Gotham: The series that explores the origins of the Batman myth
Before Bruce Wayne became the Dark Knight , Gotham City already had its heroes, its dramas, and its legendary criminals. The series Gotham , which aired between 2014 and 2019, offers a unique look at this pivotal period, exploring the origins of many iconic characters from the DC Comics universe. Much more than a simple prequel, the series reveals how a city plagued by corruption and violence shaped the vigilantes and villains who would mark its history.
At the heart of the story is James Gordon , a young GCPD detective determined to restore order in a city plagued by crime. It is through his eyes that we discover the evolution of Bruce Wayne , still a child, but also the rise to power of emblematic figures such as the Penguin , the Riddler , and Poison Ivy .
With its dark atmosphere, detective intrigue, and realistic approach to origins, Gotham stands out as a work of art in its own right, capable of appealing to both comic book fans and fans of television thrillers. It significantly enriches the Batman mythology by showing that Gotham's history is not limited to the fate of the future caped vigilante.
👉 To extend the experience and recreate the dark universe of the series, explore our selection of Gotham posters and Batman and villains figurines .
James Gordon: Protector of a City in Decline
In Gotham , the real hero at the start is not Bruce Wayne, but James Gordon. Still a simple inspector, he is presented as a man of integrity in a city eaten away by corruption. Where most GCPD officers turn a blind eye or make deals with local mafias, Gordon chooses to stay on the side of justice, even if it means putting himself in danger.
His role in the series is crucial: he embodies hope and resilience in the face of Gotham's growing chaos. We see him confront not only street criminals but also cartels, mafia families, and crooked politicians. This relentless struggle makes him a figure almost as symbolic as Batman himself.
The relationship between Gordon and the young Bruce Wayne is also central to the plot. After the tragic murder of Thomas and Martha Wayne, Gordon becomes a mentor and support figure for the child, laying the foundation for the future alliance between the masked vigilante and the commissioner that fans know so well.
👉 To learn more about this seminal relationship, check out our full article on Bruce Wayne's transformation into Batman , a story that is integral to Gotham's mythology.
The Origins of Gotham's Greatest Villains
The strength of the Gotham series also lies in the way it develops the beginnings of Batman's most famous enemies. Each season reveals the genesis of legendary characters who will become, years later, the Dark Knight 's most formidable antagonists.
Oswald Cobblepot, aka the Penguin , is one of the central characters. Starting out as a simple underling, he climbs the ranks of organized crime to become the master of the underworld. The series highlights his Machiavellian intelligence and limitless ambition.
Edward Nygma, the future Riddler , begins as a somewhat clumsy scientist for the GCPD. Gradually, his psychological problems and obsession with puzzles push him toward a criminal destiny.
Selina Kyle, the future Catwoman , is introduced as a young street thief. Her ambiguous relationship with Bruce Wayne, mixing friendship, seduction, and rivalry, has its roots in the series. 👉 To learn more, check out our article on Catwoman .
Finally, Poison Ivy , the Joker (in various incarnations) and other prominent figures make their appearance, confirming that Gotham is not only the city of the future Batman, but also the cradle of his greatest enemies.
🎭 And to extend this dive into the world of villains, explore our collection of Batman costumes, a must-have for fans who want to display Gotham's icons.
The Legacy of the Gotham Series
While Gotham may have sometimes divided critics, it has left a lasting mark on the world of DC adaptations. Over five seasons, the series has revisited legendary characters from a fresh perspective and delved deeper into figures often reduced to their antagonistic roles. It also offered a modern reinterpretation of Bruce Wayne's roots, before his evolution into the Dark Knight.
By highlighting the city's dark and corrupt atmosphere , Gotham reminded us that the real star wasn't just Batman, but the city itself: vibrant, chaotic, and unpredictable. 👉 To better understand this unique setting, check out our article dedicated to Gotham City .
The series also served as a springboard for new audiovisual projects around the Batman universe. It paved the way for darker works like Matt Reeves' The Batman (2022), where the investigation and twilight atmosphere take center stage again. 👉 Also read: our complete guide to the Batman movies .
Finally, Gotham's cultural impact is also reflected in the passion of its fans, who continue to fuel theories, fan art, and online discussions. Characters like the Penguin and the Riddler have grown in popularity, becoming modern icons. This vitality proves that, even without a cape or mask, Bruce Wayne's story continues to inspire.
Why is Gotham still a must-see series?
Gotham 's strength lies in its ability to reinvent a universe we thought we already knew by heart. By focusing on the origins of iconic enemies , the series brought new psychological depth to figures like the Joker , the Penguin , and Poison Ivy . These nuanced portraits explain why the series remains a reference for anyone who wants to understand the roots of the myth.
It also offers a more realistic look at Gotham's corruption and the fragility of its institutions, through characters like James Gordon. This narrative choice helped show that, even before Batman's arrival, some anonymous heroes were already fighting to save the city.
For fans, Gotham is a true gateway to the DC Universe, just like the great cinematic sagas. 👉 If you want to extend the experience, also discover our analysis of The Dark Knight Trilogy , another work that marked the history of Batman.