Absolute Batman's Counterpart: The Absolute Joker Unveiled
- By Jonathan
- Apr 22,2025
Absolute Batman stands 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 dominated the sales charts ever since. It's clear that fans are captivated by this bold and often surprising reinvention of the Dark Knight.
As creators Scott Snyder and Nick Dragotta conclude their first story arc, "The Zoo," they shared insights with IGN on how Absolute Batman revolutionizes the traditional Batman narrative. Dive deeper into the design of this imposingly muscular Batman, explore the profound impact of Bruce Wayne having a living mother, and anticipate the emergence of the Absolute Joker from the shadows.
Warning: full spoilers for Absolute Batman #6 ahead!
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Designing Absolute Batman
The Batman of the Absolute Universe is an awe-inspiring figure, with his muscular build, shoulder spikes, and various enhancements to the classic Batsuit. It's no surprise that we've ranked Absolute Batman among the 10 greatest Batman costumes of all time. Snyder and Dragotta discussed the inception of this formidable Dark Knight and how they aimed to depict a Batman devoid of his usual wealth and resources.
“Scott's vision was to make him larger than life,” Dragotta explained to IGN. “He instructed me to draw the biggest Batman ever. Initially, I drew him quite large, but Scott wanted him even bigger, pushing into Hulk-like proportions.”
Dragotta elaborated, “The design was driven by the need to be bold, iconic, and reflective of his role as a weapon. Every part of his suit, from the emblem to the utility, is designed to be a tool of combat. This concept will continue to evolve and adapt as the series progresses.”
Snyder emphasized the necessity of making Batman physically imposing, noting that traditional Batman's 'superpower' is his immense wealth. “Without the resources to intimidate Gotham's criminals, this Batman relies on his sheer physical presence,” Snyder remarked. “His size, strength, and the utility of his suit become his tools for intimidation.”
Snyder continued, “The villains he faces in this universe believe they're untouchable due to their resources. As he confronts increasingly formidable adversaries, his physicality becomes a force of nature, asserting that no one is beyond his reach.”
Dragotta acknowledged, “Miller and Mazzucchelli's Batman: Year One has been a massive inspiration, especially in storytelling. The homage to Dark Knight Returns felt right and necessary.”
Giving Batman a Family
Absolute Batman not only reimagines Batman's physicality but also reshapes his mythology, including the revelation that his mother, Martha, is alive. This change transforms Batman from a solitary figure into one with significant personal stakes.
“It was a challenging decision,” Snyder admitted. “Choosing Martha over Thomas felt more intriguing, given the paternal focus in other universes. As we developed her character, she became the moral compass of the series, adding depth and vulnerability to Bruce.”
Additionally, the series introduces Bruce's childhood friends, including Waylon Jones, Oswald Cobblepot, Harvey Dent, Edward Nygma, and Selina Kyle, who are traditionally his adversaries but here form an extended family. Snyder teased that their influence on Bruce's transformation into Batman will be explored further.
In “The Zoo,” Batman establishes his presence in Gotham amidst the rise of new supervillains, with Roman Sionis, aka Black Mask, taking center stage. Leading the nihilistic Party Animals, Black Mask embodies a hedonistic disregard for the city's decline.
Though not the typical choice for a Batman origin story, Snyder felt Black Mask was perfect for “The Zoo.” Initially considering a new villain, they opted to reinvent Black Mask, keeping his core traits while making him uniquely their own.
“We wanted a villain embodying nihilism,” Snyder said. “Black Mask's aesthetic and role as a crime boss fit perfectly, allowing us to mold him like a creator-owned character.”
Snyder highlighted the significance of these lines, stating, “They encapsulate our Batman's essence. He uses the world's cynicism as fuel, defying the notion that change is impossible.”
The Threat of Absolute Joker
As Batman rises, the Joker looms as his inevitable counterpart, embodying chaos to Batman’s order. The series teases a confrontation between the two, with the Absolute Joker introduced as Batman's wealthy, well-trained opposite who never laughs.
The Absolute Joker is already a formidable psychopath before meeting Batman, diverging from traditional origins. Snyder hinted at further development in their relationship as the series unfolds.
Dragotta added, “This Joker has been around, and his power is evident. We're planting clues about his broader influence and master plan.”
What to Expect From Absolute Mr. Freeze and Absolute Bane ---------------------------------------------------------The series takes a detour in issues #7 and #8, with Marcos Martin introducing Mr. Freeze in a horror-infused arc. Snyder praised Martin's focus on the emotional core of the story, noting parallels between Bruce and Freeze's struggles.
Issue #6 also sets up a future confrontation with Bane, a physically imposing villain. Snyder confirmed, “Bane is big. We wanted him to make Bruce look smaller by comparison.”
Finally, the broader Absolute line, launched with Absolute Wonder Woman and Absolute Superman in 2024, will expand in 2025 with Absolute Flash, Absolute Green Lantern, and Absolute Martian Manhunter. Snyder hinted at future crossovers within the Absolute Universe.
“You'll see hints of interactions between these characters as we move into 2025,” Snyder teased. “We're planning how these heroes and villains will intersect without crossing into the main universe.”
Absolute Batman #6 is available in stores now. You can preorder the Absolute Batman Vol. 1: The Zoo HC on Amazon.
