We've Met Absolute Batman, but What About Absolute Joker?

Absolute Batman stands as one of DC’s most significant comic book launches in recent years. The debut issue, which became the best-selling comic of 2024, has continued to dominate sales charts, showcasing readers' enthusiastic response to this bold and often surprising reinvention of the Dark Knight.

Following the conclusion of their first story arc, "The Zoo," creators Scott Snyder and Nick Dragotta sat down with IGN to delve into how Absolute Batman challenges the traditional Batman mythos. This discussion offers insights into the design of the impressively muscular Batman, the impact of having a living mother on Bruce Wayne's life, and what lies ahead as the Absolute Joker emerges from the shadows.

Warning: full spoilers for Absolute Batman #6 ahead!

Absolute Batman #6 Preview Gallery

11 ImagesDesigning Absolute Batman

The Absolute Universe’s Batman is an imposing figure, characterized by his bulging muscles, shoulder spikes, and various enhancements to the traditional Batsuit. This design earned him a spot on our list of the 10 greatest Batman costumes of all time. Snyder and Dragotta shared how they envisioned this hulking version of the Dark Knight, reflecting a Batman without the wealth and resources of his classic counterpart.

"Scott's initial idea was to go big," Dragotta explained to IGN. "That was his first direction to me, and I drew him really big at first. But Scott wanted to push it even further, saying, 'Nick, I want to go bigger.' We were getting into Hulk-like proportions."

Dragotta emphasized that the design's purpose was to convey boldness and iconicity, with every aspect of Batman's suit serving as a weapon. "Down to his emblem, down to every piece of his suit, he's a weapon. It's all a weapon," he noted, highlighting how this approach would continue to evolve.

For Snyder, making Batman physically imposing was crucial. "If the classic Batman's superpower is his extreme wealth, this Batman needs to make up for it with sheer physical presence," he said. Without the financial intimidation factor, this Batman relies on his size, physicality, and the utility of his suit to be a formidable force against villains who believe they are untouchable.

The influence of Frank Miller's The Dark Knight Returns is evident in Absolute Batman, particularly in a striking splash page in issue #6 that pays homage to Miller’s iconic (and surprisingly divisive) Dark Knight Returns cover. Dragotta acknowledged Miller's and David Mazzucchelli's work as major inspirations, especially in storytelling and narrative structure.

Giving Batman a Family

Absolute Batman reworks many elements of the Dark Knight’s mythology, but the most significant change is the revelation that Bruce Wayne's mother, Martha, is alive. This alters Batman from a solitary, wounded orphan to someone with much more at stake. Snyder admitted to initially wrestling with this decision but ultimately found it enriching. "Once she entered the book, she became the moral compass, adding a dimension of strength and vulnerability to Bruce," he explained.

Another key change introduced in issue #1 is Bruce's childhood friendships with characters like Waylon Jones, Oswald Cobblepot, Harvey Dent, Edward Nygma, and Selina Kyle, who typically form Batman’s rogues gallery. In this universe, they are an extended family to Bruce, influencing his journey to becoming Batman. Snyder hinted at exploring these relationships further in upcoming issues, noting how these characters shaped Bruce's skills and understanding of Gotham.

Absolute Batman vs. Absolute Black Mask

In "The Zoo," Absolute Batman begins to assert his presence in Gotham as a new wave of costumed supervillains emerges. The focus of this arc is Roman Sionis, aka Black Mask, who leads the Party Animals—a gang reveling in the city's decay. While not a typical choice for a Batman origin story, Snyder found Black Mask ideal for "The Zoo," allowing them to reshape the character into a fresh, nihilistic villain.

The confrontation between Batman and Black Mask in issue #6 reaches a climax on Sionis' yacht, where Batman delivers a brutal beating, emphasizing his underdog status in the Absolute Universe. Snyder highlighted this fight as a testament to Batman's resilience and determination, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds.

The Threat of Absolute Joker

The series is building towards a confrontation with the Absolute Joker, who is introduced as Batman's dark counterpart. Unlike traditional narratives, this Joker is already a wealthy, trained psychopath before encountering Batman. Snyder and Dragotta have teased a complex evolution in their relationship as the series progresses.

At the end of "The Zoo," the Joker is briefly seen, hinting at a master plan involving Bane to deal with Batman. Snyder emphasized the thematic inversion of their roles in this universe, with Batman as the disruptor and the Joker as the system's embodiment.

What to Expect From Absolute Mr. Freeze and Absolute Bane

Issues #7 and #8 introduce a new arc featuring Mr. Freeze, drawn by Marcos Martin. Snyder expressed excitement about this detour, noting how Freeze's dark path mirrors Bruce's struggles with his identity as Batman. This version of Mr. Freeze is described as a twisted reinvention, fitting the darker tone of the Absolute Universe.

Bane is also set to appear, with Snyder confirming that this villain will be even larger than Batman, emphasizing the physical challenge Batman faces. The series promises to delve into the interactions between these characters and how they affect each other in this unique world.

The Absolute line, which includes Absolute Batman, Wonder Woman, and Superman, will expand in 2025 with titles like Absolute Flash, Green Lantern, and Martian Manhunter. Snyder hinted at future interactions between these characters, promising a deeper interconnected narrative as the series progresses into 2025 and 2026.

Absolute Batman #6 is available in stores now, and you can preorder the Absolute Batman Vol. 1: The Zoo HC on Amazon.