We've Met Absolute Batman, but What About Absolute Joker?

*Absolute Batman* stands out as one of DC's most significant comic book launches in recent years. The inaugural issue soared to become the best-selling comic of 2024, and the series has consistently topped sales charts since. This resounding success underscores readers' 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 engaged in a detailed discussion with IGN about how *Absolute Batman* redefines the traditional Batman mythos. Dive into the insights on crafting a strikingly muscular Batman, the transformative impact of Bruce Wayne having a living mother, and the looming threat posed by the emergence of Absolute Joker.

Warning: Full spoilers for Absolute Batman #6 are included below!

Absolute Batman #6 Preview Gallery

11 ImagesDesigning Absolute Batman

The Batman of the Absolute Universe is an imposing figure, characterized by bulging muscles, shoulder spikes, and an array of enhancements to the classic Batsuit. This design earned a spot on our list of the 10 greatest Batman costumes of all time. Snyder and Dragotta discussed with IGN how they conceived this formidable version of Batman, emphasizing a character who lacks the traditional financial resources.

"Scott's initial vision was to go big," Dragotta shared with IGN. "He wanted this to be the biggest Batman we've seen. I drew him large initially, but Scott pushed for even more, saying, 'Nick, let's go bigger.' We were approaching Hulk-like proportions."

Dragotta elaborated, "The design reflects his role as a weapon. Every element of his suit, from the emblem to the utility belt, serves a tactical purpose. This approach will continue to evolve and adapt as the series progresses."

For Snyder, the necessity of making Batman larger-than-life stemmed from the character's usual reliance on wealth. "Classic Batman's superpower is his wealth," Snyder explained. "Without that, this Batman must intimidate through sheer physical presence. When he confronts villains like the Riddler, his high-tech suit alone can instill fear. But in this universe, Batman's size and combat prowess are his tools to assert dominance."

Snyder continued, "Our Batman faces villains who believe they're untouchable due to their resources. Black Mask, for instance, has ample means. As Batman confronts increasingly formidable foes, his physicality becomes a force of nature, a statement that he can indeed reach anyone."

The muscular Batman of The Dark Knight Returns by Frank Miller also influenced Absolute Batman. Dragotta's homage in issue #6 reimagines Miller's iconic cover, showcasing Batman leaping against a lightning bolt backdrop.

"Frank Miller and David Mazzucchelli's Batman from Batman: Year One has been a huge inspiration," Dragotta noted. "Their storytelling and layout are what I admire most. 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, including the revelation that Bruce Wayne's mother, Martha, is alive. This significant change means Batman is no longer the solitary orphan but a son with much to lose.

"It was a decision I debated heavily," Snyder admitted. "Martha's presence adds a moral compass to the story. Bruce is young and idealistic, and she embodies both strength and vulnerability. Her existence in the world adds a new dimension to his character."

Another key change introduced in issue #1 is Bruce's childhood friendships with future rogues like Waylon Jones, Oswald Cobblepot, Harvey Dent, Edward Nygma, and Selina Kyle. In this universe, they form an extended family to Bruce, influencing his journey to becoming Batman.

"The concept was that if Bruce can't train globally with figures like the League of Shadows, who does he learn from?" Snyder explained. "From issue #7, we'll see how these friendships shaped his skills. Oswald taught him the underworld, Waylon taught him to fight, Edward honed his detective skills, Harvey showed him city politics, and Selina's influence is yet to be fully revealed."

Snyder emphasized the emotional core of these relationships: "Martha and his friends are the heart of the book. Their dynamics ground him, strengthen him, and expose his vulnerabilities, creating a rich, oscillating narrative."

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

In "The Zoo," Absolute Batman asserts his presence in Gotham as new supervillains emerge. While hints of Bane and Joker appear, the arc primarily focuses on Roman Sionis, aka Black Mask, leader of the nihilistic Party Animals gang.

Black Mask's selection as the main antagonist for Batman's origin story might seem unconventional, but Snyder saw it as a perfect fit. "We chose Black Mask because his character is malleable, like clay," Snyder said. "His skull motif and nihilistic philosophy fit our narrative of a world past the point of no return. We treated him like a creator-owned character, staying true to his crime boss roots but giving him a fresh twist."

The climax of issue #6 sees Batman storming Sionis' yacht, delivering a brutal beating. Even as he pummels Black Mask with a bowling ball, Batman defiantly declares, "Tell me again how I don’t matter! I love it!" Despite the violence, Batman stops short of killing, leaving Black Mask defeated and severely injured. This fight underscores Batman's underdog status in the Absolute Universe.

"When I added those lines to Nick's art, they resonated deeply," Snyder shared. "They encapsulate our Batman's spirit—he thrives on proving the naysayers wrong, using their doubt as fuel. He'll face moments of doubt, but at his core, he refuses to believe change is impossible."

The Threat of Absolute Joker

Joker, Batman's dark counterpart, is an inevitable presence. Snyder and Dragotta have hinted at a looming confrontation between the two. Absolute Joker is introduced in issue #1 as a wealthy, worldly, and deadly serious figure.

"The Zoo" concludes with Joker wrapped in a cocoon of dead babies, ordering his manservant to summon Bane to deal with Batman. This chilling image sets the stage for their future encounters.

"In this inverted system, Batman disrupts the order while Joker represents the system," Snyder explained. "Their dynamic is always at opposite ends of the spectrum. This Joker is already a terrifying force before encountering Batman, and their relationship will evolve throughout the series."

Dragotta added, "This Joker has been there, done that. We've planted clues about his power and global influence. His storyline is coming up, and we want readers to be intrigued and curious."

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

Issues #7 and #8 feature a detour with artist Marcos Martin, introducing Absolute Mr. Freeze. The cover hints at a horror-infused reinvention of the classic villain.

"Marcos brings an emotional depth to these issues," Snyder said. "Mr. Freeze's story mirrors Bruce's struggles with his friends knowing his secret identity and his initial plan to martyr himself. This version of Freeze takes a darker path, and we're pushing the boundaries with our creator-owned approach."

Issue #6 also sets up a confrontation with Bane. Given Batman's massive size, the question arises: should Bane be even larger or smaller yet more cunning?

"Bane is really big," Snyder confirmed. "We wanted him to dwarf Batman's silhouette, emphasizing his physical threat."

Finally, the broader Absolute line includes Absolute Wonder Woman and Absolute Superman, with new titles like Absolute Flash, Absolute Green Lantern, and Absolute Martian Manhunter set for 2025. While currently standalone, Snyder hinted at future interconnectivity.

"You'll see hints of Bruce being aware of events in other parts of the Absolute Universe," Snyder teased. "We're planning how these characters will interact in 2025 and beyond, focusing on how they affect each other within this world."

Absolute Batman #6 is available in stores now. 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