User blog:The Arrival/Batman Lives

Spoilers for Batman Arkham Knight! Proceed with caution!

So, at the end of Batman: Arkham Knight, we see a new Batman take on the criminals of Gotham. But who is it behind that freak mask? Well, I'm here to speak out who I think it isn't, why I think this, and then who I REALLY think it is, and why.

Who I Think It Isn't
Jason Todd- So, many people think that Jason Todd is Nightmare Batman. Now, I don't think it is. Jason Todd became the Red Hood, and he know this because he took on Black Mask after Arkham Knight. Also, this just doesn't seem like Jason's style. Todd always went for a challenge, not stand around and levitate on a rooftop!

Tim Drake- I have no idea why people think this. Tim Drake, otherwise known as the current Robin in the Arkhamverse, cannot be Nightmare Batman. Why? Because Tim is Robin! Also, when we DO see the ending, Gordon is driving to Tim and Barbra's wedding. Meaning he's already there, waiting for Gordon. Plus, I think Tim has given up being Robin. Why? Well, to spend more time with his new wife, I think. He's helped enough, and now Gotham has Nightwing and Red Hood to protect it.

Azrael- Now, I understand why people think this. But, if we follow any of the Azrael endings, we get a different story. If you break the sword, he walks off to take revenge on the Order of St Dumas. Same if you just leave. But if you decide to attack Batman, Batman will counter, and so will imprison Azrael. Rocksteady wouldn't give the identity to the new Batman with a character with multiple endings, as there is no true endings. Plus, Bruce would never give up his mantle to Azrael.

Dick Grayson- Why? Dick Grayson is Nightwing! So, once you complete the Gunrunner side mission, Nightwing promises Batman that he will keep Bludhaven safe. So, why six months later would he go to Gotham and become Nightmare Batman? Yeah, I thought so.

Who I Think It Is
Bruce Wayne- Bruce Wayne IS Batman. Now, I have a shed load of evidence to support this. ''Gotham needs something more, something... worse. She needs a new myth, a legend more powerful than I can be, RIGHT NOW. Something that can only rise from the ashes of the Batman.''
 * 1) When Bruce blows up Wayne Manor, why would he just kill himself and Alfred? The point was to make everyone believe that he'd been murdered, not to kill himself! He most likely hid in the Batcave with Alfred.
 * 2) Also, Alfred didn't try and stop Bruce from activating Knightfall. He would if Knightfall was a plan to kill himself.
 * 3) When Bruce talks to Selina after to two defeat the Riddler, Batman says this:

Right now, huh? Also, that new myth? The myth that a demon Batman is on the streets of Gotham!

5. Another quote. When Batman is driving the Penguin to the GCPD (after everyone knows Batman's identity), they have this conversation:

Penguin: ''So, you've already tried a bat! What's next? Oh, I know. How about, a squirrel!''

Batman: You'll find out.

Interesting, huh?

6. Finally, at the end of the campaign, when Scarecrow is hallucinating, his vision of Batman is identical to that of the appearance of Nightmare Batman.

So, those are my theories. What's yours? Tell me who you think Nightmare Batman is, or if there's any evidence you wish to share!

Thanks for reading!