Gotham City

[SpecialEddie 3]

[SpecialEddie 3]

[SpecialEddie 3]

Introduction

Well now that I’ve got your attention, I’d like to welcome you to my third CJ on Simtropolis, Gotham City. This city journal will incorporate something that has never been done on the forums before. I will set up this CJ in the style of a comic book (as you see above). As explained in my Planning Gotham City thread, I’ll be blending Batman comic books and TV shows, then weave SC4 images into the mix to combine the elements into comic book pages—forming storylines which are based on existing Batman stories (but adapted by me for the forums).

 

For more info on Batman:

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Batman

 

 

This journal will incorporate both traditional CJ elements—such as building updates and city showcasing—with my own unique twist on story-based CJ’s. This way, those who just want to look at pretty pictures don’t have to read the story, and those who want to follow the storylines can read both comics and city updates. This way, everyone is happy! Here are how the updates will be organized:

 

-Before I show the comic book pages, I will showcase the settings which will be shown in the storyline, so that the reader may familiarize him/herself with the setting. To simplify this: Before the story continues, I will show SC4 images of the setting where the story will take place.

 

-I will also show character profiles, including pictures of the characters that are going to appear in the storyline and a brief description of who they are and what they’re like.

 

-After I’ve established the setting and characters, I’ll be posting the comic book pages. These storylines are based on existing Batman stories, which I’ve re-written and adapted for the forums. I will credit the original writers, but the stories you see here are written by me (despite some quotes that just HAD to stay in the story because I couldn't leave them out).  

 

 

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gotham_City

This is a CITY journal. Though I will incorporate my own style (the comics), the true purpose of this project is to showcase the city which I’ve built. Gotham City is a decaying metropolis. The police are corrupt, poverty is rampant, crime is abundant, and strange costumed criminals run around causing chaos. This isn’t a safe city after dark. Hopefully, that will give you an idea about the feel and atmosphere I’m trying to recreate.

 

This is my reference for the Gotham City map.

 

 

And here is my region. As you can see, it’s somewhat accurate (down to the roads, freeways, and landmark locations). Technically, this is a city-recreation.

 

 

Based on the comics and movies, Gotham varies in style, though at heart it is Art-Deco. Imagine New York in the 30’s, with the skyscraper race to the sky and the detail in the buildings (gargoyles, statues, etc.). Now imagine if that Art Deco landscape was fused with modern Chicago and Los Angeles architecture (think contemporary glass skyscrapers). Then add an asylum and a couple of delusional costumed villains, and you’ve got Gotham City—a crazy town in its own right.

 

My primary inspirations for building this in SC4 was:

 

-New York

-and Chicago

 

(though the Chicago feel will definitely stand out more due to the setting of Batman Begins—which was filmed on location in the Windy City).

 

I took elements from each, and I’m pretty content on how it turned out (but you’ll have to form an opinion for yourself). The city is incredibly dense. A medium city tile has about 150,000 thousand people, and the only relief from crowding is a massive city park in the middle of the chaos (inspired by Central Park).

 

 

 

This CJ will be divided into two styles. The first style (the one we’ll be seeing in the following updates) are based on the comic books. The second style is based on DVD screen-caps from Batman: The Animated Series (BTAS). We’ll only be seeing the first style for a few months, and the Animated style will take over from then on out. BTAS had over 85 episodes and I’ll be adapting some of them for the forums. That’s dozens of short storylines. This way, we won’t have a giant story that’ll clutter up the CJ and discourage people from reading and following it. Yay.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BTAS

 

 

Well I hope I’ve been clear explaining all this, but if you have a question, feel free to ask. I’m really excited to finally start this (after HALF A YEAR of preparation), and hopefully, those who followed my previous CJ’s will stop by. However, I’m also eager to see some new faces!

 

Now that we’ve got all that out of the way, let’s take a trip to the most Dangerous City in America.

 

However, the story starts here, far from the crime, poverty, and corruption of the city. Straight from Batman Begins, I’m proud to present the origin of the Dark Knight.

 

These next updates will take you through Batman's origins, from Bruce Wayne's tragic childhood to his decade-long world odyssey, where he trains his mind and body to understand criminals and their motives.

[Livin in Sim 83]

Emerges from theater in green sequined gown, stops to congratulate the producer.

Hello, that was quite masterfully done.  Gotham City looks great, the night lights are spectacular. The screen shots were very vivid and affecting, it flowed well from beginning to end, and the plot line leaves you wanting more.  Batman seems so brave to go up against all that evil, and so alone...

OK--so where's the party?

Seriously, SpecialEddie, very nice.

Bye for now.

--Liv

Edit--I was posting while you were posting...nice setup explanation.  The background info is very helpful and will enhance my enjoyment of the story.  What a Kicka$$ region pic--you must have been working on that for most of the six months.  I think I prefer the comic screenies, they are so detailed and well drawn.  Your plan for short segments will indeed lead to ease of following the journal.  You have something for everyone here, very well thought out--a must see--I predict it will be loved by critics and the masses!!

[Benedict 3,119]

I am excited that you have started, too. This is already one of my favorite CJs, and it has only just begun...

[jacqulina 162]

awesome i love the way you have merged the game,very nice layout,excellent pics and dialogue,awesome region my friend

[granto93 4]

wow, this is a unique way to do a CJ. Different is always good though...i cant wait to see where this goes, i like comics keep it up

[Abc987 3]

Wow, I'm very excited about this!!! I'm definitely following this! It's very very very creative!!!

[ilikehotdogsalot 311]

hey eddie, i commented without noticing you were in the middle of posting the update so i deleted my comment, sorry about that. anyways, like i said earlier, i'm happy i got to be here for the grand opening, this update was just splendid, i know you've been working very hard [months] on this project so i wanted to congratulate you with a job well done! i don''t know the trixie cats. but if there is a most creative and best story cat., i'll be sure to nominate you! looking forward to many more updates and reads, and like i said before, it's amazing how you use comic stories and make it into a city journal, awesome work!

[BubbaGump 0]

That's a giant introduction post--or 3! No more teasers I guess!

[tomdapom 79]

Wow, this looks really original and creative! Keep up the great work SpecialEddie!

[patriots_1228 51]

awesome intro Special Eddie. i agree with hot dogs, i can see you gave a lot of effort to make this

[Schulmanator 5,812]

WOW!! What a way to start! I love the comic book concept. It's original, and you are doing it so well!

Hats off to you! 8 thumbs up says Henry the Octopus!!!

WELL DONE!

[SimRabbit 48]

Nice pictures, i like the format, not very usual.

[GreekMan 246]

BATMAN!!!!!

look up in the sky it's a bird it's a plane it's batman!

great start!

[SpecialEddie 3]

By the way, I've just added links to the region and Gotham City map pictures, so clicking on them will lead to much bigger, detailed images.

[suplado! 23]

huge region.looks very nice and accurate to me.

[Deever 23]

It's here!

A bombshell of an intro there, eddie! Halloween every night eh? I prefer celebrating my unbirthdays, but if that's how they do it in Gotham then I ain't complainin.'

You have a top notch region too. That must've taken time to make.

If this CJ doesn't catch on, I don't know what will. Good luck!

[Godzillaman 21]

WOW what a beginning! This will be one of the better CJ's here!

[Zarp 0]

Very nice idea, the start is as awesome as the idea itself.

I'll sure watch each update, and im actually a reader! xPP

[scififan68 23]

WOW!! nice start! I'll be watching this cj. 

[Flying_Scarecrow 0]

Absolutely spectacular!

[SpecialEddie 3]

Today's update (Setting) will focus on the massive expanse of Wayne Manor and its inhabitants, the Wayne Family. Wayne Manor will be shown from all sides during a day-to-night cycle.

It has been the ancestral home of the Waynes for generations. Covering acres of wooden estate, Wayne Manor is Gotham's largest mansion. It's sprawling cave system was once used as part of the Underground Railroad during the Civil War--the only section of the UR that was actually underground.

---

Livin in Sim: Congratulations on being the first commenter! Let's get to work on analyzing your reply. First of all: thank you! And as for the part where you describe Batman as "alone" you are correct. He seems to be the only one brave enough to stand against a city so filled with evil. Glad you like the background info, btw. Though I'm afraid it's so long it'll discourage people from reading it. But no matter. 

You're kinda right on your prediction as well. I haven't gotten this many comments for an update in well...ever! Not everyone is happy, however. Krio on SC4D is not a fan of my CJ. Oh well, he's just one person. You can't please anyone. 

Benedict: It only has begun. Much much more to come!

jacqulina: Thank you, jacky. 

granto93: Who doesn't like comics? Well, in some way I do. I despise Japanese manga. Thanks for commenting. 

jrhnemo: Thanks, j. And congratulations on becoming a CJ critic. Always use proper grammar when reviewing! Good luck. 

ilikehotdogsalot: You must have deleted your comment pretty quickly, because I never noticed it all. No need to apologize. Glad you could make it (or find a computer to log onto ST), by the way. And there is a Best Story in a CJ category for a Trixie, but I think its too soon to tell whether this little CJ will win a Trixie. 

BubbaGump: No...there'll still be teasers, Hubba-Bubba. 

tomdapom: I shall!

patriots_1228: Yep. Lots of effort went into this, I can't deny or be humble about that. Thanks for the comment! I was wondering when you'd stop by. 

Schulmanator: Eight thumbs?! What praise!

SimRabbit: I like to go past the norm.

GreekMan: Thanks!

suplado!: Accurate is What I Aim For. 

Deever: Hmm. I was wondering when you'd show up, you sly you. And yes, I hope this CJ catches on as well. But hey 16 replies ain't bad!

Godzillaman: Let's hope so, Gojira-hombre. Hehe. 

Zarp: Yay! A reader!

scififan68: Watch very closely indeed. 

Flying_Scarecrow: Thanks. We'll be seeing a "Scarecrow" in this CJ as well.  He won't be flying, however.

---

-Character Profiles:

-They’re glamorous, they’re wealthy—they’re the Waynes, Gotham City’s most influential family.

 

Dr. Thomas Wayne, heir to the multi-billion dollar empire Wayne Enterprises, is one of the city’s wealthiest people. Though he is the heir to his family fortune, he does not run Wayne Enterprises. Dr. Wayne leaves that job to more qualified professionals, as he spends most of his time as a surgeon at Gotham City Hospital. Wayne also devotes his life to philanthropy, devoting millions into numerous charities and organizations.

 

Martha Wayne, born Martha Kane, was also born rich herself. She is the heiress to the Ace Chemical fortune, and having nowhere to spend so much money, she donates by the millions to charities. Though stylish and elegant, she prefers not to be in the public eye.

 

Alfred Pennyworth. Though not Wayne by blood, the Pennyworths have been serving the Wayne family since the Revolutionary War. A former British actor and secret agent, Alfred Pennyworth manages to maintain the massive expanse of Wayne Manor all by himself. 

---

Next Update: Concerning Bats and Bruce Wayne

[Benedict 3,119]

I just checked out the bigger, more detailed region view you added - incredible stuff, can't wait to see the finished recreation. This is indeed 2 (at least) superb CJs in one.

[BubbaGump 0]

Quite a contrast from the Gotham you've been showing us before!

[Schulmanator 5,812]

Zounds!! This is so awesome! Someone, give this man a Trixie... STAT!!

BTW, where'd you get Wayne Manor from? An impressive BAT!

[SpecialEddie 3]

Well I wanted an excuse to use this banner so I'll be replying to comments sooner than I expected. Hehe. And here's an interesting fact: Gotham City stayed at the front page of the CJ section for about 14 hours! Thanks for the comments, everyone.

---

Benedict: Glad you liked the bigger region view! 

BubbaGump: Yep. And we're going to see another contrast when this CJ transitions into the "Inner City."

Schulmanator: A Trixie for me? Where? *looks around* I'll try to find you the link to Wayne Manor. It's somewhere in my Oasis CJ. It'sa Japanese BAT, but Meinhosen LOT'ed it for me, since the original mansion had these robots in the back. I'll send it to you by PM--no one else must know about it! It's a secret! Shh!

[BubbaGump 0]

Sorry to comment on update again- I know that can be annoying-but who's that twirling in the air in the Feadback banner?

[surdanis 6]

cat-woman!

it appears to be a panel from the hush series--an awesome series by the way.

[football_fever 6]

HUH! You didn't think I was going to comment, did you?

Yes, I forsee this getting a Trixie, so we might as well not waste any time. Just get it to you now. Ohh, and you should send it to me by PM too! I even remember you asking for people to LOT it for you back in your Oasis, Arizona days. I just now put that together. That was a loooooooooooong time ago. You've been planning this forever!

This is so cool, though. It's like finally seeing a movie/TV show that you've been waiting on all year/summer. There are no words to describe how excited I am, so I'm just going to mash the keyboard for a couple seconds...

gjkfguoyt7p98egtfuiew43hbe;woDSAP"798TDEWRGFJLDV78iuldri7uo8

Whew. ok...bring it on, eddie!