Park Row, or Crime Alley, is the part of Gotham North where Thomas and Martha Wayne were killed in front of young Bruce by Joe Chill. The orphaned Bruce was comforted by the local resident Leslie Thompkins,[14] but this single tragedy wouldn't be erased from his young mind and it served as motivation to start his long journey and crime-fighting crusade as The Batman. Every year, Bruce Wayne visits the place on the anniversary of his parents' deaths as a reminder of his life purpose.
History
Earth-One
Park Row was a societal juxtaposition, being both one of the most affluent neighborhoods for some of the wealthiest residents of Gotham, such as Jason Blood,[1] while also being a notorious area for poverty and criminal activity.
Years after the Waynes' murders, a new building was placed on the spot where they had been killed. The building was named The Skirley Apartments and it was the place of residence for many denizens of Crime Alley. The building would've been the crime scene for one of Maxie Zeus' blood contracts, but the crime was stopped by Batman.[2] Eventually, Poison Ivy set up a base of operations in the infamous street, but the place was burned down during a confrontation with Batman.[3]
New Earth
In the 17th Century, the area on the northern island that now comprises Park Row and The Bowery was known as Logerquist's Acres. It was the place where Gotham City's founder Jon Logerquist maintained farmland in the later years of his life. However, his farmstead was eventually burned by British authorities when Logerquist refused to pay his taxes. An urban legend in Gotham City claims that Logerquist's ghost still lingers in the Bowery and Park Row.[4][5]
In modern times, Park Row was once a fancy Gotham City East End neighborhood until the murder of the Waynes. Since that event, the place became commonly known as "Crime Alley" and the reputation of the place deteriorated. Currently, Crime Alley is home to Dr. Leslie Thompkins, who also runs the free Thomas Wayne Memorial Clinic, funded by Bruce Wayne.
Crime Alley became known for its derelict buildings and abandoned properties. Many criminals used these place as their hideout, such as the Joker, who came to own several buildings of the area through illicit businesses. When the madman attempted to double-cross Lex Luthor, the corrupt businessman struck back by blowing up and setting several of the buildings in Crime Alley on fire. The chaos was only stopped thanks to Superman's timely arrival, who assisted the Gotham City Police Department and Batman to get the crisis under control.[6]
Park Row was also the base of operations of Lone-Eye Lincoln, a drug dealer that came across Bruce Wayne, after he lost his memory.[7]
After Nightwing's return to Gotham, his first mission on the city was the replacement of a broken lamp post in Park Row and he also lit up a candle in memory of Bruce's tragic past.[8]
Recently, Park Row was reclaimed by the Gotham Authorities and the place was turned into a decent neighborhood once again with help from Wayne Enterprises.[9]
Prime Earth
The part of Park Row around the Monarch Theater was known as the "Crime Alley" because of the high rate of crime. This name became prominent after the murder of Thomas and Martha Wayne, the parents of Bruce Wayne who would later become the Batman.[10]
The Batman Who Laughs had built his Batcave beneath the Crime Alley sometime around his battle with Batman, knowing the psychological impact it will have on Bruce. The area suffered significant damage due to Batman had Superman destroy part of the street to reach his lair and the infected Shazam's fight with both the heroes, but was later rebuilt by Bruce.[11][12][13]
Points of Interest
Residents
- Catherine Todd (formerly)
- Eddie[15]
- Faye Gunn
- Freddy[15]
- Leslie Thompkins
- Lone-Eye Lincoln
- Jason Blood[16]
- Jason Todd (formerly)[17][15]
- Mary Ann Warner
- Willis Todd
- Mrs. Walker[18]
Trivia
- Cortlandt Alley in Lower Manhattan, New York City was used as a filming location for Crime Alley in the television series Gotham.[19][20]
See Also
- ↑ The Brave and the Bold #109
- ↑ Detective Comics #483
- ↑ Batman #367
- ↑ Daily Planet Guide to Gotham City
- ↑ Atlas of the DC Universe
- ↑ World's Finest (Volume 2) #3
- ↑ Batman #678
- ↑ Nightwing (Volume 2) #153
- ↑ Bruce Wayne: The Road Home: Batgirl #1
- ↑ Batman (Volume 3) #95
- ↑ Batman/Superman (Volume 2) #1
- ↑ Batman/Superman (Volume 2) #2
- ↑ Batman/Superman (Volume 2) #6
- ↑ Detective Comics #457
- ↑ 15.0 15.1 15.2 Batman #409
- ↑ Detective Comics #485
- ↑ Batman #408
- ↑ Batman #426
- ↑ Why Is This “Gritty” NYC Alley Featured in So Many TV Shows and Movies? - The Hollywood Reporter
- ↑ NYC Film Locations for TV Show Gotham on FOX - Untapped New York