"Every Saturday the Gotham Gazette includes a small lifestyles piece called “Gotham Is.” In the column, random Gothamites are asked to complete the sentence “Gotham is …” using three words or less. The Gazette has been running the “Gotham Is” column for years, ever since I was a boy. Here are some of the words used to describe Gotham in the past few weeks: “Damned.” “Cursed.” “Bedlam.” “Murderous …”
Gotham is “villainous.” Gotham is “a losing game.” Gotham is “hopeless.”
Once in a while, someone names one of the city’s villains as the answer to the “Gotham is” question. Usually it’s some kid, a teenager going for shock value. But now and then someone actually tries to make the argument that the city is best reflected in its villains.
For example, "Gotham is Two-Face," meaning Gotham is a city at odds with itself.
Or "Gotham is Killer Croc." Meaning the city is little more than a cannibalistic monster.
I've seen a few "Mr. Freezes." Two "Black Masks." Lastly I've seen a couple new names appear, too. But for me, Gotham's criminals... whether old... or new... will never define this city. Because in the end they're simple and cowardly ruled by predictable desires.
Granted now and then, one of them will do something that catches even me off-guard... something particularly depraved or twisted
Of course, one of the most common answers to the “Gotham is” question is “Batman.” Gotham is “Batman.” Gotham is “Batman’s city.” Gotham is “the Bat.” All answers I’m partial to, myself."