Absolute Batman Introduced, Absolute Joker Next?

Absolute Batman has emerged as one of DC's most significant comic book launches in recent years. The first issue soared to become the best-selling comic of 2024, and the series has consistently topped sales charts since its debut. This success underscores the enthusiastic reception 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 shared insights with IGN on how Absolute Batman challenges the traditional Batman mythos. Dive into their discussion to discover the inspiration behind the impressively muscular Batman, the impact of having a living mother on Bruce Wayne's life, and what to anticipate as the Absolute Joker steps into the spotlight.

***Warning:** full spoilers for Absolute Batman #6 ahead!*

Absolute Batman #6 Preview Gallery

11 ImagesDesigning Absolute Batman

The Absolute Universe's Batman is a formidable presence, 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 discussed the creative process behind this imposing version of the Dark Knight, emphasizing a Batman who lacks the wealth and resources of his traditional counterpart.

"Scott's initial vision was to go big," Dragotta explained to IGN. "He wanted this to be the most imposing Batman we've seen. I started with a large design, but Scott pushed for even more. We were venturing into Hulk-like proportions."

Dragotta elaborated, "The design was driven by the need to make him a weapon in every aspect. From his emblem to every piece of his suit, everything serves a purpose. This approach will continue to evolve as the series progresses."

For Snyder, the necessity of making Batman larger-than-life stemmed from the absence of his usual financial advantage. "The classic Batman's superpower is his wealth," Snyder noted. "Without that, this Batman must rely on his physical presence to intimidate Gotham's criminals. His size, his combat skills, and the utility of his suit become his tools of fear."

Snyder added, "The villains he faces believe they're untouchable due to their resources. Batman needs to be a force of nature, proving that he can reach them despite their advantages."

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 this influence, saying, "Frank Miller and David Mazzucchelli's Batman has been a huge inspiration, especially in storytelling and layout. The homage to Dark Knight Returns felt necessary and right."

Giving Batman a Family

Absolute Batman reimagines many elements of the Dark Knight's mythology, including the significant change of Bruce Wayne's mother, Martha, being alive. This alteration transforms Batman from a solitary orphan into a character with much to lose.

"Deciding to keep Martha alive was a major decision," Snyder admitted. "It felt right to explore a maternal relationship, which is less common in Batman stories. As we developed the series, Martha became the moral compass, adding depth and vulnerability to Bruce's character."

Snyder continued, "Her presence adds a new dimension to Bruce, making him both stronger and more vulnerable. It's become a core part of his character and the series."

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 are traditionally his adversaries. Snyder teased that these relationships will be explored further, revealing how they shaped Bruce's journey to becoming Batman.

"Without global training, Bruce learned from his friends," Snyder explained. "Oswald taught him the underworld, Waylon taught him to fight, Edward taught him logic, Harvey taught him politics, and Selina taught him much more. These relationships are central to the series, grounding and strengthening Bruce."

In "The Zoo," Absolute Batman begins to assert his presence in Gotham as new supervillains emerge. The focus is on Roman Sionis, aka Black Mask, the leader of the nihilistic Party Animals. Snyder and Dragotta initially considered a new villain but chose to revamp Black Mask to fit their narrative.

"Black Mask's nihilistic aesthetic fit our story perfectly," Snyder said. "We molded him into a character that embodies the idea that the world is beyond saving, so why not party while it burns? Nick's art transformed him into something fresh and exciting."

The confrontation between Batman and Black Mask in issue #6 is intense, with Batman delivering a brutal beatdown but stopping short of killing. This fight underscores Batman's underdog status in the Absolute Universe, where he's underestimated but determined to make a difference.

"Those lines weren't in the original script, but they encapsulate our Batman's spirit," Snyder remarked. "He uses the world's cynicism as fuel to prove them wrong."

The Threat of Absolute Joker

The series builds towards a confrontation with the Absolute Joker, who is introduced as Batman's opposite - wealthy, worldly, and devoid of humor. The end of "The Zoo" teases Joker's awareness of Batman, hinting at a larger plan involving Bane.

"In this inverted system, Batman is the disruption, and Joker represents the system," Snyder explained. "Their relationship is central to the series, with Joker already a terrifying figure before meeting Batman."

Dragotta added, "Joker's been there, and his power is evident. We're planting clues about his master plan, which will unfold in future issues."

Issues #7 and #8 introduce Mr. Freeze, with Marcos Martin taking over for a short arc. This version of Mr. Freeze leans into horror, reflecting Bruce's struggles with his identity as Batman.

"Mr. Freeze's dark path mirrors Bruce's own struggles," Snyder said. "We're taking a bold approach with these villains, making them uniquely ours in the Absolute Universe."

Bane is also set to appear, and Snyder confirmed, "Bane is really big. We wanted him to make Bruce's silhouette look smaller."

As part of the larger Absolute line, Absolute Batman launched alongside other titles in 2024, with more planned for 2025. Snyder hinted at future interactions between characters across the Absolute Universe, promising a more interconnected narrative.

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