Batman: Arkham Knight - 10 Coolest Easter Eggs, Secrets And References Explained
2. Beware The Gray Ghost!
Batman: The Animated Series was a pretty big influence on the Arkham franchise. Not only did Rocksteady opt to reuse the series' voice cast - at least in respect to Batman, Joker and initially Harley Quinn too - the studio also utilised the talents of Paul Dini to construct the overarching narrative of Arkham Asylum and Arkham City.
BTAS' influences are plain for all to see across the Arkham series, but Arkham Knight has by far the coolest nod towards the show in the form of a poster referencing the Gray Ghost, which can be found in Oracle's clocktower.
The Legend of Zorro has long been a formative influence on Bruce Wayne in the comics, but BTAS opted to showcase another figure who inspired its own version of Batman in an episode called 'Beware the Gray Ghost'. It's a genius episode, not just because it celebrates one of the Dark Knight's most beloved onscreen figures, but also because it highlights one of his biggest literary influences: The Shadow.
The Gray Ghost is a fictional hero in the DCAU, and one portrayed by an actor voiced by sixties Batman star Adam West. The episode eventually sees West's character don the Gray Ghost mantle once more, with Batman fighting side by side with his childhood hero.