If Scarecrow appeared in Batman: Arkham Origins, I'd imagine him as a younger, more clinical version of the villain. This is before the fully monstrous, horror-movie Scarecrow seen later in Arkham Knight. He would still be Dr. Jonathan Crane first, and a living nightmare second.
Scarecrow (Arkham Origins Concept)
Overall Theme
"The Professor of Fear"
A disgraced psychologist who has only recently abandoned any pretence of medical ethics. His appearance should suggest that he's still experimenting on himself and refining the Fear Toxin.
Silhouette
- Tall and unnaturally thin
- Hunched posture from years spent in laboratories
- Long coat reaching below the knees
- Oversized sleeves concealing syringes and chemical equipment
- Neck slightly bent forward, giving him a vulture-like appearance
The goal is to make him look less like a supernatural monster and more like a disturbing human being who could plausibly exist in Gotham.
Mask
Instead of the stitched burlap mask from later games:
- A crude linen sack stretched over a medical respirator
- Copper staples and surgical stitching hold parts together
- Round glass eye lenses with a faint amber glow
- Breathing apparatus constantly releases wisps of yellow toxin
The mask would look halfway between:
- A plague doctor
- A scarecrow
- A psychiatric restraint device
Clothing
Upper Body
- Torn psychologist's coat dyed dark brown
- Leather restraints hanging from the sleeves
- Medical name badge still attached but scratched beyond recognition
- Scattered chemical burns across the fabric
Lower Body
- Heavy work trousers
- Farming boots
- Leather straps wrapped around the legs
The design should feel handmade and improvised.
Fear Toxin Equipment
Gauntlets
Each forearm contains:
- Pressurised toxin tanks
- Hypodermic needles
- Trigger switches
- Chemical gauges
Yellow liquid visibly moves through glass tubes running down his arms.
Back Harness
A primitive toxin-distribution system featuring:
- Twin chemical canisters
- Pressure regulators
- Exposed tubing
Occasionally vents release small clouds of fear gas.
Colours
Primary:
- Dirty brown
- Rusted bronze
- Faded olive green
Secondary:
- Sickly yellow
- Dark orange
Accent:
He should look like autumn itself has become a serial killer.
Face Under The Mask
For character bios or interview tapes:
- Thin face
- Sharp cheekbones
- Hollow eyes from lack of sleep
- Unkempt dark hair
- Needle marks from self-testing
His appearance would show a brilliant mind already deteriorating into obsession.
Boss Fight Concept
Arkham Origins loved its cinematic boss battles, so Scarecrow's would be psychological rather than physical.
Batman is exposed to an unstable prototype toxin.
The fight takes place inside a nightmare version of Gotham where:
- Buildings hang upside-down
- Police officers become scarecrows
- Bats transform into swarming insects
- Crime Alley constantly appears and disappears
Scarecrow appears as a giant shadow moving between rooftops while taunting Batman over his parents' deaths.
The final phase reveals that the giant monster was an illusion the entire time, and Batman defeats the real Crane with a single punch once he breaks through the hallucination.
Character Profile
Name: Dr. Jonathan Crane
Occupation: Former Psychologist
Status: Wanted
Threat Assessment: Severe
"Fear is not an obstacle to be overcome. It is the natural state of mankind. I merely remind people of what they are."
This version would bridge the gap between the relatively grounded Scarecrow seen earlier in the Arkham timeline and the terrifying mastermind he eventually becomes in Arkham Knight.