Absolute Batman Introduces Absolute Joker: What to Expect?

DC's *Absolute Batman* has emerged as one of the most significant comic book launches in recent years. The first issue set a high bar by becoming the best-selling comic of 2024, and the series has continued to dominate sales charts, indicating a strong reader response to this bold and often surprising reinvention of the Dark Knight.

With the completion of their first story arc, "The Zoo," creators Scott Snyder and Nick Dragotta sat down with IGN to delve into the ways *Absolute Batman* challenges the traditional Batman mythos. They discussed the design of the impressively muscular Batman, the impact of having a mother on Bruce Wayne's life, and what readers can anticipate 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 is an imposing figure, characterized by his bulging muscles, shoulder spikes, and numerous enhancements to the traditional 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 creating this hulking version of the Dark Knight, emphasizing a Batman who lacks the wealth and resources of his classic counterpart.

"Scott's vision was to make Batman larger than life," Dragotta explains to IGN. "He wanted him to be the biggest Batman we've ever seen. When I first drew him, Scott pushed for even more size, saying, 'Let's go bigger.' We were venturing into Hulk-like proportions at that point."

Dragotta elaborates, "The design was driven by the need to make him a weapon from head to toe. Every element of his suit serves a purpose, making it more than just a utility belt. This theme will continue to evolve and shape his design in future issues."

For Snyder, the decision to make Batman physically imposing was crucial. Unlike the classic Batman, whose superpower is essentially his vast wealth, this Batman must rely on his sheer physical presence to intimidate Gotham's criminals. "The classic Batman uses his wealth as part of his intimidation factor," Snyder notes. "But in this universe, Batman's size and the utility of his suit are his tools for instilling fear."

Snyder adds, "He's up against villains who believe they're untouchable because of their resources. He needs to be a force of nature, showing them that despite their advantages, he can still reach them and fight back."

The influence of Frank Miller's *The Dark Knight Returns* is evident in the design of Absolute Batman. Dragotta pays homage to Miller's iconic cover with a striking splash page in issue #6, showcasing Batman leaping against a lightning bolt. "Frank Miller and David Mazzucchelli's Batman storytelling has been a huge inspiration," Dragotta says. "This nod felt necessary and right."

Giving Batman a Family

*Absolute Batman* not only reimagines Batman's physicality but also his personal life. A significant departure from the traditional narrative is the revelation that Bruce Wayne's mother, Martha, is alive. This change transforms Batman from a solitary figure into someone with more to lose.

"Deciding to keep Martha alive was a major decision," Snyder reflects. "It felt right to explore a maternal influence, as Bruce's relationship with Thomas has been extensively covered. Martha's presence adds a new dimension to Bruce's character, acting as both a source of strength and vulnerability."

Snyder continues, "Her role as a moral compass is central to the story. Bruce is still young and navigating his ideals, and Martha's presence adds complexity to his character and the narrative."

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 traditional DCU, these characters are part of Batman's rogues gallery, but in the Absolute Universe, they form an extended family that influences Bruce's journey to becoming Batman.

"If Bruce can't travel the world to train, who does he learn from?" Snyder poses. "In the next issue, #7, we'll see how these childhood friends shaped his skills and understanding of Gotham's underworld. Their relationships are the heart of the book, grounding and strengthening Bruce while making him more vulnerable."

In "The Zoo," Absolute Batman begins to establish his presence in Gotham as a new wave of costumed supervillains emerges. The focus is on Roman Sionis, aka Black Mask, who leads the Party Animals, a gang reveling in Gotham's chaos.

Choosing Black Mask for the opening arc was a deliberate move by Snyder and Dragotta. "We saw potential in reshaping Black Mask," Snyder explains. "His nihilistic philosophy fit perfectly with our story's themes of a world past the point of no return. We treated him like a creator-owned character, staying true to his core while making him fresh and our own."

The climax of the Batman/Black Mask rivalry in issue #6 sees Bruce storming Sionis' yacht and delivering a brutal beatdown. Despite the intensity, Batman refrains from killing Sionis, showcasing his moral boundaries in the Absolute Universe. The fight underscores Batman's underdog status, proving his determination and impact.

"Those lines weren't initially planned," Snyder admits. "But they became the thesis of our Batman—'Tell me I don't matter. I love it.' He uses the world's cynicism as fuel, pushing back against the notion that change is impossible."

The Threat of Absolute Joker

Where there's Batman, there's often the Joker. In the Absolute Universe, the Joker is Batman's opposite—wealthy, worldly, and devoid of humor. Teased at the end of issue #1, the Joker is fully revealed at the conclusion of "The Zoo," hinting at his awareness of Gotham's new protector.

"In this inverted system, Batman disrupts the order, while the Joker represents the system," Snyder explains. "Their relationship is fundamental to any Batman story I write, with the Joker always at the opposite end of the spectrum."

The Absolute Joker has already evolved into a psychopathic supervillain, independent of Batman. As their paths converge, the Joker's development will continue to unfold. "This Joker is terrifying from the start," Snyder teases. "But his interaction with Batman will further evolve their dynamic."

"He's been there," Dragotta adds. "The clues we've planted hint at his power and master plan. His storyline is coming, and we want readers to be curious and intrigued."

The series takes a detour in issues #7 and #8, introducing Mr. Freeze in a horror-inspired arc illustrated by Marcos Martin. "Marcos brings an emotional depth to the story," Snyder says. "Mr. Freeze's dark path mirrors Bruce's struggles with his identity and survival."

Snyder continues, "In this universe, we can explore darker versions of villains. It's our creator-owned Batman, allowing us to push boundaries."

Issue #6 also hints at an upcoming confrontation with Bane, a physically imposing villain. "Bane is big," Snyder confirms. "We wanted him to make Batman's silhouette look smaller, emphasizing his threat."

The broader Absolute line, which includes *Absolute Wonder Woman* and *Absolute Superman*, will see further expansion in 2025 with *Absolute Flash*, *Absolute Green Lantern*, and *Absolute Martian Manhunter*. While the stories have been standalone, Snyder hints at future interactions across the Absolute Universe. "Bruce will become aware of events in other places," he says. "We're planning how these characters will interact in 2025 and beyond."

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