Blackgate Penitentiary
Encyclopedia
Blackgate Penitentiary is a fictional prison
depicted in the DC Universe
, traditionally located on a small island in the Gotham Bay, Gotham City
. Batman: The Long Halloween
suggests that it was preceded by Gotham State Penitentiary, which appeared often in pre-Crisis comics.
and forced to shut down. When the prison eventually re-opens, it is officially known as "Blackgate Penitentiary". Because of its secure location on a secluded island, Blackgate begins to take prominence over Gotham State, until the latter becomes virtually unused.
Unlike Arkham Asylum
, Blackgate is where sane criminals such as the Penguin
, Catman
, David Cain, Monsoon, Ernie Chubb, KGBeast
and various henchmen, mobsters, and mafia bosses are incarcerated when captured. The Joker
, Two-Face
, Clayface
II (Matt Hagen), the Ventriloquist
, Mr. Zsasz, Firefly, Calendar Man
and Rupert Thorne
are some criminals that have done time in both Arkham Asylum
and in Blackgate Penitentiary.
There are instances where inmates from Arkham Asylum
are temporarily moved to Blackgate, like when Bane
destroys the original Arkham building in Batman #491. All of the Arkham inmates are incarcerated in Blackgate until the new Arkham structure is built and opened in Batman #521.
There is a one-shot about a breakout happening in the prison entitled Batman: Blackgate. The prisoners in the story are Cluemaster
, Steeljacket, Ratcatcher
, The Trigger Twins
, Dragoncat, Gunhawk, Czonka (The Baffler), Actuary, and others. Several of these villains are also featured in the Cataclysm
storyline when an earthquake and the resulting tidal waves damage the prison and open up a land bridge to Gotham. This allows the majority of the inmates of Blackgate to escape.
and the False Facers, leaves the gang's decapitated heads impaled on the spikes of the fence around Blackgate, the faces looking in to the prisoners in an action interpreted as a 'warning'. Batman later reflects, when contemplating his rapidly-depleting supply of 'deserving' prey- attempting to kill only those who are themselves killers-, that many of Blackgate's inmates are only in for theft or less, grimly musing that they do not deserve his kind of death.
Prison
A prison is a place in which people are physically confined and, usually, deprived of a range of personal freedoms. Imprisonment or incarceration is a legal penalty that may be imposed by the state for the commission of a crime...
depicted in the DC Universe
DC Universe
The DC Universe is the shared universe where most of the comic stories published by DC Comics take place. The fictional characters Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman are well-known superheroes from this universe. Note that in context, "DC Universe" is usually used to refer to the main DC continuity...
, traditionally located on a small island in the Gotham Bay, Gotham City
Gotham City
Gotham City is a fictional U.S. city appearing in DC Comics, best known as the home of Batman. Batman's place of residence was first identified as Gotham City in Batman #4 . Gotham City is strongly inspired by Trenton, Ontario's history, location, atmosphere, and various architectural styles...
. Batman: The Long Halloween
Batman: The Long Halloween
Batman: The Long Halloween is a 13-issue comic book limited series written by Jeph Loeb with art by Tim Sale. It was originally published by DC Comics in 1996 and 1997. It was inspired by the three Batman: Legends of the Dark Knight Halloween Specials by the same creative team...
suggests that it was preceded by Gotham State Penitentiary, which appeared often in pre-Crisis comics.
Fictional history
Blackgate Prison (later known as Blackgate Penitentiary) operated separately from Gotham Prison (later known as Gotham State Penitentiary). Both prisons are located in Gotham and while Blackgate is the main correctional facility used by writers today, Gotham State Penitentiary was the primary correctional facility used in the comics up until the early 1990s. According to modern continuity, in the late 1990s, Blackgate Prison is condemned by Amnesty InternationalAmnesty International
Amnesty International is an international non-governmental organisation whose stated mission is "to conduct research and generate action to prevent and end grave abuses of human rights, and to demand justice for those whose rights have been violated."Following a publication of Peter Benenson's...
and forced to shut down. When the prison eventually re-opens, it is officially known as "Blackgate Penitentiary". Because of its secure location on a secluded island, Blackgate begins to take prominence over Gotham State, until the latter becomes virtually unused.
Unlike Arkham Asylum
Arkham Asylum
The Elizabeth Arkham Asylum for the Criminally Insane, commonly referred to simply as Arkham Asylum, is a fictional psychiatric hospital in the DC Comics Universe, usually appearing in stories featuring Batman...
, Blackgate is where sane criminals such as the Penguin
Penguin (comics)
Oswald Chesterfield Cobblepot III is a DC Comics supervillain and one of Batman's oldest, most persistent enemies. The Penguin was introduced by artist Bob Kane and writer Bill Finger, making his debut in Detective Comics #58 .The Penguin is a short, rotund man known for his love of birds and his...
, Catman
Catman (comics)
Catman is a modern version of a fictional character in comic books published by DC Comics, initially a supervillain and foe of Batman, although in recent years has developed into a more capable and antiheroic figure. He first appeared in Detective Comics #311...
, David Cain, Monsoon, Ernie Chubb, KGBeast
KGBeast
KGBeast is a fictional character, a supervillain appearing in DC Comics publications primarily as an opponent of Batman.- Back story :Anatoli Knyazev, code-named "The Beast", and known to the C.I.A. as the "KGBeast" was trained as an assassin by "The Hammer," a top secret cell of the KGB...
and various henchmen, mobsters, and mafia bosses are incarcerated when captured. The Joker
Joker (comics)
The Joker is a fictional character, a comic book supervillain published by DC Comics. He is the archenemy of Batman, having been directly responsible for numerous tragedies in Batman's life, including the paralysis of Barbara Gordon and the death of Jason Todd, the second Robin...
, Two-Face
Two-Face
Two-Face is a fictional comic book supervillain who appears in comic books published by DC Comics. and is an enemy of Batman. The character first appeared in Detective Comics #66 , and was created by Bob Kane and Bill Finger....
, Clayface
Clayface
Clayface is an alias used by several DC Comics fictional characters, most of them possessing claylike bodies and shape-shifting abilities. All of them have been enemies of Batman.-Publication history:...
II (Matt Hagen), the Ventriloquist
Ventriloquist (comics)
The Ventriloquist is a fictional character, a supervillain and enemy of Batman in the . The Ventriloquist first appeared in Detective Comics #583 and was created by Alan Grant, John Wagner and Norm Breyfogle...
, Mr. Zsasz, Firefly, Calendar Man
Calendar Man
Calendar Man is a fictional comic book supervillain, and an enemy of Batman, who appeared in books published by DC Comics. He first appeared in Detective Comics #259...
and Rupert Thorne
Rupert Thorne
Rupert Thorne is a fictional character, a crime boss and enemy of Batman in the DC Comics universe. Created by Steve Englehart and Walter Simonson, the character first appeared in Detective Comics #469.-Fictional character biography:...
are some criminals that have done time in both Arkham Asylum
Arkham Asylum
The Elizabeth Arkham Asylum for the Criminally Insane, commonly referred to simply as Arkham Asylum, is a fictional psychiatric hospital in the DC Comics Universe, usually appearing in stories featuring Batman...
and in Blackgate Penitentiary.
There are instances where inmates from Arkham Asylum
Arkham Asylum
The Elizabeth Arkham Asylum for the Criminally Insane, commonly referred to simply as Arkham Asylum, is a fictional psychiatric hospital in the DC Comics Universe, usually appearing in stories featuring Batman...
are temporarily moved to Blackgate, like when Bane
Bane (comics)
Bane is a fictional character who appears in comic books published by DC Comics. The character first appeared in Batman: Vengeance of Bane #1 , and was created by Chuck Dixon, Doug Moench, and Graham Nolan. Bane has been one of Batman's more physically and intellectually powerful foes...
destroys the original Arkham building in Batman #491. All of the Arkham inmates are incarcerated in Blackgate until the new Arkham structure is built and opened in Batman #521.
There is a one-shot about a breakout happening in the prison entitled Batman: Blackgate. The prisoners in the story are Cluemaster
Cluemaster
The Cluemaster is a fictional character, a DC Comics supervillain and enemy of Batman. A failed game show host, he became a criminal who left clues to his crimes, though unlike the Riddler's, they were not riddles....
, Steeljacket, Ratcatcher
Ratcatcher (comics)
The Ratcatcher is a fictional character, a supervillain in the DC Comics universe, primarily as an enemy of Batman. First appearing in Detective Comics #585 , the Ratcatcher was created by Alan Grant, John Wagner and Norm Breyfogle.-Fictional character biography:At one time an actual rat catcher...
, The Trigger Twins
Trigger Twins
The Trigger Twins are the names of two sets of fictional Western themed comic book characters published by DC Comics.-Heroes:The Trigger Twins first appear in All-Star Western #58 , the first issue of that title under its new name , and was one of the features that replaced the previous stars, the...
, Dragoncat, Gunhawk, Czonka (The Baffler), Actuary, and others. Several of these villains are also featured in the Cataclysm
Batman: Cataclysm
"Cataclysm" is an 18 chapter DC Comics crossover story arc that ran through the various Batman family comics from March to May, 1998. The plot of the storyline centers around Gotham City being hit by a massive earthquake, the epicenter of the which is less than a mile from Wayne Manor...
storyline when an earthquake and the resulting tidal waves damage the prison and open up a land bridge to Gotham. This allows the majority of the inmates of Blackgate to escape.
Other Versions
In Batman: Crimson Mist- the third part of the trilogy that began with Batman & Dracula: Red Rain-, the now-vampiric Batman, having killed Black MaskBlack Mask (comics)
Black Mask is a fictional character in the DC Comics universe. An enemy of Batman, he first appeared in Batman #386 . Black Mask was created by Doug Moench and Tom Mandrake.-Dark beginning:...
and the False Facers, leaves the gang's decapitated heads impaled on the spikes of the fence around Blackgate, the faces looking in to the prisoners in an action interpreted as a 'warning'. Batman later reflects, when contemplating his rapidly-depleting supply of 'deserving' prey- attempting to kill only those who are themselves killers-, that many of Blackgate's inmates are only in for theft or less, grimly musing that they do not deserve his kind of death.
Known inmates
- Actuary
- BaneBane (comics)Bane is a fictional character who appears in comic books published by DC Comics. The character first appeared in Batman: Vengeance of Bane #1 , and was created by Chuck Dixon, Doug Moench, and Graham Nolan. Bane has been one of Batman's more physically and intellectually powerful foes...
- Billy (one of The Ventriloquist's henchmen)
- Black SpiderBlack SpiderBlack Spider is the name of several fictional characters who are DC Comics villains. The first two were both primarily the enemies of Batman.-Fictional character biographies:-Eric Needham:...
- Bonaventure Strake
- Bruce WayneBatmanBatman is a fictional character created by the artist Bob Kane and writer Bill Finger. A comic book superhero, Batman first appeared in Detective Comics #27 , and since then has appeared primarily in publications by DC Comics...
(when he is falsely convicted of murdering Vesper Fairchild) - Calendar ManCalendar ManCalendar Man is a fictional comic book supervillain, and an enemy of Batman, who appeared in books published by DC Comics. He first appeared in Detective Comics #259...
- CatmanCatman (comics)Catman is a modern version of a fictional character in comic books published by DC Comics, initially a supervillain and foe of Batman, although in recent years has developed into a more capable and antiheroic figure. He first appeared in Detective Comics #311...
- CatwomanCatwomanCatwoman is a fictional character associated with DC Comics' Batman franchise. Historically a supervillain, the character was created by Bill Finger and Bob Kane, partially inspired by Kane's cousin, Ruth Steel...
- Charles "Rhino" Daley
- ClayfaceClayfaceClayface is an alias used by several DC Comics fictional characters, most of them possessing claylike bodies and shape-shifting abilities. All of them have been enemies of Batman.-Publication history:...
(Basil Karlo)(Relocated to Arkham Asylum) - ClayfaceClayfaceClayface is an alias used by several DC Comics fictional characters, most of them possessing claylike bodies and shape-shifting abilities. All of them have been enemies of Batman.-Publication history:...
(Matt Hagen)(Relocated to Arkham Asylum) - CluemasterCluemasterThe Cluemaster is a fictional character, a DC Comics supervillain and enemy of Batman. A failed game show host, he became a criminal who left clues to his crimes, though unlike the Riddler's, they were not riddles....
- The Cypher (Avery Twombey)
- Dalton Perry
- David Cain
- Dean "Hungry" Fahy
- Dr. Fang
- Dr. PhosphorusDoctor PhosphorusDoctor Phosphorus is a fictional character who has appeared in various comic book series published by DC Comics. Primarily an enemy of Batman, the supervillain exists in DC's main shared universe, known as the DC Universe...
- Dragoncat
- ElectrocutionerElectrocutionerElectrocutioner is a fictional character in the DC Comics Universe. The current version first appeared in Detective Comics #644, , and was created by Chuck Dixon, Tom Lyle and Scott Hanna.-Unnamed Buchinsky:...
(Lester Buchinsky) - Ernie Chubb
- Eustace Marker
- Faceless (Joseph Zedno)
- FirebugFirebug (comics)Firebug is the name of three DC Comics supervillains.-Joe Rigger:Firebug first appeared in Batman #318 . Joe Rigger was a soldier and demolitions expert who returned to Gotham City when his family had been killed in three separate building-related accidents. His sanity slipping, Rigger vowed that...
- Firefly
- Greg Rourke (Puzzleman) (relocated to Arkham Asylum)
- Gunhawk
- Henry Etchison
- Hsui Cheung
- Jan Brodie
- Jared Manx
- John McCone
- The JokerJoker (comics)The Joker is a fictional character, a comic book supervillain published by DC Comics. He is the archenemy of Batman, having been directly responsible for numerous tragedies in Batman's life, including the paralysis of Barbara Gordon and the death of Jason Todd, the second Robin...
(in The Joker: Devil's AdvocateThe Joker: Devil's AdvocateThe Joker : Devil's Advocate is a one-shot superhero comic book written by Chuck Dixon and drawn by Graham Nolan, published by DC Comics in 1996....
the Joker is sentenced to death row in Blackgate before eventually returning to Arkham AsylumArkham AsylumThe Elizabeth Arkham Asylum for the Criminally Insane, commonly referred to simply as Arkham Asylum, is a fictional psychiatric hospital in the DC Comics Universe, usually appearing in stories featuring Batman...
) - KGBeastKGBeastKGBeast is a fictional character, a supervillain appearing in DC Comics publications primarily as an opponent of Batman.- Back story :Anatoli Knyazev, code-named "The Beast", and known to the C.I.A. as the "KGBeast" was trained as an assassin by "The Hammer," a top secret cell of the KGB...
- Lady SpellbinderSpellbinder (DC Comics)Spellbinder is the name of three fictional characters that appear as villains in comic books published by DC Comics. Versions of the character have appeared on the animated series Batman Beyond and The Batman.-Delbert Billings:...
- Monsoon
- Mortimer Kadaver
- Mister Polka-DotPolka-Dot ManPolka-Dot Man is a DC Comics supervillain who first appeared in Detective Comics #300 .-Fictional character biography:For some unknown reason, Abner Krill decide to launch a crime spree in Gotham City revolving around spots and dots by assuming the identity of Mr. Polka-Dot. He ended up in conflict...
(Abner Krill) - Mugsy (Rhino's partner, henchmen of Arnold WeskerVentriloquist (comics)The Ventriloquist is a fictional character, a supervillain and enemy of Batman in the . The Ventriloquist first appeared in Detective Comics #583 and was created by Alan Grant, John Wagner and Norm Breyfogle...
) - Mr. Zsasz
- The PenguinPenguin (comics)Oswald Chesterfield Cobblepot III is a DC Comics supervillain and one of Batman's oldest, most persistent enemies. The Penguin was introduced by artist Bob Kane and writer Bill Finger, making his debut in Detective Comics #58 .The Penguin is a short, rotund man known for his love of birds and his...
- Professor IvoProfessor IvoProfessor Anthony Ivo is a fictional character, a mad scientist in the DC universe and is the creator of the androids Amazo, Kid Amazo, Tomorrow Woman and Composite Superman in his retconned origin.-Fictional character biography:...
(Anthony Ivo) - RatcatcherRatcatcher (comics)The Ratcatcher is a fictional character, a supervillain in the DC Comics universe, primarily as an enemy of Batman. First appearing in Detective Comics #585 , the Ratcatcher was created by Alan Grant, John Wagner and Norm Breyfogle.-Fictional character biography:At one time an actual rat catcher...
- Rupert ThorneRupert ThorneRupert Thorne is a fictional character, a crime boss and enemy of Batman in the DC Comics universe. Created by Steve Englehart and Walter Simonson, the character first appeared in Detective Comics #469.-Fictional character biography:...
- Sasha BordeauxSasha BordeauxSasha Bordeaux is a fictional character in the DC Universe. She was at first primarily associated with Batman, and has subsequently evolved an association with Checkmate in two of its incarnations...
(when she is falsely convicted of involvement in Vesper Fairchild's murder) - Skeets
- Stanislaus Johns
- Steeljacket
- Ten-Eyed ManTen-Eyed ManTen-Eyed Man is a fictional character, a DC Comics supervillain and Batman foe created by Frank Robbins, Irv Novick, and Dick Giordano.-Fictional character biography:...
- Titus Samuel Czonka (Czonk AKA The Headbanger AKA The Baffler)
- Tony ZuccoTony ZuccoAnthony "Tony" Zucco is a fictional character in the DC Comics universe. He was introduced in Detective Comics #38 and is best known for his connections to the origin of Robin.-Pre-Crisis:...
- The Trigger TwinsTrigger TwinsThe Trigger Twins are the names of two sets of fictional Western themed comic book characters published by DC Comics.-Heroes:The Trigger Twins first appear in All-Star Western #58 , the first issue of that title under its new name , and was one of the features that replaced the previous stars, the...
- Two-FaceTwo-FaceTwo-Face is a fictional comic book supervillain who appears in comic books published by DC Comics. and is an enemy of Batman. The character first appeared in Detective Comics #66 , and was created by Bob Kane and Bill Finger....
(relocated to Arkham Asylum) - The VentriloquistVentriloquist (comics)The Ventriloquist is a fictional character, a supervillain and enemy of Batman in the . The Ventriloquist first appeared in Detective Comics #583 and was created by Alan Grant, John Wagner and Norm Breyfogle...
(relocated to Arkham Asylum) - Vincent "The Shark" Starkey
- Weasel (Chet Grimes)
- William Guilloryta
- WrathWrath (comics)The Wrath is the name of two fictional comic book supervillains published by DC Comics. The original Wrath debuted in Batman Special #1 , and was created by Mike W. Barr and Michael Golden...
- Zeke
Television
- In Batman: The Animated SeriesBatman: The Animated SeriesBatman: The Animated Series is an American animated series based on the DC Comics character Batman. The series featured an ensemble cast of many voice-actors including Kevin Conroy, Mark Hamill, Efrem Zimbalist, Jr., Arleen Sorkin, and Loren Lester. The series won four Emmy Awards and was nominated...
, this prison is called Stonegate Penitentiary. It was built as a plan by Bruce WayneBatmanBatman is a fictional character created by the artist Bob Kane and writer Bill Finger. A comic book superhero, Batman first appeared in Detective Comics #27 , and since then has appeared primarily in publications by DC Comics...
and Harvey DentTwo-FaceTwo-Face is a fictional comic book supervillain who appears in comic books published by DC Comics. and is an enemy of Batman. The character first appeared in Detective Comics #66 , and was created by Bob Kane and Bill Finger....
to build a better, safer Gotham. Criminals like the PenguinPenguin (comics)Oswald Chesterfield Cobblepot III is a DC Comics supervillain and one of Batman's oldest, most persistent enemies. The Penguin was introduced by artist Bob Kane and writer Bill Finger, making his debut in Detective Comics #58 .The Penguin is a short, rotund man known for his love of birds and his...
, Catwoman (later deemed insane and relocated to Arkham Asylum), BaneBane (comics)Bane is a fictional character who appears in comic books published by DC Comics. The character first appeared in Batman: Vengeance of Bane #1 , and was created by Chuck Dixon, Doug Moench, and Graham Nolan. Bane has been one of Batman's more physically and intellectually powerful foes...
, the VentriloquistVentriloquist (comics)The Ventriloquist is a fictional character, a supervillain and enemy of Batman in the . The Ventriloquist first appeared in Detective Comics #583 and was created by Alan Grant, John Wagner and Norm Breyfogle...
(he briefly spent most of his time behind bars in Arkham), Clock KingClock KingClock King is a title used by two fictional characters, supervillains published by DC Comics. The first Clock King debuted in World's Finest Comics #111 , and was created by France Herron and Lee Elias.-Publication history:...
, Rupert ThorneRupert ThorneRupert Thorne is a fictional character, a crime boss and enemy of Batman in the DC Comics universe. Created by Steve Englehart and Walter Simonson, the character first appeared in Detective Comics #469.-Fictional character biography:...
, Roland DaggettRoland DaggettRoland Daggett is a fictional character and an adversary of Batman. He made his debut in Batman: The Animated Series as a corrupt and powerful businessman, voiced by Golden Globe-winner Edward Asner...
, Sidney "The Squid" Debris, and Baby Doll were sentenced to Stonegate, as well as Poison Ivy when she committed her first crime by attempting to kill Harvey Dent for building the prison on a site that consisted of a rare flower. In "I Am The Night", a gangster called Jimmy "Jazzman" Peake was imprisoned here to await trial since Gotham City Prison was full at the time. Also, Selina KyleCatwomanCatwoman is a fictional character associated with DC Comics' Batman franchise. Historically a supervillain, the character was created by Bill Finger and Bob Kane, partially inspired by Kane's cousin, Ruth Steel...
was once put on trial for Stonegate imprisonment.
- In the Batman: The Brave and the BoldBatman: The Brave and the BoldBatman: The Brave and the Bold is an American animated television series based in part on the DC Comics series The Brave and the Bold which features two or more super heroes coming together to solve a crime or foil a super villain...
episode "Night of the Huntress, Blackgate Penitentiary is featured as Blackgate Prison. Babyface breaks into Blackgate Prison to free Skeleton Keys, Tweedledum and TweedledeeTweedledum and Tweedledee (comics)Tweedledum and Tweedledee are fictional supervillains that appears in comic books published by DC Comics, primarily as enemies of Batman...
, Polecat Perkins, and Hammer Toes. Black MantaBlack MantaBlack Manta is a supervillain appearing in DC Comics, primarily as the archenemy of Aquaman. The character debuted in Aquaman #35 .-Fictional character biography:...
, Clock KingClock KingClock King is a title used by two fictional characters, supervillains published by DC Comics. The first Clock King debuted in World's Finest Comics #111 , and was created by France Herron and Lee Elias.-Publication history:...
, CavalierCavalier (comics)The Cavalier is a fictional supervillain in the DC Comics universe. The character first appeared in Detective Comics #81, , and was created by Don Cameron and Bob Kane.-Mortimer Drake:...
, Doctor PolarisDoctor PolarisDoctor Polaris is an alias used by two fictional supervillains, comic book characters published by DC Comics. Neil Emerson first appeared as Doctor Polaris in Green Lantern #21 , and was created by John Broome and Gil Kane. The second Dr...
, False-Face, Felix FaustFelix FaustFelix Faust is a fictional character and supervillain who appears in stories published by DC Comics. The character first appeared in 1962 as an adversary of the Justice League of America...
, Fun HausToymanThe Toyman is the name of three comic book supervillains and one adolescent superhero in the DC Comics universe. They mostly appear in Superman stories. The first Toyman appeared in Action Comics #64 . His real name is Winslow Schott.The Toyman uses toy-based or toy-themed devices and gimmicks in...
, Kite ManKite ManKite Man is a fictional character, a supervillain in publications from DC Comics. The character first appeared in Batman vol. 1 #133 , and was created by Bill Finger and Dick Sprang...
, ScarecrowScarecrow (comics)The Scarecrow is a fictional character, a supervillain, that appears in comic books published by DC Comics. The character first appeared in World's Finest Comics #3 and was created by Bill Finger and Bob Kane...
, SharkShark (comics)Shark is the name of three fictional characters in DC Comics publications.-Shark :The first Shark is a non-superpowered commando. Along with his other companions named Sardine and Whale, he is part of the World War II-era fighting unit called the Frogmen. His sole appearance is in Showcase #3...
, SportsmasterSportsmasterThe Sportsmaster is the name used by two DC Comics villains who used their sports skills for criminal purposes. The original Sportsmaster first appeared in All-American Comics #85 , and was created by writer John Broome and artist Irwin Hasen....
, TopTop (comics)The Top is a fictional character, a supervillain in the DC Universe. One of the earliest members of the Silver Age Flash's "Rogues' Gallery", the character debuted in The Flash #122 .-Fictional character biography:...
, and characters from the 60's Batman series (Archer, Bookworm, Egghead, King Tut and Mad HatterMad Hatter (comics)The Mad Hatter is a fictional supervillain and enemy of Batman in the DC Universe. He is modeled after the Hatter from Lewis Carroll's novel, Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, a character often called the "Mad Hatter" in adaptations of Carroll. He made his first appearance in Batman #49 in October...
) are shown as inmates trying to break out during Babyface's raid.
Film
- Blackgate Penitentiary is referenced in the "Field Test" portion of Batman: Gotham KnightBatman: Gotham Knightis a 2008 direct-to-DVD animated superhero anthology film of six animated short films set in-between Batman Begins and The Dark Knight. It depicts Batman battling against the mob of Gotham City, as well as other villains...
. After stopping a gang war between Sal Maroni and the Russian at the docks, Batman restrains them and tells the Russian to keep the docks and for Sal to stay in the slum as he also quotes "That's the arrangement 'til I can get something on you. And then you can fight over who gets the top bunk in Blackgate. Got it?!"
Novels
- In the novel Batman: The Ultimate EvilBatman: The Ultimate EvilBatman: The Ultimate Evil is a novel by Andrew Vachss, a crime novelist known for focusing on child abuse in his novels.-Plot Summary:...
, author Andrew VachssAndrew VachssAndrew Henry Vachss is an American crime fiction author, child protection consultant, and attorney exclusively representing children and youths...
refers to a "Hellgate Prison".
Video games
- The backstory of Batman: Arkham AsylumBatman: Arkham AsylumBatman: Arkham Asylum is a 2009 action-adventure stealth video game based on DC Comics' Batman developed for PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Mac OS X and Microsoft Windows. It was developed by Rocksteady Studios and published by Eidos Interactive in conjunction with Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment...
mentions that a fire at Blackgate has forced many of the inmates to be temporarily housed at Arkham Asylum until Blackgate was rebuilt. In truth, the event was engineered by the Joker in order to get his army of henchmen (on an interesting note Joker mentions that many members of his gang are on death row and have a combined sentence of 732 years) into Arkham for his master plan that involves the Titan Compound that he in one of his alias manipulated Dr. Penny Young into making. The Blackgate prisoners are the most common enemies in the game, acting as both foot soldiers and test subjects for the Titan compound.
- In Batman: Arkham City, it has been noted that because of the events in the last game, Arkham Asylum and Blackgate Prison are in no condition to hold prisoners, so the newly created Arkham City will hold all prisoners until repairs to both prisons are made. Several of Arkham City's prisoners mention that Blackgate was rumored to have been converted into a shopping mall, however, these rumors are never confirmed. The prisoners again act as soldiers to Joker, as well as Two-FaceTwo-FaceTwo-Face is a fictional comic book supervillain who appears in comic books published by DC Comics. and is an enemy of Batman. The character first appeared in Detective Comics #66 , and was created by Bob Kane and Bill Finger....
and PenguinPenguin (comics)Oswald Chesterfield Cobblepot III is a DC Comics supervillain and one of Batman's oldest, most persistent enemies. The Penguin was introduced by artist Bob Kane and writer Bill Finger, making his debut in Detective Comics #58 .The Penguin is a short, rotund man known for his love of birds and his...
, and act as both a source of information and entertainment if the player chooses to listen to their conversations (ie, one prisoner mentions that Harley QuinnHarley QuinnHarley Quinn was first introduced as a villain on September 11, 1992, in the animated series Batman: The Animated Series, later adapted into DC Comics' Batman comic books. As suggested by her name , she is clad in the manner of a traditional harlequin jester...
was heading to the SionisBlack Mask (comics)Black Mask is a fictional character in the DC Comics universe. An enemy of Batman, he first appeared in Batman #386 . Black Mask was created by Doug Moench and Tom Mandrake.-Dark beginning:...
Steel Mill while earlier on another prisoner mentioned a rumor that Harley is a transvestite).
See also
- List of correctional facilities in comics
- Arkham AsylumArkham AsylumThe Elizabeth Arkham Asylum for the Criminally Insane, commonly referred to simply as Arkham Asylum, is a fictional psychiatric hospital in the DC Comics Universe, usually appearing in stories featuring Batman...
- Belle ReveBelle ReveBelle Reve Penitentiary is a fictional prison and sanitorium in the DC Universe, first appearing in Suicide Squad #1 by John Ostrander and Luke McDonnell.-Fictional background:...
- Iron Heights Penitentiary
- Stryker's IslandStryker's IslandStryker's Island is the name of fictional prison in DC Comics. The name is a play on the similarly located Riker's Island prison in New York. It is also known as Stryker's Island Penitentiary.-Fictional history:...
External links
- Blackgate Penitentiary at DC Comics Wiki