Batman: Caped Crusader distinguishes itself from other Dark Knight stories by offering fresh takes on classic DC characters, and Nocturna (aka Natalia Knight) is a prime example of this inventive approach.
Created by Doug Moench and Gene Colan, Nocturna first appeared in Detective Comics #529 in 1983. In her original comic book incarnation, Natalia Knight was a jewel thief with a complicated connection to Batman. She was an orphan adopted by a wealthy benefactor who later gained superpowers after exposure to a radioactive laser, which altered her skin pigmentation. Natalia briefly adopted Jason Todd (the second Robin) and even uncovered Batman’s secret identity. Her relationship with Batman grew complex when they had an affair, leading to a deepening connection with Bruce Wayne.
In recent years, Nocturna has evolved into a more complex and morally ambiguous character. Modern interpretations have transformed her into a vampiric figure with superhuman strength, a sensitivity to light, and a need to drain the life energy from others—typically through a bite. These changes allow her to be portrayed both as a villain and a tragic figure, exploring themes of addiction, identity, and self-control.
Nocturna’s Appearance in Media
While Nocturna has been featured in various comic storylines, her presence in other media has been sparse. She made a brief appearance as a serial killer in the Arrowverse’s Batwoman, played by Kayla Ewell. Her inclusion in Batman: Caped Crusader is therefore particularly notable.
In Batman: Caped Crusader, Natalia is depicted as a child rather than an adult, a significant departure from her original portrayal. This shift allows the show to delve into themes of innocence, corruption, and the blurred lines between victim and villain. The series opts not to use the name “Nocturna,” instead referring to her simply as “Natalia.” However, the episode featuring her is titled “Nocturne,” nodding to her comic book roots.
In the show, Natalia works at a carnival with her brother, Anton. Their act involves deception, with Natalia pretending to gain super strength from a machine created by her “mad scientist” brother. In reality, Natalia is afflicted with a condition strongly suggested to be a form of vampirism. She has superhuman strength but must drain others’ life energy to survive, and she is vulnerable to sunlight—traits classic to vampires.
Natalia’s actions, driven by her insatiable hunger, lead her to kidnap children from the carnival to siphon their life energy. This portrayal adds a tragic dimension to her character, as she is depicted as a child grappling with powers she cannot control.
In a dramatic twist, Natalia accidentally kills her brother, leading her to contemplate surrendering and letting the sun destroy her. Batman (voiced by Hamish Linklater) intervenes, using his cape to shield her from the sun. This act highlights Batman’s empathy, recognizing that Natalia is a misguided child rather than a malevolent force. It also challenges Batman’s rigid black-and-white perspective on criminality.
Batman: Caped Crusader blends horror elements with a poignant backstory, creating a version of Nocturna that is both sympathetic and eerie. Although she only appears in one episode, her presence enriches the show’s exploration of moral complexity, aligning perfectly with the series’ noir-inspired tone.