Absolute Batman's Counterpart: The Absolute Joker Revealed

Absolute Batman stands out as one of the most significant comic book launches from DC in recent years. The inaugural issue soared to become the best-selling comic of 2024, and the series has consistently topped sales charts since its debut. This enthusiastic reception underscores the appeal of this bold and often surprising reinvention of the Dark Knight.

Following the completion of their first story arc, "The Zoo," creators Scott Snyder and Nick Dragotta shared insights with IGN about how Absolute Batman challenges the traditional Batman narrative. Dive into their discussion to discover the inspiration behind this impressively muscular Batman, the transformative impact of having a living mother on Bruce Wayne, and the looming threat of Absolute Joker.

Warning: Full spoilers for Absolute Batman #6 ahead!

Absolute Batman #6 Preview Gallery

11 ImagesDesigning Absolute Batman

The Batman of the Absolute Universe is a formidable presence, distinguished by his bulging muscles, shoulder spikes, and other enhancements to the classic Batsuit. This striking design earned him a spot on our list of the 10 greatest Batman costumes of all time. Snyder and Dragotta revealed to IGN how they crafted this towering version of the Dark Knight, emphasizing a Batman stripped of his traditional wealth and resources.

"Scott's vision was to go big," Dragotta explained. "He pushed for the biggest Batman yet, and when I initially drew him large, Scott urged me to go even bigger. We ended up with a Batman approaching Hulk-like proportions."

Dragotta added, "The design philosophy was to make him bold and iconic, embodying his themes. Every aspect of his suit, down to the emblem, is a weapon. It's all about utility and intimidation."

For Snyder, Batman's size was crucial. "In the classic Batman universe, his wealth is a superpower," he said. "Without that financial edge, this Batman relies on his sheer physicality to intimidate and overcome Gotham's criminal underworld. His suit, his size, and his combat prowess are his tools to assert that he's a force to be reckoned with, even against villains like Black Mask who have ample resources."

The influence of Frank Miller's The Dark Knight Returns is evident, particularly in a splash page from issue #6 that pays homage to Miller’s iconic (and surprisingly divisive) Dark Knight Returns cover, featuring Batman leaping against a lightning bolt backdrop.

"Frank Miller and David Mazzucchelli's storytelling in Batman: Year One greatly inspired us," Dragotta said. "It felt necessary to nod to their work, especially with Dark Knight Returns."

Giving Batman a Family

Absolute Batman reimagines many aspects of the Dark Knight's mythology, with one of the most significant changes being the revelation that Bruce Wayne's mother, Martha, is alive. This alters the narrative from the traditional story of a solitary orphan to one where Batman has much more at stake.

"Deciding to keep Martha alive was a pivotal choice," Snyder reflected. "It shifts the dynamic from the usual paternal focus to a maternal influence, adding layers of vulnerability and strength to Bruce. She becomes the moral compass of the series, influencing Bruce's actions and decisions."

Another major twist introduced in the first issue is Bruce's childhood friendship with 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 that shapes Bruce's journey to becoming Batman.

"Without global training, who does Bruce learn from?" Snyder posed. "He learns Gotham's underworld from Oswald, combat from Waylon, high-level detection from Edward, city politics from Harvey, and more from Selina. These relationships are central to the series, grounding and challenging Bruce in new ways."

In "The Zoo," Absolute Batman begins to establish his presence in Gotham as new supervillains emerge. The focus is on Roman Sionis, aka Black Mask, leader of the nihilistic Party Animals, who revel in Gotham's chaos.

"Black Mask was the perfect villain for our story," Snyder noted. "His aesthetic of death and nihilism fit our theme of a world past its breaking point. We reshaped him to suit our narrative while staying true to his crime boss roots."

The climax of their rivalry in issue #6 sees Batman storming Sionis' yacht, delivering a brutal beatdown. Despite his ferocity, Batman stops short of killing, but leaves Black Mask severely injured, symbolizing Batman's underdog status in this universe.

"Batman's defiance in the face of impossibility is our core message," Snyder said. "He thrives on proving doubters wrong, using their skepticism as fuel for his mission."

The Threat of Absolute Joker

Where Batman goes, the Joker follows. In the Absolute Universe, Joker is the antithesis of Batman, embodying wealth, worldliness, and a chilling lack of humor. Teased from the end of issue #1 and appearing briefly at the conclusion of "The Zoo," the Joker is already a formidable psychopathic villain, independent of Batman's influence.

"In this inverted world, Batman is the disruption, while Joker represents the system," Snyder explained. "Their dynamic is central to our story. This Joker is terrifying before he even meets Batman, and their relationship will evolve further."

Dragotta added, "The hints we've planted about JK Industries and the Arks worldwide suggest a grander scheme. We're building to a major confrontation with the Joker."

Issues #7 and #8 introduce Mr. Freeze, reimagined in a darker, more horrifying light. "Marcos Martin brings a unique emotional depth to these issues," Snyder said. "Mr. Freeze mirrors Bruce's struggles but takes a darker path. We're pushing the boundaries with these characters."

Bane, another looming threat, is set to confront Batman soon. "Bane is huge," Snyder confirmed. "We wanted him to dwarf Batman's silhouette, emphasizing his physical dominance."

As part of the larger Absolute line, launched with Absolute Wonder Woman and Absolute Superman in 2024, DC plans to expand with Absolute Flash, Absolute Green Lantern, and Absolute Martian Manhunter in 2025. While stories have been standalone, Snyder hinted at future crossovers within the Absolute Universe.

"By 2025, you'll see these characters starting to interact," Snyder teased. "We're planning how they'll affect each other and their villains, without crossing into the main universe."

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