Batman – White Knight: A promising universe for DC

Image by DC Comics/Art by Sean Murphy

The two Harleys

The other major move in White Knight was having a second Harley Quinn in the story. What is funny is that Murphy restores the original Harleen Quinzel (who was originally created in BTAS by Bruce Timm and writer extraordinaire Paul Dini) by having her quit sometime during Joker’s beating of Jason Todd. This Harley Quinn, who is more the jester type, simply leaves Joker. But she is replaced by a second Harley Quinn (named Marian Drews), who serves as an explanation for the sexier “New-52” version of the character.

Honestly, this splintering of this female villain/anti-hero into two was pretty brilliant. And should be adopted by DC in the main continuity in some form. Like the Robin character, “Harley Quinn” now has become a mantle for others to carry. It just adds to the Quinn mythology, and can be used to create more stories utilizing both versions of the character.

Murphy-Verse beyond

I have often wondered why DC doesn’t tap more of their more prolific comic and animation writers to work on their film universe – the DC Extended Universe (or DCEU). The storytellers on those projects have always delivered a higher quality product with greater frequency.

The cool thing is that Murphy has further plans to take this universe into the future, specifically that of the Terry McGinnis’ Batman. Murphy told DC Daily that he wants to “bridge the entire series into Batman Beyond.” Another clear sign that Murphy loves to play in the Timm-verse sandbox, while creating new and innovative stories.

Where could DC go from here? It is great that this White Knight universe is getting more opportunities to expand its narrative and mythology in comic form. But DC should take advantage of yet another great take on Batman. A character that is very pliable when it comes to storytelling.

Maybe an animated adaptation is in order for White Knight? This would especially be awesome if DC brings back the BTAS cast to voice it.

Then there is the idea of adapting this into a film. DC has severely lacked in the film department as of late, although Patty Jenkin’s Wonder Woman (2017) was excellent. And I’m hopeful that James Wan’s Aquaman (opening December 21) will also show they have fixed the DCEU. In between was the most recent entry: Justice League (2017), which was a disappointment considering the superhero firepower that film boasted.

DC’s Joker movie (due out Oct. 4, 2019) starring Joaquin Phoenix shows they are willing to do standalone films. Why not start a standalone White Knight universe? Whatever happens, hopefully DC is able to use his new Murphy-verse to their advantage.