The Dark Ages Avenger Draws Inspiration from a Fierce Batman

Here’s an interesting tidbit for all you gamers out there: the Doom Slayer in “Doom: The Dark Ages” draws inspiration from none other than Batman, specifically the powerful interpretation found in Frank Miller’s “The Dark Knight” comics. Just yesterday, id Software announced the game will officially hit the shelves on May 15, 2025, as it makes its debut on Game Pass.

During a recent hands-off preview event of “Doom: The Dark Ages,” we had the opportunity to sit in on a Q&A session with id Software’s creative team. Here, creative director Hugo Martin shared that the Doom Slayer’s latest look took a page from the iconic appearance of Batman in “The Dark Knight” comics. Apparently, the seeds for this medieval-themed iteration of our beloved Slayer were planted back when the team was crafting Doom (2016).

Frank Miller’s influence seems to loom large over “Doom: The Dark Ages,” with this version of the Slayer showcasing a more imposing and fierce presence. As Microsoft’s battle with the FTC over its acquisition of Activision Blizzard unfolded, leaked documents mentioned a project named Doom: Year One at Bethesda.

Hugo Martin shed light on this, confirming that the codename paid tribute to Miller’s “Year One” comic, which both he and game director Marty Stratton enjoyed back in 2016. The entirety of “The Dark Knight” saga was a significant source of inspiration.

“My go-to comic, which won’t surprise anyone, is Frank Miller’s The Dark Knight,” Martin revealed. “It showcased a version of Batman that was grandiose—massive, formidable, and almost tank-like […] His arsenal was impressive and exuded power. It was the kind of vibe I wanted to channel into this new Slayer—heavy, mighty, and intense.”

He continued, “We had tapped into speed and agility with Doom Eternal. Don’t get me wrong, we take pride in that game and its DLCs, just as we do with Doom (2016), but this was a different angle on the Doom Slayer’s power fantasy, something fresh that players would relish. This Slayer isn’t a breeze; we’re meticulously adjusting his weightiness. You can practically feel every movement he makes, and it’s incredibly rewarding.”

Martin also mentioned the team’s ambition to delve into a prequel, an idea hinted at in Doom (2016) through the Slayer’s Testaments and other lore elements. “Icons like George Lucas set the standards for creating compelling backstories in the ’80s,” Martin elaborated. “Craft your hero’s history wisely, and if it captures the fans’ imagination, explore those avenues in later installments.”

“The foundation of the Slayer’s past was carefully laid with the Slayer’s Testaments—the legend that is. We just hoped to reach the point where we could bring that story to life.”

So, are you ready to battle some demons in “Doom: The Dark Ages,” with a Doom Slayer channeling the Dark Knight’s spirit? Leave your thoughts in the comments!