A Damian Wayne Batman Game Would Have to Do Better By One Key Character

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It’s no secret that DC Comics is home to some of the most iconic heroes and villains in comic book history. With the DCU’s Superman reboot marking the start of a new era, it’s an exciting chapter for DC Comics fans, as well as its memorable cast of characters. With the spotlight back on these heroes, there’s growing interest in video game adaptations that let fans step into the story themselves.

Among DC’s most popular content is the Bat-Family, a group of sidekicks and allies closely tied to Batman’s story. While former Robins Dick Grayson and Jason Todd stand out as some of Batman’s most recognizable partners, there’s a case to be made that Damian Wayne, his biological son, is ready for a solo video game venture of his own. However, even if Damian Wayne received his own game, it would need to do right by his mother, Talia al Ghul.

Talia al Ghul Deserves Proper Video Game Representation

Damian is often portrayed as Batman’s fifth Robin, following Dick Grayson, Jason Todd, Tim Drake, and Stephanie Brown. In the comics, assuming the mantle of Robin is no simple task, as he finds himself torn between Bruce’s moral code and his strict upbringing. Raised by his mother, the daughter of Ra’s al Ghul and leader of the League of Assassins, he was trained to be lethal and unforgiving, vastly different from Batman’s methodologies, which include a no-kill rule.

Damian’s mother, Talia al Ghul, has appeared in several notable Batman-centric games, including Batman: Arkham City, LEGO Batman, and Gotham Knights. Interestingly, like in the comics, her personality often shifts depending on the story’s needs and the creative team behind her portrayal. For instance, in Arkham City, she’s not so much a villain as someone caught between her allegiance to her father and her genuine love for Bruce. On the other hand, Talia is the main villain in Gotham Knights, power-hungry, manipulative, and ruthless.

Coincidence or not, Talia’s video game adaptations closely mirror her varied portrayals throughout comic book history. In the classic Batman era of the 1980s and early 1990s, she was portrayed as a conflicted lover who truly cares for Bruce and shows moments of vulnerability and compassion. In contrast, her portrayal in Gotham Knights aligns more with Grant Morrison’s version, depicting the Daughter of the Demon’s Head as deeply complex, toxic, and sometimes abusive toward Damian.

Across all her portrayals, Talia consistently maintains her ties to the League of Assassins, her romance with Bruce, and her role as mother to Damian. Still, especially coming off the heels of Gotham Knights‘ story, which received mixed reviews, it’s time for the iconic character to have a role in a game that truly does justice to her dynamic with her son.

It’s Not Too Late to Revive Damian’s Solo Game

Though there’s been no confirmation of a Damian Wayne solo game, hope remains for fans of the formidable al Ghul family. In 2019, alleged concept art from a canceled Damian Wayne Batman game leaked online. Codenamed Project Sabbath, the game was rumored to feature an older Bruce Wayne mentoring Damian as he stepped into the role of Batman, possibly echoing Bruce’s dynamic with Terry McGinnis in Batman Beyond.

Even if the speculated canceled game never materializes, reworking its premise for a solo title starring an older Damian, while weaving in his connections to the League of Assassins and his mother, could be a recipe for success. After all, some DC Comics fans already thought Damian would be better-suited as Robin in Gotham Knights than Tim Drake due to the heavy emphasis on Talia al Ghul’s plans. Notably, if Talia were to appear in a solo game centered on Damian, fans might welcome a less abusive dynamic, something more strained, yet still willing to be a shoulder to lean on, similar to their relationship in Robin (Volume 3) by Joshua Williamson.

“}]] Details on the future of the DCU’s video game plans remain scarce, but it’s clear a Damian Wayne-centric Batman game should improve one character.  Read More