Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League offers a fragmented narrative, but it manages to bridge the gap between the Arkham games by delving into the events that unfolded in Bruce Wayne's life. As Task Force X embarks on their tour of the Hall of Justice at the onset of Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League, it becomes apparent that Batman's journey will take a poignant turn, as Jack Ryder recounts the events at the Batman Experience museum, unveiling a somber truth in Batman's own words.
Despite having several allies in the Arkham games, there is a stark contrast between the image of a Batman who values teamwork, appreciates his allies, and genuinely cares for his companions, and the actual portrayal of Bruce Wayne in the franchise. Surprisingly, Batman now seems to place greater value on his companions in the Justice League, rather than his Bat Family, a realization that is profoundly disheartening when openly articulated in Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League.
The Troubled Relationship Between Batman and Robin in the Arkham Games
Throughout the Arkhamverse games—Arkham Origins, Arkham Asylum, Arkham City, and Arkham Knight—Bruce Wayne consistently mistreats his so-called allies, particularly displaying a dismissive attitude towards them.
While Bruce's skepticism of Jim Gordon and the GCPD's assistance in Arkham Origins is warranted due to the prevalent corruption, his unnecessary and disparaging comments directed at Gordon in Arkham Asylum are evident.
Furthermore, the portrayal of Robin in the Arkhamverse, especially in Arkham City and its Harley Quinn's Revenge DLC, illustrates Batman's callous treatment of Tim Drake, with instances of neglect and lack of gratitude for his efforts.
Batman: Arkham Knight Continues Batman’s Unjust Dismissal of Robin
Arkham Knight sees Bruce maintaining an uneasy distance from Tim, making disrespectful decisions on his behalf, and considering an alternative successor to the Batman mantle, all of which highlight his continued disregard for Tim.
Even when the opportunity arises to free Tim and reunite him with Barbara, Bruce neglects to do so, ultimately leading to Tim's abduction by Scarecrow, a decision that appears to serve the game's narrative, but reflects poorly on Batman's treatment of his allies.
A New Chapter for Bruce in Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League
Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League presents surprising developments, including Bruce embracing Tim as a paternal figure, a stark departure from his neglect in the previous trilogy. This revelation, coupled with his immediate acceptance of the Justice League as allies, casts a shadow on his past colleagues, who consistently strived to earn Batman's approval and stood unwaveringly by his side.
While it is evident that Bruce always cared for Tim and the others, the depth of his affection was never as transparent and heartfelt as depicted in the extensive farewell log discovered by TFX in Bruce's Metropolis Batcave. This belated realization underscores Batman's transition from the Bat Family to the Justice League, a shift that evokes a sense of missed gratitude towards his former companions.
Tragic End of Batman and Robin’s Alliance in Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League
The narrative in Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League revolves around TFX, underscoring Batman's absence and signaling a poignant departure from his previous role. Despite offering a heartfelt farewell, which seems out of character, it becomes apparent that significant changes have transpired over the last five years, leaving Bruce's transformation and his newfound treatment of Tim unexplored before his departure to join a new team.
Regrettably, the revelation of Bruce inadvertently causing Tim's demise while under the influence of Brainiac serves as a harrowing conclusion, marking the end of Batman's tumultuous relationship with his latest Robin, following a history of neglect and disregard.