Image by DC Comics/Art by Sean Murphy Batman
Batman: White Knight will see a comic sequel next year. Creator Sean Murphy may have the beginning of a promising non-canon Batman universe. Spoilers ahead for Batman: White Knight.
On Wednesday, DC Daily interviewed Sean Murphy, who is the creator/writer/artist of Batman: White Knight. Having only read White Knight myself a few weeks ago, I was excited to hear about his plans for the sequels, which will include 2019’s Batman: Curse of the White Knight. During the interview, Murphy shared the following about his new Batman universe:
"“My thing seems to be reinventing villains to make them somewhat compassionate, so that even the reader is rooting for Batman to lose in a way.”"
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What was most intriguing about the White Knight universe (which can also be dubbed the Murphy-verse) is how closely it related to one particular Dark Knight universe: the Timm-verse. This is the universe created by Bruce Timm, who oversaw the animated universes of Batman: The Animated Series (BTAS), Superman: The Animated Series, Justice League, Justice League Unlimited, and Batman Beyond.
This interconnected animated universe is mostly known for its Bruce Wayne/Batman, who was voiced by Kevin Conroy. Most people reading comics can hear Conroy’s Batman in their head, along with Mark Hamill’s top-notch voicing of the Joker. With White Knight, these were the only voices that I heard as I read along.
Murphy’s universe feels like a continuation of the animated universes. Not to say it isn’t original. The story about Joker going straight and Batman being weary of his intentions is smartly executed. Which is another argument for it fitting into the Timm-verse, which was known for its excellent writing.
The Murphy-verse villains in particular are very much in the vein of the Timm-Verse. Bruce Timm’s villains were known for having narratives and motivations that went well beyond ruling the world or making a quick buck. There was always some kind of damage or trauma that starts them down the road of crime. They can easily end up robbing banks or wanting to destroy Gotham, but it all begins with someone that suffers some kind of great loss. These characters are more three dimensional, and hence the line between good and evil becomes fuzzier.
Two of the biggest factors for the connection between Murphy and Timm’s takes are the interesting inclusion of Jason Todd and the handling of Harley Quinn.
Image by DC Comics/Art by Sean Murphy
The second Robin (or the first?)
The final 24 episodes of BTAS were initially called The New Batman Adventures during its first run on Kids’ WB (ran from 1997-99). The main focus of these stories was Batman, Batgirl, Nightwing (the original Robin – Dick Grayson), and a new Robin (Tim Drake). The show skipped over the story of Jason Todd, who had been killed by the Joker in the main Batman continuity. This particular Batman story is known as “A Death in the Family” (written by Jim Starlin and illustrated by Jim Aparo, Batman #426-429, 1988-89).
This was, of course, fine because BTAS had created its own universe, and wasn’t looking to go into the death of the second Robin from the main continuity (especially for a cartoon meant for kids). Murphy actually places Jason Todd before Dick Grayson in White Knight, and he had the following to say on his take for Todd:
"“I would love to get to Jason Todd. One of the happy accidents of ‘Volume 1’ was I switched the order of the Robins. So that Jason Todd in White Knight – spoilers – he was not killed. He just left. So for ‘Volume 2’ , I wanted to sort of touch on that. I’m not sure I’m going to fit it in ‘Volume 2.’ Maybe at the end? But if I ever get a third volume, maybe I’ll tackle the Jason Todd thing.”"
Todd existing before Grayson could actually fit into the Timm-verse. It would take some major revisions to make it fit, but it kind of leaves a reason for why Todd is never mentioned in the animated universe. Either way, it’s a cool addition in White Knight because it opens up story options. In the main continuity, Todd comes back from the dead and takes on the moniker of Red Hood. He even eventually becomes one of Batman’s allies again – although Red Hood is more of an anti-hero and still at odds with his former mentor.
For Murphy, he can go in any direction with this still alive Jason Todd. Batman may not have to carry the weight of his death, but will have to deal with having driven him away. It also changes the relationship for Dick Grayson, who now has a predecessor as Robin, instead of being the original. That is a big change for Batman and Robin’s ongoing relationship, which now encompasses nearly eight decades of stories.
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.