 Originally inspired by his personal political leanings , Alan Grant entertained the idea of interjecting anarchist philosophy into Batman comic books . In an attempt to emulate the success of Chopper , a rebellious youth in Judge Dredd , he conceptualized a character as a twelve @-@ year @-@ old anarchist vigilante , who readers would sympathize with despite the character 's harsh methods . Creating the character without any consultation from his partner , illustrator Norm Breyfogle , his only instructions to Breyfogle were that Anarky be designed as a cross between V and the black spy from Mad magazine 's Spy vs. Spy . The character was also intended to wear a costume that disguised his youth , and so was fitted with a crude " head extender " that elongated his neck , creating a jarring appearance . This was in fact intended as a ruse on the part of writer Alan Grant to disguise the character 's true identity , and to confuse the reader into believing Anarky to be an adult . While both of these design elements have since been dropped , more enduring aspects of the character have been his golden face mask , " priestly " hat , and his golden cane . 
