Batman's Victorian Redesign Gave His Villains Their Best Alt-Costumes
Batman: Gotham by Gaslight didn't include his classic foes, but an issue of Convergence made sure to give his rogues gallery costumes fitting its era.
The Victorian makeover made famous by Batman is an iconic one in DC Comics history, but his villains also received alternate costumes fitting the era. Gotham's most evil residents have dressed in numerous outfits over the years, but some of the most fun are the ones that come from alternate universes. This includes the Earth that exists within DC's Elseworlds story, Batman: Gotham by Gaslight.
Batman: Gotham by Gaslight from 1989 has the creative team of Brian Augustyn, Michael Mignola, P. Craig Russell, David Hornung, and John Workman. This Elseworlds story introduced Batman's iconic Victorian-inspired look as the vigilante took on the identification of infamous serial killer, Jack the Ripper. This world is also known as Earth-19. In Gotham by Gaslight, Batman's rogues gallery is nowhere to be found, aside from a very brief reference to the Joker. After all, the vigilante has a worse foe to capture. Nonetheless, his usual fiends received the Victorian-era treatment within DC's Convergence event. Convergence: Shazam #2 (2015) has the creative team of Jeff Parker, Doc Shaner, Jordie Bellaire, and Saida Temofonte. This issue brings together Captain Marvel's family from Earth-S with Batman from Earth-19.
Convergence also introduces Victorian-styled villains who Batman is most frequently associated with, despite their lack of presence in Batman: Gotham by Gaslight. They are being controlled by Mr. Atom, who comes from Earth-S, the world of Shazam and the Marvel Family. While it doesn't take long to remove them as a threat, a few of their outfits are rather noteworthy.
Clayface, Poison Ivy, Harley Quinn, Joker, Penguin, Two-Face, Mr. Freeze, the Riddler, Man-Bat, and Scarecrow are all included in this villainous line-up. Poison Ivy gets a revamped hairdo with a gorgeous suit. Clayface largely remains the same, but he gets a tattered top and hat fitting the era. Harley maintains her classic color scheme, though this jester outfit provides a new cut from her usual one. Instead of being a full bodysuit, it features gloves and leaves Harley's upper arms bare, though she still has a jester cap and hammer. Joker's appearance is one of the biggest changes. He gets a new coat that is darker in color than his usual suit. His hair is also shorter, though his pallid face remains the same. The Penguin remains in his signature tux, though he has a pair of grown-out sideburns. Two-Face is mostly the same as well, apart from the patchwork half-suit he wears.
Additionally, Mr. Freeze undergoes a big change, wearing what appears to be a diver's suit. The Riddler appears the same with only minor period adjustments to his attire. Man-Bat, similar to Clayface, remains the same as well. Scarecrow adds a cape to his ensemble, and has a timeless look, considering his themed and matching attire. Poison Ivy and Harley Quinn are definite stick-outs among this group, as well as Mr. Freeze. This isn't Joker's wildest outfit, but it is certainly more subdued, despite it making him no less recognizable. These are great costumes for Gotham's rogues, as they are easily identifiable while representing the Victorian era. On top of their new suits, their weapons also reflect the time period. Batman's rogues gallery is incredibly adaptable, making it a shame these alternate versions haven't had more appearances.