Absolute Batman Meets His Match: The Absolute Joker Unveiled

Absolute Batman has emerged as one of DC's most significant comic book launches in recent years, captivating fans and dominating sales charts since its debut in 2024. The first issue was the best-selling comic of 2024, and the series has maintained its popularity, thanks to this bold and often surprising reinvention of the Dark Knight. With creators Scott Snyder and Nick Dragotta concluding their first story arc, "The Zoo," they recently shared insights with IGN on how they've transformed Batman's traditional mythos.

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

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11 ImagesDesigning Absolute Batman

The Absolute Universe's Batman stands out with his imposing presence, characterized by bulging muscles, shoulder spikes, and other 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 their approach to crafting this larger-than-life Batman, emphasizing the need for a visually striking hero who compensates for the lack of traditional wealth and resources with sheer physicality.

"Scott's initial idea was to go big," Dragotta told IGN. "That was his first direction to me, and I drew him really big at first. But Scott wanted to push further, saying, 'Nick, I want to go bigger.' We ended up with proportions akin to the Hulk." This design philosophy underscores Batman's role as a weapon, with every element of his suit serving a utilitarian purpose, reflecting the character's new reality.

For Snyder, Batman's size is a necessity in this universe. "When the classic Batman shows up, he's intimidating not just because of his skills but also his wealth," Snyder explained. "In this universe, without those resources, Batman's physical presence becomes his primary tool of intimidation. He's a force of nature, confronting villains who believe they're untouchable."

Art by Nick Dragotta. (Image Credit: DC)Frank Miller's The Dark Knight Returns also influenced Absolute Batman's design, with Dragotta paying homage through a striking splash page in issue #6 that reimagines Miller’s iconic (and surprisingly divisive) Dark Knight Returns cover. "Miller and Mazzucchelli's Batman from Year One has been a huge inspiration," Dragotta said. "This homage felt right and necessary."

Giving Batman a Family

Beyond physical changes, Absolute Batman redefines Bruce Wayne's personal life by revealing that his mother, Martha, is still alive. This significant alteration transforms Batman from a lonely orphan into a hero with a family, adding new dimensions to his character and vulnerabilities to his mission.

"It was the element I debated the most initially," Snyder admitted. "Having Martha alive felt more interesting than Thomas, given their typical portrayals. She's become the moral compass of the book, offering Bruce strength and vulnerability." This dynamic adds a rich layer to Bruce's character, grounding him while exposing new weaknesses.

Additionally, issue #1 introduced Bruce's childhood friends—Waylon Jones, Oswald Cobblepot, Harvey Dent, Edward Nygma, and Selina Kyle—who in the traditional DCU are part of Batman's rogues gallery. Here, they form an extended family, shaping Bruce's journey into Batman. "These relationships are at the heart of the book," Snyder said. "They're integral to who Batman becomes, influencing his skills and understanding of Gotham."

Art by Nick Dragotta. (Image Credit: DC)

In "The Zoo," Absolute Batman confronts a new generation of supervillains, with Roman Sionis, aka Black Mask, taking center stage as the leader of the Party Animals. This nihilistic gang embodies the chaos engulfing Gotham. Snyder and Dragotta chose Black Mask over creating a new villain, seeing potential to mold him into a fresh, yet true-to-DNA character.

"We wanted a villain embodying nihilism, reflecting a world beyond salvation," Snyder said. "Black Mask's aesthetic fit perfectly with this theme, allowing us to write him as if he were a creator-owned character." The climactic fight in issue #6 sees Batman delivering a brutal beatdown to Black Mask, emphasizing Batman's underdog status in this universe.

Art by Nick Dragotta. (Image Credit: DC)"These lines weren't originally planned but became my favorite in the issue," Snyder noted. "They encapsulate our Batman's essence—he thrives on proving the doubters wrong, using their disbelief as fuel."

The Threat of Absolute Joker

The series also teases the looming presence of the Absolute Joker, who in this universe is the embodiment of wealth and order, contrasting sharply with Batman's disruptive nature. Introduced briefly in issue #1 and at the end of "The Zoo," the Joker is already a terrifying figure, wrapped in a cocoon of dead babies and planning to use Bane against Batman.

"The initial idea was to invert the system," Snyder explained. "If Batman is the disruption, Joker represents the established order. Their dynamic is always central to any Batman story I write." This Joker has evolved independently of Batman, suggesting a complex evolution when they finally confront each other.

Art by Nick Dragotta. (Image Credit: DC)"This Joker is already terrifying by the time he meets Batman," Snyder hinted. "Their relationship will evolve as the series progresses." Dragotta added, "He's been there. The clues we've planted show his power and his master plan."

Issues #7 and #8 introduce a new arc featuring Mr. Freeze, illustrated by Marcos Martin. This storyline promises a dark and twisted take on the villain, reflecting Bruce's own struggles with his identity and survival.

"Mr. Freeze embodies the dark path Bruce fears," Snyder said. "Marcos brings an emotional depth to the story that aligns perfectly with our series' theme of pushing boundaries." The cover of issue #7 suggests a horror-infused reinvention of Mr. Freeze.

Art by Nick Dragotta. (Image Credit: DC)Meanwhile, issue #6 sets the stage for a confrontation with Bane, raising questions about his portrayal in this universe. "Bane is really big," Snyder confirmed. "He's designed to make Bruce's silhouette look smaller, emphasizing his physical dominance."

Finally, the broader Absolute line, which includes Absolute Wonder Woman and Absolute Superman, will see further development in 2025 with new titles like Absolute Flash, Absolute Green Lantern, and Absolute Martian Manhunter. Snyder teased that these series will begin to interconnect, showing how characters influence each other within the Absolute Universe.

"You'll see hints that Bruce is aware of events in other parts of our universe," Snyder said. "By 2025, we'll start to show how these characters and their villains interact."

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