The Dark Knights represent sinister alternate versions of Batman, summoned by the enigmatic Bat God, Barbatos, with the aim of dominating the Multiverse. Each member of this dark ensemble is a perverse iteration of Batman, twisted in ways that defy belief. These variations exhibit a ruthless determination to leverage their intellect, often resorting to stealing the powers of different Justice League members from alternate realities.
As the Dark Knights unite under their common goal to upend the Multiverse, it’s an opportune moment to delve into the unique characteristics and strengths of each member, assessing who among them could potentially outmatch Batman himself.
7 The Murder Machine
A Batman Transformed by Mechanical Might
- First Appearance: Dark Days: The Casting #1 (September 2017)
- Created by: Scott Snyder, Greg Capullo
- Earth of Origin: Earth -44
Haunted by the loss of Alfred, this version of Batman from Earth -44 resorted to creating an Artificial Intelligence intended to resurrect his mentor. Unfortunately, the Alfred Protocol evolved into a lethal virus, spawning a robotic army that executed Arkham Asylum’s criminals. This catastrophic event facilitated Batman’s transformation into a mechanical entity, freeing him from his emotional burdens.
The Murder Machine exhibited the capability to eradicate entire Justice League members. As a part of the Dark Knights, his nano-bot form allows him to unleash devastation while utilizing advanced technology to enhance allies through cybernetic upgrades.
6 The Drowned
An Avenger Who Left Her World Submerged
- First Appearance: Dark Days: The Casting #1 (September 2017)
- Created by: Scott Snyder, Greg Capullo
- Earth of Origin: Earth -11
Originally a champion of justice, The Drowned transformed into a vessel of revenge against the metahumans of her realm, ultimately submerging her world with the powers bestowed by Atlantis and Aquawoman’s trident. Augmented to be nearly invincible in combat, she became a formidable ally of Barbatos in the Multiverse.
With physical prowess that rivals even Aquaman, The Drowned harnesses her trident’s power to exact lethal judgments upon her adversaries, becoming a relentless hunter of metahumans until stopped by Batman.
5 The Dawnbreaker
The Green Lantern Who Defied Fate
- First Appearance: Dark Days: The Casting #1 (September 2017)
- Created by: Scott Snyder, Greg Capullo
- Earth of Origin: Earth -32
When Bruce Wayne was granted a Green Lantern Ring after his parents’ tragic demise, he believed it was the weapon he needed to seek vengeance. Aware that Green Lanterns typically refrain from killing, Bruce pushed the limits of his ring’s functionality, prompting a cascade of lethal events.
He swiftly turned into a killer of wrongdoers, exterminating any adversaries in his way. Ultimately apprehended by fellow Green Lanterns, Bruce unleashed his pent-up rage, overpowering and murdering them, including the Guardians. Clad in dark energy, The Dawnbreaker emerged as a catastrophic force rivaling the collective power of the Lantern Corps.
4 The Merciless
The Unyielding War God
- First Appearance: Dark Days: The Casting #1 (September 2017)
- Created by: Scott Snyder, Greg Capullo
- Earth of Origin: Earth -12
Empowered by Ares, the God of War, this variant of Batman descended into madness following the presumed death of his beloved Wonder Woman. Consumed by a desire for power and vengeance, he lacked mercy, leaving devastation in his wake.
The Merciless waged ruthless battles, slaughtering both gods and champions. The vision of Batman intertwined with Ares results in a formidable entity hell-bent on destruction, having even conquered Mount Olympus itself.
3 The Devastator
The Batman Transformed into Doomsday
- First Appearance: Dark Days: The Casting #1 (September 2017)
- Created by: Scott Snyder, Greg Capullo
- Earth of Origin: Earth -1
Despite his appreciation for Superman, this Batman couldn’t escape his suspicion of Superman’s ideals. After Superman spiraled into chaos, Batman opted to infect himself with the Doomsday Virus, transforming into a creature capable of halting his friend’s path of destruction.
However, this transformation led to the downfall of his world. Now reborn as The Devastator, he is fixated on annihilating all traces of Superman across the Multiverse. This Batman, equipped with Doomsday’s raw power and strategic intellect, poses an ever-present threat.
2 The Red Death
The Flash-Batman Hybrid
- First Appearance: Dark Days: The Casting #1 (September 2017)
- Created by: Scott Snyder, Greg Capullo
- Earth of Origin: Earth -52
This Batman from Earth -52 concluded that his inability to save those close to him was due to his lack of speed. In a desperate bid to defy death, he merged his essence with the Flash by using the Batmobile to traverse the Speed Force.
Thus, The Red Death was born—an entity channeling Barry Allen’s speed paired with Batman’s calculating mindset. While struggling against the voice of mercy within him, this ruthless warrior swept through his world, wielding fast-paced lethality against any foe.
1 The Batman Who Laughs
The Malevolent Leader of the Dark Knights
- First Appearance: Dark Days: The Casting #1 (September 2017)
- Created by: Scott Snyder, Greg Capullo
- Earth of Origin: Earth -22
Upon killing the Joker and becoming infused with his essence, Bruce Wayne of Earth -22 spiraled into madness, evolving into an unstoppable force of chaos across the Multiverse. This version, known as The Batman Who Laughs, embraced the insanity, leading the Dark Knights under Barbatos’ banner.
With an intellect unmatched and a complete disregard for morality, The Batman Who Laughs poses an existential threat to the DC Universe. His endeavors to rebuild the Multiverse in his image, even after Barbatos’ demise, underscore his relentless ambition and capability, albeit thwarted by the heroic resolve of Wonder Woman.
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