Absolute Joker: Unveiled in New Release

Absolute Batman has emerged as one of DC's most significant comic book launches in recent years. The first issue topped the sales charts in 2024, and the series has continued to captivate readers with its innovative take on the Dark Knight. This bold and often surprising reinvention of Batman has clearly struck a chord with fans, offering a fresh perspective on the iconic character.

Creators Scott Snyder and Nick Dragotta have recently concluded their first story arc, "The Zoo," and shared insights with IGN on how Absolute Batman challenges the traditional Batman mythos. Dive into the details of crafting this impressively muscular Batman, the impact of having a living mother on Bruce Wayne, and what lies ahead with the emergence 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 stands out with his intimidating presence, characterized by bulging muscles and shoulder spikes that enhance the traditional Batsuit. This design has earned Absolute Batman a spot on our list of the 10 greatest Batman costumes of all time. Snyder and Dragotta discussed the inspiration behind this hulking vision, aiming to reflect a Batman who lacks the wealth and resources of his traditional counterpart.

"Scott's initial vision was to make Batman larger than life," Dragotta shared with IGN. "He wanted this to be the biggest Batman we've seen, and I initially drew him quite large. But Scott pushed for even more, saying, 'Nick, let's go bigger.' We ended up with Batman resembling Hulk-like proportions."

Dragotta elaborated, "The design emphasizes boldness and iconography, reflecting the character's essence. Every element, from the emblem to the suit, serves as a weapon. This approach not only defines his current look but will continue to evolve."

For Snyder, the oversized Batman was a necessity. "The classic Batman uses wealth as a superpower," he explained. "Without that, this Batman relies on sheer physical presence to intimidate Gotham's criminal element. His size, physicality, and the utility of his suit make him a constant threat."

Snyder added, "His opponents, like Black Mask, have resources he lacks. As the series progresses, he'll face even greater challenges, requiring him to be a force of nature."

The influence of Frank Miller's The Dark Knight Returns is evident in Absolute Batman, especially in issue #6, which features a homage to Miller's iconic cover.

"For me, Miller's and Mazzucchelli's storytelling in Batman: Year One is a huge inspiration," Dragotta said. "Including a nod to Dark Knight Returns felt right and necessary."

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 change transforms Batman from a solitary orphan to a character with much more to lose.

"It was a decision I debated extensively," Snyder admitted. "With Thomas often explored in different universes, Martha felt like the more interesting choice. Her presence adds a moral compass to the story, while also making Bruce more vulnerable."

Snyder continued, "Martha's role has evolved naturally, becoming a source of strength and vulnerability for Bruce. It's an exciting and unpredictable dynamic that has become central to the book's DNA."

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. In the Absolute Universe, these future villains are part of Bruce's extended family, influencing his journey to becoming Batman.

"The idea was to explore how Bruce could become Batman without global training," Snyder said. "He learned the city's underworld from Oswald, fighting from Waylon, logic from Edward, politics from Harvey, and much more from Selina. Their relationships form the heart of the series, grounding and strengthening Bruce."

Absolute Batman vs. Absolute Black Mask

In "The Zoo," Absolute Batman confronts a new generation of supervillains, with a focus on Roman Sionis, aka Black Mask. Leading the nihilistic Party Animals, Sionis embodies the chaos threatening Gotham.

"Black Mask was the perfect villain for this arc," Snyder noted. "His nihilistic aesthetic and role as a crime boss allowed us to craft a fresh take on him, molding him like a creator-owned character."

The climactic battle in issue #6 sees Batman storming Sionis' yacht, delivering a brutal beating. Despite not crossing the line into murder, Batman leaves Black Mask severely injured, emphasizing his underdog status in this universe.

"These lines encapsulate our Batman's essence," Snyder said of the issue. "He thrives on being underestimated, using it as fuel to prove the world can change."

The Threat of Absolute Joker

The series teases an inevitable confrontation with Absolute Joker, who is introduced as Batman's dark inverse. Wealthy, worldly, and trained by the best, this Joker never laughs.

"The Zoo" ends with Joker wrapped in a cocoon of dead babies, ordering Bane to deal with Batman. This version of Joker has already become a psychopathic supervillain, independent of Batman's influence.

"In this inverted system, Batman is the disruption, and Joker represents order," Snyder explained. "Their relationship is fundamental to the story, with Joker always at the opposite end of the spectrum."

Dragotta added, "This Joker has been around and is incredibly powerful. His storyline will unfold with significant impact."

What to Expect From Absolute Mr. Freeze and Absolute Bane

Issues #7 and #8 introduce Mr. Freeze in a horror-inspired arc by artist Marcos Martin. This version of Freeze reflects Bruce's struggles with his identity as Batman.

"Marcos brings an emotional depth to the story," Snyder said. "Freeze's dark path mirrors Bruce's internal conflict, offering a twisted take on the character."

Bane is set to appear as a physically imposing villain, designed to make Batman's silhouette look smaller.

"Bane is big," Snyder confirmed. "We wanted him to dwarf Bruce, maintaining his intimidating presence."

Finally, the Absolute line, which includes Absolute Wonder Woman and Absolute Superman, will expand in 2025 with titles like Absolute Flash, Absolute Green Lantern, and Absolute Martian Manhunter. Snyder hinted at future interactions between characters across the Absolute Universe.

"You'll see hints of these characters affecting each other," he said. "We're planning how they'll interact in 2025 and beyond, focusing on their impact 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

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