Is Assault on Arkham a Canon for Both the Arkhamverse and DC Animated Movies?

Introduction

In the vast and intricate universe of DC Entertainment, 'Assault on Arkham' has been a subject of much debate among fans. While the graphic novel and its animated film adaptation share significant similarities with the Arkhamverse and the broader DC animated universe, their place within the canon is a topic of considerable discussion. This article delves into the intricate details of these connections, exploring whether 'Assault on Arkham' is indeed part of the larger DC animated movie continuity or if it stands alone as a unique entity.

Connection to the Arkhamverse

Stylistic Elements and Character Designs

'Assault on Arkham' is not just any graphic novel or animated adaptation; it is a detailed and stylistically rich element of the Arkhamverse, a universe that revolves around the iconic game series and its spin-offs. The novel, created by Scott Campbell and released in 2016, is a direct continuation of the gameplay mechanics, plot devices, and atmosphere that fans of the Arkham series have come to love. This is evident in its character designs, which are heavily influenced by the visual aesthetics of the games.

Timeline Discrepancies

However, despite the strong visual and thematic connections to the Arkhamverse, 'Assault on Arkham' does not strictly adhere to the overarching timeline of the wider DC animated movie universe. This is often seen in the way the graphic novel does not neatly align with the chronology established in the more recent animated films such as 'Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League'. As a result, while 'Assault on Arkham' can be considered canon within its specific context within the Arkhamverse, it is not part of the greater DC animated movie continuity.

Position in the DC Animated Movie Universe

Outside the DC New 52 Animated Movie Universe

It is important to note that 'Assault on Arkham' was never officially connected to the DC New 52 Animated Movie Universe, which marked a significant overhaul of the DC comics timeline. This separation highlights the unique nature of the Arkhamverse, which operates within a distinct, but still canon, universe.

Canon Status in the Arkhamverse

While 'Assault on Arkham' is firmly rooted in the Arkhamverse and its characters, it does not occupy a place in the DC animated movie continuity beyond the Arkhamverse. The graphic novel and its animated adaptation are considered part of the Arkhamverse's rich narrative tapestry, developed in conjunction with the video game series. This means that 'Assault on Arkham' is known to be canon within the Arkhamverse, but its status in the broader DC animated universe remains ambiguous.

Charactering and Continuity

The characters introduced in 'Assault on Arkham' are strongly aligned with the Arkhamverse, and the story is set in a world where the events of the Arkham games have already occurred. However, the subsequent animated film, 'Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League', introduces a different version of these characters, leading to a degree of discontinuity. This phenomenon is common in media tie-ins, where emerging narratives and adaptations may not fully align with earlier works, prompting a reimagining of characters and events.

Conclusion

Ultimately, 'Assault on Arkham' occupies a unique space within the DC universe, representing a significant contribution to the Arkhamverse while maintaining a distinct identity. While it is canon within its immediate context, its status in the larger DC animated movie universe is more ambiguous. Fans and scholars of the DC universe generally agree that more Arkhamverse movies would be a welcome addition, as they could help to solidify the narrative coherence across both the Arkhamverse and the broader DC animated universe.

Related Keywords

Arkhamverse DC Animated Movies Assault on Arkham

Further Reading

Exploring the Arkhamverse DC Animated Movie Universe Overview Clarifying 'Assault on Arkham': A Graphic Novel Analysis