Gotham Knights: How The Bat Family Recovered After Batman's Death

Batman: Knightfall

One of the first times in the original run of comics that Bruce had to put down the cowl was during DC’s Knightfall event.

Unlike the Court of Owls, where Batman had gone missing, Knightfall explored what would happen if Bruce was physically unable to continue as a hero.

The story revolved around Bane returning to Gotham to wreak havoc on a personal vendetta against Batman. Many fans may recognise this story from Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight Returns, which shares a very similar premise, Bat-back breaking and all.

Unfortunately, Bruce doesn’t have access to a magic-handed prisoner for a quick recovery. Instead, the gang must find a replacement stand-in Batman, due to Grayson’s unwillingness to take up the mantle.

A common theme among all of these stories is Nightwing’s initial refusal to accept the role of Batman. This could play heavily into his role in Gotham Knights, as even the marketing material seems to be putting Batgirl at the forefront, potentially because she has taken the lead when the eldest Robin refused to.

After Dick's refusal to be Batman in Knightfall, the team brings on board the vigilante Azrael. This internship goes well for about five minutes before Azrael decides to use lethal force. The all-new, more murder-y Batman is swiftly defeated by a recovered Bruce Wayne, who then ironically hands the mantle over to Nightwing.

We got to see some of this play out during Arkham Knight, where it was shown Azrael was being trained to potentially take the Dark Knight's place. While Azrael is not confirmed for Gotham Knights elements of the Knightfall storyline - such as a false Batman - could make its way into the game.

The storyline very much set up Dick and Tim to be the next dynamic duo, with the pair coming to terms with the fact that Bruce cannot be Batman forever. Unfortunately, we didn't get to see much of this dynamic before Bruce was reintroduced, much like how Dragon Ball Z continues to pretend that Gohan is relevant.

However, if Dick and Tim were to team up during the campaign, it will no doubt have the young Robin urging Nightwing that Gotham needs Batman.