‘Batman: Arkham City’ Sinestro Corps Skin Revealed

Just when we thought that Rocksteady had revealed all of the possible costumes for next month’s Batman: Arkham City, we’ve got word that there may be a few more in store. In what could be an interesting sign of things to come, those who purchase the Blu-ray version of the ‘Green Lantern’ film on October 14 will be able to download a bonus skin for Arkham City. What costume, you ask? Why Batman’s Sinestro Corps uniform, of course.

Given the massive wardrobe Batman already enjoys in the upcoming game, some of you might be inclined to think that adding even more is bordering on the ridiculous. Adding a bonus Arkham City skin to the Green Lantern Blu-ray might appear to be a DC sales stunt, but comic book fans will likely disagree.

Those familiar with the comics or the Ryan Reynolds film will recognize Sinestro as the former best of the Green Lanterns, corrupted by the obedience that fear commands. Using the creature Parallax – the embodiment of fear itself – Sinestro created his very own Corps, in direct opposition to the Green Lanterns. Since fear is no stranger to Gotham’s dark knight, you can see how the two might intersect.

The bonus skin included with the Blu-ray purchase has been revealed by French website Play3-Live, depicting the Sinestro Corps uniform worn by Batman in various action figures in the comics storyline. For now the costume is only confirmed for the PS3, but we’ll wait for an official announcement before we assume its a console-exclusive. Take a look:

Green Lantern and Batman may seem to be occupying very different versions of reality in the film world, but the two comic book characters are more than familiar with their respective army of enemies. And while the villains on tap for Arkham City are nothing to scoff at, the character of Sinestro makes them all look like amateurs.

When Sinestro first began recruiting his own army of those capable of wielding fear, he made Earth and humanity in particular his main target. One of the first ways that Hal Jordan came to realize Sinestro’s plan was when one of his yellow power rings attempted to recruit Bruce Wayne into the Corps’ ranks, citing his ‘ability to instill great fear.’ Batman was saved by the fact that he had previously worn a Green Lantern ring (what can we say, he loves jewelry). The storyline progressed, but comic book fans got a small peek at something incredible, and a new way of seeing their favorite antihero.

Now we’re aware of the fact that none of this story is relevant to Arkham City, since the costume will only be a cosmetic difference. But now that we know that the alternate skins will be available in campaign, it gives fans something else to look forward to. Having the chance to glide over Gotham bearing the colors of Sinestro’s Corps is a joy that’s never been experienced, and one that will please comic book fans in particular.

Considering how the critical and financial reception of this year’s Green Lantern film was overall disappointing, it isn’t a bad idea to give comic book fans another reason to pick up the Blu-ray. Who knows, we may even see this storyline between Hal and Bruce continued in a future film adaptation, although we won’t hold our breath.

What do you think of the inclusion of the Sinestro Corps uniform? Can we now turn to demanding a zombie-fied ‘Blackest Night’ skin for Arkham City? Or perhaps the Lantern glimpsed when Batman wore Hal Jordan’s ring?

Batman: Arkham City will be released for the Xbox 360 and PS3 on October 18, with the PC release now delayed until November. The Blu-ray release of Green Lantern is scheduled for October 14.

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Source: Play3-Live (via arkhamcity.co.uk)