Gothams

Gothams refers to the inhabitants of Gotham City, a fictional metropolis that serves as the setting for DC Comics' Batman franchise. The term is used informally to denote the people who live in Gotham, including civilians, members of the Gotham City Police Department, and various residents who appear in Batman stories. It is not an official designation within the canon, but it can be found in fan terminology and occasional narration.

In fiction, Gotham City is portrayed as a large, crime-ridden city with a stark contrast between its glamorous districts and darker neighborhoods. The population is diverse, ranging from journalists and merchants to organized crime families and vigilantes. Because Batman’s adventures center on crime, corruption, and heroism, the portrayal of Gothams often mirrors the city’s mood across different media, including comics, animated series, and live-action adaptations.

Origins of the name Gotham in this context trace back to the real-world town of Gotham, England, known in folklore for its “wise fools.” The name was later popularized in American literature as a nickname for New York City and was subsequently adopted by DC Comics for the Batman setting. The connection underscores a tradition of associating Gotham with urban complexity, mystery, and a distinct cultural atmosphere.

Other uses of the term Gothams may appear outside the DC Comics universe, such as in music or other media, but those uses are separate from the canonical Batman mythos.