The Dark Ages Slayer Draws Inspiration from an Epic Batman

Guess what? The Doom Slayer’s latest iteration in Doom: The Dark Ages takes some inspiration from an unexpected source – Frank Miller’s classic Batman series, The Dark Knight. id Software recently announced that gamers can start unlocking achievements for Doom: The Dark Ages on May 15, 2025, as it exits the lineup of upcoming Game Pass titles.

In a recent discussion, the creative lead, Hugo Martin, shared that the medieval-themed Slayer in the game was heavily influenced by the Batman character seen in Miller’s comics. From the start, while laying down the groundwork for Doom (2016), the team was already envisioning a prequel, infused with elements from The Dark Knight.

Frank Miller’s influence is clear in shaping Doom: The Dark Ages, where this version of the Slayer feels more hefty and robust. Some leaked court documents during Microsoft’s tussle with the FTC over the Activision Blizzard deal hinted at a game in development called Doom: Year One. According to Martin, this codename was a salute to Batman’s Year One comic, which left a substantial mark on both him and Marty Stratton back in 2016.

“My top pick for a comic has always been Frank Miller’s The Dark Knight,” Martin said. “It portrayed Batman as this immense, awe-inspiring figure – a veritable force of nature. His whole arsenal was just as impressive. It was like, ‘How cool would it be to craft a Slayer in that mold?’ – a bulkier, formidable Slayer.

“We’d woven all the speed and acrobatics we could into Doom Eternal and its DLCs, a game we hold in high regard. But there was room for a different take on the power fantasy of the Doom Slayer, one that players would resonate with. He’s no pushover; every step he takes has weight. You feel his power in everything he does, and it’s an exhilarating experience.”

Martin further explained that the team had always hoped to delve into a prequel, a concept hinted at in Doom (2016) through the Slayer’s Testaments and other lore. They aspired to reach a stage where they could build a game around these ideas.

“Since the ’80s, people like George Lucas have shown how to do this right,” Martin stated. “Heroes need backstories, and if done well and fans seem eager enough, those stories can evolve into sequels.

“So, we started out crafting the Slayer’s background with the Slayer’s Testaments: the legend of the Slayer. We hoped against hope that someday we could tell that tale.”

Are you excited to slice demons apart as a Doom Slayer that channels Dark Knight vibes in this upcoming Xbox FPS? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments!