The Dark Ages Slayer Draws Inspiration from a Fierce Batman

Here’s an interesting tidbit for you: the iconic Doom Slayer in the upcoming game Doom: The Dark Ages draws inspiration from the Batman portrayed in Frank Miller’s The Dark Knight comics. Just yesterday, id Software announced that players can start collecting achievements for Doom: The Dark Ages on May 15, 2025, when the game finally launches on Game Pass.

During a recent hands-off preview of Doom: The Dark Ages, I had the chance to participate in a Q&A with id Software. It was a fantastic opportunity to uncover some exciting details about the game. Creative Director Hugo Martin shared that Frank Miller’s Dark Knight comics significantly influenced this new medieval-themed Doom Slayer. In fact, plans for a prequel were already in the works around the time Doom (2016) was being developed.

It’s clear that Miller’s work left a significant mark on Doom: The Dark Ages. This new version of the Slayer is heavier and more formidable than ever. Interestingly, during the legal tussle between Microsoft and the FTC over Activision Blizzard, it came to light through leaked court documents that a game called Doom: Year One was under development at Bethesda.

Hugo Martin confirmed that the codename was a nod to Batman’s Year One comic, which he and Marty Stratton had enjoyed back in 2016. “Frank Miller’s The Dark Knight is my all-time favorite comic,” Martin shared. “The depiction of Batman in it was extraordinary—massive, powerful, an absolute force. That’s exactly what we wanted for the Slayer. A brawnier and more powerful version that stands out.”

“Our previous installment, Doom Eternal, along with its DLCs, was all about speed and acrobatics,” Martin continued. “We’re incredibly proud of those games, and they hold their own. But this time, we wanted to explore a different power fantasy with a heftier Slayer. Everything about him—from the way he moves to his entire arsenal—feels big and powerful.”

Martin also shed light on their desire to delve into the Slayer’s backstory. They had fleshed out elements of his history as far back as Doom (2016) with the Slayer’s Testaments and other lore, hoping to someday build a game around it. “Visionaries like George Lucas taught us how to explore a hero’s history correctly,” Martin said. “You lay the groundwork, and if fans are interested enough, you get to dive into it in future games.”

So, what do you think? Are you eager to step into the shoes of a Dark Knight-inspired Doom Slayer and take down demons in this upcoming Xbox first-person shooter? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!