Absolute Batman's Counterpart: The Ultimate Joker Revealed

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

Following the completion of their first story arc, "The Zoo," creators Scott Snyder and Nick Dragotta shared insights with IGN on how Absolute Batman challenges the traditional Batman narrative. They delve into the design of this impressively muscular Batman, the impact of Bruce Wayne having a living mother, and what readers can anticipate with the introduction of Absolute Joker.

***Warning:** full spoilers for Absolute Batman #6 ahead!*

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Designing Absolute Batman

In the Absolute Universe, Batman's imposing figure is defined by his bulging muscles and shoulder spikes, among other enhancements to the traditional Batsuit. This design earned Absolute Batman a spot on our list of the 10 greatest Batman costumes of all time. Snyder and Dragotta discussed how they envisioned this larger-than-life version of the Dark Knight, aiming to reflect a Batman without the wealth and resources of his traditional counterpart.

"Scott's initial vision was to go big," Dragotta shared with IGN. "He wanted this to be the biggest Batman yet. When I first drew him large, Scott pushed for even more size, reaching almost Hulk-like proportions."

Dragotta explained, "The design was driven by the idea of making Batman a weapon in every aspect. From his emblem to every piece of his suit, everything is a utility. This concept will continue to evolve as the series progresses."

For Snyder, making Batman enormous was essential. He noted that in the classic Batman stories, Batman's wealth is a superpower in itself. Without vast resources, this Batman compensates with sheer physical presence.

"The classic Batman's intimidation factor partly comes from his wealth," Snyder said. "He arrives in high-tech gear that screams, 'I have more than you do.' Without those resources, this Batman relies on his size, physicality, and the utility of his suit to be a force of nature."

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

"Frank Miller and David Mazzucchelli's Batman has been a huge inspiration," Dragotta said. "Not just in art, but in storytelling and narrative structure. The homage to Dark Knight Returns felt necessary and right."

Giving Batman a Family

Absolute Batman reimagines many elements of the Dark Knight's mythos, notably by revealing that Bruce Wayne's mother, Martha, is alive. This change transforms Batman from a solitary orphan to a hero with much more at stake.

"I debated this decision extensively," Snyder admitted. "Choosing Martha over Thomas felt more intriguing. Her presence became a moral compass for the book, adding depth and vulnerability to Bruce's character."

Another significant alteration introduced in issue #1 is Bruce's childhood friendship with characters who would become his rogues gallery, including Waylon Jones, Oswald Cobblepot, Harvey Dent, Edward Nygma, and Selina Kyle. These relationships form an extended family for Bruce, shaping his journey into Batman.

"If Bruce can't train globally, who does he learn from?" Snyder explained. "He learns Gotham's underworld from Oswald, combat from Waylon, logic from Edward, city politics from Harvey, and valuable lessons from Selina. These relationships are central to the heart of the series."

Absolute Batman vs. Absolute Black Mask

In "The Zoo," Batman's presence in Gotham coincides with the rise of new costumed villains, including Roman Sionis, aka Black Mask. Leading the Party Animals, a nihilistic gang, Black Mask is an unconventional choice for a Batman origin story but fits perfectly in "The Zoo."

"We saw Black Mask as moldable clay," Snyder said. "His nihilistic aesthetic and role as a crime boss allowed us to create a fresh take on him, treating him like a creator-owned character."

The rivalry between Batman and Black Mask climaxes in issue #6, with Batman storming Sionis' yacht and delivering a brutal beatdown. Despite the intensity, Batman refrains from killing, reflecting his moral boundaries in the Absolute Universe.

"Those lines weren't originally planned," Snyder noted. "They became the thesis of our Batman, showcasing his resilience and determination against all odds."

The Threat of Absolute Joker

The series teases an inevitable confrontation with Absolute Joker, who embodies everything Batman traditionally is: wealthy, worldly, and trained by the best, yet never laughs. The end of "The Zoo" hints at Joker's sinister plans involving Bane.

"In this inverted system, Batman disrupts, while Joker represents the system," Snyder said. "Joker's already a terrifying figure before meeting Batman, and their relationship will evolve throughout the series."

Dragotta added, "Joker's power and master plan are hinted at through JK Industries and the Arks. We want readers to stay curious about his storyline."

What to Expect From Absolute Mr. Freeze and Absolute Bane

Issues #7 and #8 introduce Mr. Freeze, illustrated by Marcos Martin, offering a horror-infused take on the villain. Snyder highlighted the emotional core of these issues, reflecting Bruce's struggles with his identity and survival.

"Mr. Freeze mirrors Bruce's struggles but takes a darker path," Snyder said. "This universe allows us to explore twisted versions of these characters, giving us creative freedom."

Issue #6 also sets up a confrontation with Bane, raising questions about how this physically imposing villain will be portrayed against the massive Batman.

"Bane is really big," Snyder teased. "We wanted someone who would make Bruce's silhouette look smaller."

As the Absolute line expands with titles like Absolute Wonder Woman, Absolute Superman, and upcoming series like Absolute Flash, Absolute Green Lantern, and Absolute Martian Manhunter, Snyder hinted at future interconnections within the Absolute Universe.

"Bruce is aware of events in other parts of our universe," Snyder said. "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.