Gotham City vs New York City: A Comprehensive Comparison
Introduction
The contrasting cities of Gotham and Metropolis in the DC Comics universe are two of the most iconic urban settings in modern popular culture. Metropolis, often referred to as the inspiration for New York City, is a bright and bustling metropolis. Conversely, Gotham City, the stomping ground of Batman, frequently resembles a more corrupt and dark version of New York. But how do these fictional cities compare in size, and can we draw any real-world parallels?
Metropolis and New York City
Metropolis has traditionally been portrayed as somewhat larger, brighter, and more Art-Deco in nature compared to New York City. This similarity has often led to the assumption that the two cities share similar characteristics, including size. However, the origins of this comparison have a somewhat convoluted history.
Initially, Metropolis was used as a fake name for New York City. In early Superman comics, numerous real cities were represented using pseudonyms, such as Central City being Saint Louis and Gateway City being San Francisco. Even Metropolis often served as a stand-in for New York City.
The Quandary of Gotham City
Gotham City, on the other hand, introduces a layer of complexity. It is often said to be either New York or Chicago, depending on the source material. The initial reveal in the Adam West series, where Gotham's Mayor Lindsey became Mayor Lindseed, further adds to the confusion. However, Gotham's corrupt and alleys — similar to Chicago — also point towards its Chicago roots.
The recent blockbuster film Batman v Superman added another dimension, presenting the two cities as being across a river from each other, adding more confusion to the mix. Then, to top it off, DC decided to set stories in real cities, including New York, blurring the lines even further.
Another interesting detail comes from a DC/Marvel crossover, where it was stated that the DC Earth was larger and had more large cities than the Marvel Earth. This implies a broader and more expansive Gotham City, giving it more territory.
The Size of Gotham City
Conclusively, the size of Gotham City remains a point of contention among comic book purists and scholars. The search for an in-canon answer has led to numerous interpretations. However, in contemporary interpretations, Gotham is often depicted as being on the scale of Chicago in terms of size, while retaining the crime levels of Chicago and bleakness of Newark.
Nonetheless, given that Gotham City is purely a creation of fiction, its size should be considered nearly infinitesimal compared to the sprawling expanse of New York City. In reality, New York City dwarfs its fictional counterpart, raising the question of why such differences exist.
Final Thoughts
Whether as a direct representation of New York or drawing from various real-world urban structures, the backyard of Gotham City remains a topic of lively debate. While we cannot definitively pinpoint the exact dimensions of Gotham, it remains a fascinating study in the art of urban fiction and its enduring appeal.