The exact location of Gotham City, the iconic setting for Batman’s adventures, has been a long-standing debate among fans. While generally assumed to be somewhere along the eastern seaboard of the United States, its specific state remains ambiguous due to conflicting portrayals in DC Comics, films, television series, and video games. Let’s delve into the evidence and theories surrounding “What State Is Gotham City In.”
Gotham’s Origins and Inspirations
The name “Gotham” itself was initially a nickname for New York City, coined by author Washington Irving in 1807. Bill Finger, co-creator of Batman, later adopted the name for the city, drawing inspiration from New York City, Chicago’s gangland era, and even London. This blend of influences contributes to Gotham’s unique and often contradictory characteristics.
Cinematic Interpretations and Filming Locations
Various Batman movies have utilized different locations to represent Gotham City. Christopher Nolan’s Dark Knight trilogy featured Chicago, New York City, and Pittsburgh. Other filming locations have included Los Angeles, San Francisco, London, Liverpool, and Glasgow. The 1960s Batman TV show was filmed in the Los Angeles area, while the Joker films, starring Joaquin Phoenix, were shot in New York and New Jersey. Tim Burton and Joel Schumacher’s Batman films primarily used soundstages to create their stylized versions of Gotham. This diverse range of filming locations adds to the complexity and ambiguity surrounding Gotham’s real-world counterpart.
Gotham’s Place in the Comics: New Jersey vs. New York
For many years, within the comic books, Gotham City was often associated with New Jersey. Comic book author Mark Gruenwald suggested that Gotham was located in the Garden State, and various comics have implied or explicitly stated this connection. The Gotham City depicted in the “Snyderverse” also aligns with this New Jersey placement.
However, recent developments have introduced a new possibility: New York. In the Joker: Folie à Deux movie, Arthur Fleck’s trial is titled The State of New York vs. Arthur Fleck, and license plates and other documentation within the film identify Gotham as being in New York State.
Director’s Intent: New York’s Appeal
Director Todd Phillips addressed the decision to set Gotham in New York in Joker: Folie à Deux: “Well, Gotham is often said to be in New Jersey. It was discussed. Not with anyone at DC, it was discussed amongst ourselves. We just kinda went with the ‘who are we kidding’ idea. Also cause it sounded weird ‘the state of New Jersey vs Arthur Fleck.'” This statement highlights the director’s preference for New York, driven by a combination of practicality and aesthetic considerations.
The Ongoing Mystery
Ultimately, the question of “what state is Gotham City in” remains open to interpretation. Both New Jersey and New York have strong claims, supported by different mediums and artistic choices. The ambiguity contributes to Gotham’s enduring appeal, allowing it to function as a versatile backdrop for the Batman mythos. The lack of a definitive answer allows for creative freedom and ensures that Gotham can evolve and adapt to different storytelling needs.
Whether Gotham is in New Jersey, New York, or a state of its own imagination, its impact on popular culture and the world of comic books is undeniable.
