Absolute Batman Introduced: Where's Absolute Joker?

Absolute Batman stands as one of DC's most significant comic book launches in recent years, with the inaugural issue securing its position as the best-selling comic of 2024. The series has consistently topped sales charts, a testament to the enthusiastic reception of this bold and often surprising reinvention of the Dark Knight. As creators Scott Snyder and Nick Dragotta conclude their first story arc, "The Zoo," they shared insights with IGN on how Absolute Batman redefines the iconic character. Dive into the discussion to discover more about the design of this strikingly muscular Batman, the profound impact of having a living mother on Bruce Wayne, and the looming threat of the Absolute Joker.

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 classic Batsuit. This design earned him a spot on our list of the 10 greatest Batman costumes of all time. Snyder and Dragotta shared with IGN the creative process behind crafting this larger-than-life Dark Knight, emphasizing the need to reflect a Batman devoid of the traditional wealth and resources.

"Scott's initial vision was to make him big," Dragotta explained to IGN. "His directive was clear: this Batman needs to be the biggest yet. I started with a large design, but Scott pushed for even more. We were venturing into Hulk-like territory."

Dragotta elaborated, "The design embodies the themes of the character—every element, from his emblem to the suit itself, is a weapon. This Batman is a walking arsenal, and his design will continue to evolve as the series progresses."

For Snyder, making Batman physically imposing was crucial. "In the classic Batman narrative, wealth is his superpower," he noted. "Without that financial backing, this Batman must rely on his sheer physical presence to intimidate Gotham's criminals. When he confronts villains like the Riddler, his high-tech suit alone sends a message. In the Absolute Universe, his size and the utility of his suit become his tools of fear."

Snyder further explained, "The villains he faces believe they're untouchable, backed by resources he lacks. As the series progresses, Batman will confront increasingly formidable adversaries, necessitating his role as a force of nature."

The bulky, muscle-bound Batman of Frank Miller's The Dark Knight Returns also served as inspiration for Absolute Batman. Dragotta paid homage to Miller's iconic cover in issue #6, reimagining Batman's leap against a lightning bolt.

"Frank Miller and David Mazzucchelli's Batman has been a huge inspiration," Dragotta said. "Their storytelling and layout influenced us greatly. The homage to Dark Knight Returns felt necessary and fitting."

Giving Batman a Family

Absolute Batman reimagines many aspects of the Dark Knight's mythology, with one of the most significant changes being the presence of Bruce Wayne's mother, Martha, who is alive and well. This alteration shifts Batman from a solitary orphan to a man with much to lose.

"It was a decision I debated extensively," Snyder admitted. "Choosing Martha over Thomas felt right because Bruce's relationship with his father has been explored in various universes. Introducing Martha brought a fresh dynamic. Her role evolved naturally, becoming the moral compass of the story. Bruce, while driven by his own moral force, is young and idealistic, and Martha adds both strength and vulnerability to his character."

In issue #1, readers also discovered that Bruce grew up alongside future villains like Waylon Jones, Oswald Cobblepot, Harvey Dent, Edward Nygma, and Selina Kyle. These characters, traditionally part of Batman's rogues gallery, form an extended family in the Absolute Universe. Snyder hinted at upcoming issues exploring how these relationships shaped Bruce's journey to becoming Batman.

Snyder elaborated, "If Bruce couldn't travel the world and train with the League of Assassins, who would he learn from? His childhood friends. Each taught him different skills essential to becoming Batman—Oswald taught him the city's underworld, Waylon the art of fighting, Edward high-level detection, Harvey the city's politics, and Selina, whose influence will be revealed in future issues. These relationships are the heart of the series, grounding and strengthening Bruce while also exposing his vulnerabilities."

Absolute Batman vs. Absolute Black Mask ---------------------------------------

"The Zoo" arc introduces Batman to Gotham's new generation of supervillains, with a focus on Roman Sionis, aka Black Mask, leader of the nihilistic Party Animals. While not the most traditional choice for a Batman origin story villain, Snyder and Dragotta found Black Mask's potential for reinvention compelling.

"We saw Black Mask as clay to mold," Snyder said. "His skull-like face and nihilistic worldview fit our narrative of a world beyond saving, where all that's left is to party amidst the chaos. We treated him as a creator-owned character, staying true to his core as a crime boss while making him fresh and unique."

The climax of issue #6 sees Batman storming Black Mask's yacht, delivering a brutal beatdown. Despite the intensity, Batman stops short of killing Sionis, maintaining his moral boundaries. This confrontation underscores Batman's underdog status in the Absolute Universe, where he's underestimated yet determined.

"When I added those lines to Nick's art, they weren't initially planned," Snyder shared. "They encapsulate our Batman's essence—turning the world's impossibility into fuel for change. Even in his darkest moments, he refuses to believe change is impossible."

The Threat of Absolute Joker

Joker, the chaotic counterpart to Batman's order, looms large in the Absolute Universe. Introduced at the end of issue #1, Absolute Joker is depicted as a wealthy, world-traveled, and highly trained individual who never laughs. The conclusion of "The Zoo" features another glimpse of Joker, wrapped in a cocoon of dead babies and ordering Bane to deal with Batman.

"In this inverted system, Batman is the disruptor, while Joker represents the system," Snyder explained. "Joker's already a terrifying psychopath before encountering Batman, and their relationship will evolve significantly as the series progresses."

Dragotta added, "Joker's been there. His power and master plan are hinted at throughout. We're setting the stage for his storyline, and we're thrilled to see readers intrigued by the mystery."

What to Expect From Absolute Mr. Freeze and Absolute Bane ---------------------------------------------------------

Issues #7 and #8 introduce a new arc with Marcos Martin taking the helm, featuring a horror-infused take on Mr. Freeze. Snyder praised Martin's focus on the emotional core of the story, which parallels Bruce's struggle with his friends knowing his secret identity and his initial plan to sacrifice himself.

"Mr. Freeze's dark path mirrors Bruce's internal conflict," Snyder said. "In this universe, we're free to explore darker, more twisted versions of these characters, creating a unique narrative distinct from the main universe."

Issue #6 also teases an imminent confrontation with Bane, another physically imposing villain. "Bane is big," Snyder confirmed. "He's designed to dwarf Batman's silhouette, adding to the tension and stakes of their encounters."

Finally, the broader Absolute line, which includes Absolute Wonder Woman and Absolute Superman, will expand with Absolute Flash, Absolute Green Lantern, and Absolute Martian Manhunter in 2025. Snyder hinted at future interconnectivity within the Absolute Universe, promising a richer tapestry of interactions among these characters and their villains.

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

Which Absolute DC series are you most excited to read? ------------------------------------------------------

Absolute BatmanAbsolute Wonder WomanAbsolute SupermanAbsolute FlashAbsolute Green LanternAbsolute Martian Manhunter