The Arkham series is often considered one of the best on-screen Batman adaptations and a huge reason for that is the incredible character designs from the team at Rocksteady. Each hero and villain clearly draws from DC Comics, but the video game studio was also unafraid to take risks and put their own spin on classic costumes and familiar characterizations.

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The results are astounding, with some of these designs going on to impact other adaptations of the characters. For some fans, these are the definitive versions of these vigilantes and criminals, with concepts behind each of these creations ultimately boiling down to great storytelling; from the colors they wear to the weapons they wield.

Batman

Batman throwing a Batarang in the rain in Batman: Arkham Knight

Looking back on the original Arkham Asylum now and it's clear that the initial design of The Caped Crusader still holds up today. Taking cues from the comics, Rocksteady opted for a realistic look that evolved over time, playing around with different hard materials to create a costume that appeared to be both well armored and allow for ranged maneuvrability.

Unique gameplay elements were also built into the suit, whether it was the Detective Vision that players are now so familiar with or the various gadgets on the iconic utility belt. The silhouette of the character is perhaps what defines Batman most, and this never changed; even when the costume got a major metallic redesign for Arkham Knight. 

Harley Quinn

Harley Quinn backed up by the Joker's henchmen

The Harley Quinn design for the Arkham series is so iconic that James Gunn even draws on it for his adaptation of the anti-hero in The Suicide SquadThe use of leather and the bold colors immediately sets it apart from some of the other criminals in the series.

Although Suicide Squad: Kill The Justice League could learn from this look, it appears the game is moving in a new direction. Regardless, this biker-esque approach allowed Harley to mesh well with the aesthetic of The Joker's henchmen, while also standing out. While the practicality of the design is questionable, each element has been well thought out and has been copied since, including the dyeing of the hair.

The Joker

The Joker aims his gun while wearing his bright suit

The Joker is a tough character to crack as every fan has their own idea of what The Clown Prince Of Crime should really look like. The version seen within the games, though, is a fan favorite, although that is partially down to the incredible voice work of Mark Hamill.

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Although it would have been easy to go down a dark and twisted path, there's a whimsy to the creation of this Joker, with the bright purples, oranges, and circus-like suit. This is intriguingly contrasted with the grotesque face that Rocksteady has created, which seems at odds with the playful nature of the rest of the design.

Batgirl

Batgirl On A Matter Of Family Banner in Batman Arkham Knight

Batgirl is actually one of the few other playable characters in the series and thus extra care had to go into her costuming and design. Fans are perhaps more familiar with Barbara Gordon as Oracle heading into the Arkham series, but throughout the franchise she emerges as a noble hero, boasting a suit clearly inspired by the original Dark Knight.

Although elements of the costume are taken from the original Batman design, there's also a sleekness and edge that Bruce's costume is lacking. The brightness of the golden logo feels a little more hopeful, and there's a defensive quality to the shinier surface of the materials used as if the armor is reinforced, giving the air of authenticity.

The Penguin

Penguin confronting Bruce Wayne in Batman Arkham City

The Penguin is perhaps one of the biggest villains of Batman's world to have gone through countless interpretations. The Arkham series casts the character as British, with his monocle cleverly replaced by the end of a bottle; a scar he picked up in the middle of a bar brawl.

The famous umbrella is just as lethal in a boss battle as might be expected, but somehow nothing on this gritty reimagining of the character looks comical. The Penguin after all is quite a strange concept on paper, but Arkham's iteration allows the mobster to truly feel like a wealthy but grungy crime lord.

Mr. Freeze

Mr Freeze uses his ice blaster

Mr. Freeze is a complex character, one that has to be handled with great care. Fans have fond memories of his adaptation in the animated series, but Arkham manages to keep that iteration of the character alive. The suit put forward in the video game is clunky and almost sci-fi in nature.

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Mr. Freeze is loaded with icy weaponry, but the suit he wears has the clear purpose of keeping him alive. There's a dash of realism, therefore, brought to the role thanks to the bulkiness of the suit and a softness in the performance that still allows the audience to emotionally connect with this tragic scientist.

Azrael

Azrael Standing In The Rain in Batman Arkham Knight

The legend of The Order Of St. Dumas is teased throughout the Arkham franchise and Azreal is some kind of herald for the group. His obsession with fulfilling Batman's role puts the vigilantes at odds with one another, but this is perhaps the most classic version of the anti-hero.

There's religious imagery throughout the design, with hints of the world's greatest detective's own garb. The costume feels like a warrior heading into the crusades, but the mask has a terrifying presence to it that adds to the perception that no one quite knows if Azrael is a friend or foe.

The Riddler

The Riddler as seen in Arkham City

The Riddler is a crazed showman who cares not for personal hygiene or wealth but simply for trapping and torturing The Bat. The design of the Arkham series really reflects this, with the costuming seemingly becoming dirtier with each passing meeting with the character.

While the basement-dwelling criminal might not have access to cleaning facilities, he still makes sure that his meetings with the vigilantes of Gotham have a touch of pizzazz. The question marks on absolutely everything might be overkill, but the trademark green and dashes of purple help to bring the look and feel of Riddler, his locations, and his props together.

The Arkham Knight

The Arkham Knight faces down Batman as his goons back him up

The titular character of the final installment to the main trilogy was a mystery to players ahead of the game, but the twist reveal that it was Jason Todd beneath the armor was definitely aided by the design of the costuming. The way that the Knight's gear can transform into the Red Hood's was a truly great piece of engineering.

The mechanical rival to Batman throughout the game, The Arkham Knight's suit had to feel advanced and far more dangerous. While fans might get to play as Red Hood in DLC for the title, arguably the aura created by The Arkham Knight design is superior. There's a sense that this is a hardened military man with an answer for every eventuality.

Anarky

Batman fighting Anarky inside the courthouse in Batman: Arkham Origins (2013)

Anarky's force was really felt in Arkham Origins. Although the character might not be a big-time player, the design of the well-known revolutionist pulls from other pop culture imagery based around rebellion and anonymity. It's a look that's both to be feared and one that could be copied by those following the cause.

The beauty of the design is that it's actually very basic, despite boasting some bold colors and clean iconography. The anonymous factor means any henchman could wear it on the streets. Resultingly, the design had to blend well with the aesthetic of all the titles. Luckily, Rocksteady also didn't forget about the trademark A from the comics.

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