Absolute Batman Unveiled: Is Absolute Joker Next?

Absolute Batman has emerged as one of DC's most significant comic book launches in years, with the first issue crowned 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.

Following the conclusion of their first story arc, "The Zoo," creators Scott Snyder and Nick Dragotta shared insights with IGN on how Absolute Batman reshapes the traditional Batman mythos. They discussed the design of this impressively muscular Batman, the impact of having a living mother on Bruce Wayne's character, and teased the arrival of Absolute Joker.

Warning: Full spoilers for Absolute Batman #6 ahead!

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Designing Absolute Batman

The Absolute Universe's Batman is an imposing figure, with his bulging muscles, shoulder spikes, and various enhancements to the classic Batsuit. His design earned a spot on our list of the 10 greatest Batman costumes of all time. Snyder and Dragotta explained how they crafted this formidable version of the Dark Knight, emphasizing a Batman who lacks the traditional wealth and resources.

"Scott's initial vision was to go big," Dragotta told IGN. "He wanted the biggest Batman we've seen yet. When I first drew him, Scott said, 'Nick, I want to go bigger.' We were approaching Hulk-like proportions!"

Dragotta elaborated, "The design was driven by the idea of making him bold, iconic, and reflective of his character. Every aspect of his suit, from the emblem to the utility belt, is a weapon. This concept will continue to evolve and change as the series progresses."

For Snyder, making Batman larger-than-life was crucial. He explained, "The classic Batman's superpower is his wealth. Without it, this Batman needs to rely on his physical presence. When he confronts villains, it's not just about his skills or theatrics; it's also about his size, his physicality, and the violence he can bring to a fight."

Snyder added, "In this universe, Batman faces villains who believe they're untouchable. He needs to be a force of nature, showing them that despite their resources, he can still reach them."

Art by Nick Dragotta. (Image Credit: DC)

The influence of Frank Miller's The Dark Knight Returns is evident, particularly in a striking splash page in issue #6 that pays homage to Miller's iconic (and surprisingly divisive) Dark Knight Returns cover.

"Frank Miller and David Mazzucchelli's Batman: Year One has been a huge inspiration," Dragotta said. "The storytelling and layout are what I admire most. 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 that Bruce Wayne's mother, Martha, is alive. This alteration shifts Batman from a solitary figure to one with a family, adding new dimensions to his character.

"Having Martha alive was a decision I debated the most," Snyder admitted. "Given Batman's paternal relationship with Thomas in other universes, Martha felt like a more intriguing choice. As we developed the story, she became the moral compass of the book. Bruce is young and idealistic, but Martha is both his strength and vulnerability."

Art by Nick Dragotta. (Image Credit: DC)

Snyder continued, "Her presence adds a whole new dimension to Batman, becoming a core part of his DNA and the series. It's one of my favorite aspects of the story."

Another major change 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 in this universe.

Art by Nick Dragotta. (Image Credit: DC)

"If Bruce can't travel the world to train, who does he learn from?" Snyder said. "He learns the city's underworld from Oswald, fighting from Waylon, logic from Edward, and politics from Harvey. Selina's influence is coming too. These relationships are the heart of the book."

Absolute Batman vs. Absolute Black Mask

In "The Zoo," Batman begins to assert his presence in Gotham as new costumed villains emerge. The arc focuses on Roman Sionis, aka Black Mask, leader of the nihilistic Party Animals.

"Black Mask's aesthetic and nihilism fit perfectly with our story," Snyder explained. "We molded him like a creator-owned character, staying true to his core but making him fresh. Nick did an incredible job transforming him."

Art by Nick Dragotta. (Image Credit: DC)

Their confrontation reaches a climax in issue #6, where Batman delivers a brutal beatdown on Sionis' yacht. Despite not killing him, Batman leaves Black Mask severely injured, emphasizing the underdog nature of this universe's Batman.

"These lines weren't in the original script, but they became my favorite," Snyder said. "Batman uses the world's impossibility to change as fuel. He'll take your disbelief and turn it into action."

The Threat of Absolute Joker

The series hints at a confrontation with Absolute Joker, who is portrayed as the opposite of Batman in every way. Wealthy, well-trained, and never laughing, Joker is aware of Gotham's new protector and is preparing to deal with him.

Art by Nick Dragotta. (Image Credit: DC)

"In this inverted system, Batman is the disruption, and Joker is the system," Snyder said. "Joker is always at the opposite end of Batman's spectrum, even when he's not in the story."

Absolute Joker is already a terrifying psychopath before meeting Batman, and their relationship will evolve throughout the series.

"This Joker has been there," Dragotta teased. "We've planted clues about his power and master plan. His storyline is coming up, and we want readers to wonder what's happening."

What to Expect From Absolute Mr. Freeze and Absolute Bane

Issues #7 and #8 introduce Mr. Freeze, drawn by Marcos Martin, in a horror-inspired reinvention. Snyder praised Martin's emotional storytelling and noted that Mr. Freeze reflects Bruce's struggles.

Art by Nick Dragotta. (Image Credit: DC)

"Mr. Freeze has taken a dark path, similar to Bruce's own journey," Snyder said. "This is our creator-owned Batman universe, where we can go dark and twisted."

Issue #6 also sets up a future confrontation with Bane, who will be a physically imposing adversary.

"Bane is really big," Snyder confirmed. "We wanted someone who makes Bruce's silhouette look smaller."

As the Absolute line expands with titles like Absolute Flash, Absolute Green Lantern, and Absolute Martian Manhunter in 2025, Snyder hinted at future interactions between characters.

"Bruce is aware of events in other places within the Absolute Universe," Snyder said. "In 2025 and 2026, we'll start showing how these characters and their villains affect each other."

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