Gotham City
Origins
Gotham City, often simply referred to as Gotham, is a fictional city appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics, best known as the home of Batman. The city was first identified as Batman's place of residence in Batman #4 (December 1940) and has since been the primary setting for stories featuring the character.
Geography
Gotham City is located in the northeastern part of the United States, in close proximity to Metropolis, which is depicted as being located in the neighboring state of Delaware. The exact location of Gotham and Metropolis has varied over the decades due to the changing needs of the stories and the vagueness of comic book geography. In terms of atmosphere, Batman writer and editor Dennis O'Neil has said that, figuratively, "Batman's Gotham City is Manhattan below Fourteenth Street at eleven minutes past midnight on the coldest night in November."
Architecture
Gotham City's architecture has been described as a blend of Gothic Revival architecture and modern architecture. The city is known for its unique, ornate architecture, distinct from that of most other American cities. In recent years, the architecture has been presented in a variety of ways depending on the period and the artist. Some artists, like Frank Miller, have depicted Gotham as a place of big, industrial factories and smoke-belching chimneys, while others, like Neal Adams, have presented it as a city with tall, gleaming skyscrapers.
Government and Law Enforcement
Gotham City is notorious for its high levels of crime and corruption, with a number of its prominent citizens and officials being involved in criminal activities. The city's police force, the Gotham City Police Department, has a long and checkered history of corruption, with numerous officers, both rank-and-file and high-ranking, involved in bribery and even more serious offenses such as drug trafficking and murder.
Economy
Gotham City's economy is largely driven by its industrial sector, which includes manufacturing, shipping, and chemical production. The city is also known for its financial sector, with numerous banks and financial institutions headquartered in Gotham. The city's most notable business is Wayne Enterprises, a multinational industrial, technological and manufacturing corporation owned by Bruce Wayne, who is secretly Batman.
Notable Locations
Gotham City is home to numerous iconic locations, including Wayne Manor, the residence of Bruce Wayne, located on the outskirts of the city, and the Batcave, a secret underground complex serving as Batman's command center. Other notable locations include Arkham Asylum, a psychiatric hospital housing many of Batman's most dangerous foes, and Blackgate Penitentiary, the city's main prison.
In Popular Culture
Gotham City has been featured in numerous media adaptations of the Batman franchise, including films, television series, and video games. The city's dark and gritty atmosphere has become a hallmark of the Batman franchise, contributing to its unique aesthetic and tone.