling, and character appearances all point to its connection to the mainline games. However, the lack of direct references and the game’s alternative storyline may raise questions about its canonicity.
Table: Canonicity of Assault on Arkham
| Point | Evidence | Implication |
|---|---|---|
| In-game references | Presence of references to Batman: Arkham Origins | Connects to the mainline series |
| Character appearances | Appearance of Batman, Deathstroke, and Joker | Confirms connection to the series |
| Story continuity | Consistent narrative themes | Part of the overall narrative |
| Lack of direct references | Limited references to previous games | Alternative universe or separate continuity |
| Disconnection from main storyline | Separate storyline from mainline games | Not part of the main continuity |
The Final Verdict
While there may be some debate among fans, the evidence suggests that Batman: Assault on Arkham is canon within the Batman: Arkham series. The game’s connections to the mainline games, consistent storytelling, and character appearances all point to its canonicity. However, the lack of direct references and the game’s alternative storyline may raise questions about its place in the overall continuity.
