Absolute Batman vs. Absolute Joker: Who's Next?

Absolute Batman has emerged as one of DC's most significant comic book launches in recent years, captivating readers with its bold and often surprising reinvention of the Dark Knight. The first issue soared to become the best-selling comic of 2024, and the series has consistently topped sales charts, indicating a strong and positive reception from fans.

Following the completion of their initial story arc, "The Zoo," creators Scott Snyder and Nick Dragotta sat down with IGN to delve into the ways they've upended the traditional Batman mythos. They discussed the design of this impressively muscular Batman, the impact of Bruce Wayne having a living mother, and teased the emergence of Absolute Joker from the shadows.

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 other enhancements to the traditional Batsuit. His design has earned him a spot on our list of the 10 greatest Batman costumes of all time. Snyder and Dragotta shared insights into their creative process, emphasizing the concept of a Batman who lacks the wealth and resources of his traditional counterpart.

“Scott's vision was to make Batman larger than life,” Dragotta explained. “He wanted him to be the biggest Batman we've seen. I initially drew him big, but Scott urged me to go even bigger, pushing towards Hulk-like proportions.”

Dragotta elaborated on the design philosophy, stating, “The design embodies the essence of this character as a weapon. Every element of his suit is utilitarian, reflecting his need to compensate for his lack of resources with sheer physical presence.”

For Snyder, making Batman enormous was crucial. He pointed out that in the classic Batman narrative, wealth is a superpower in itself. Without it, this Batman relies on his size and combat skills to intimidate Gotham's criminals.

“The classic Batman's intimidation factor comes from his wealth as much as his skills,” Snyder said. “This Batman needs to rely on his physicality and the utility of his suit to be a force to be reckoned with.”

The influence of Frank Miller's The Dark Knight Returns is evident, particularly in a striking splash page from issue #6 that pays homage to Miller's iconic cover.

Giving Batman a Family

Absolute Batman introduces significant changes to the Dark Knight's mythology, notably the presence of Bruce Wayne's mother, Martha, who is alive and well. This shift transforms Batman from a lonely orphan to someone with much more to lose.

Snyder admitted, “Including Martha was a decision I debated extensively. Her presence adds a moral compass to the story and introduces a vulnerability to Bruce, enhancing the depth of his character.”

Additionally, issue #1 revealed that Bruce grew up with characters who would become his rogues gallery, including Waylon Jones, Oswald Cobblepot, Harvey Dent, Edward Nygma, and Selina Kyle. These characters form an extended family for Bruce, influencing his journey to becoming Batman.

Snyder explained, “Without the ability to train globally, Bruce learned the city's underworld from Oswald, combat skills from Waylon, high-level detection from Edward, and the city's politics from Harvey. His relationships with these characters and his mother form the core of the book.”

Absolute Batman vs. Absolute Black Mask

In “The Zoo,” Absolute Batman establishes his presence as a new generation of supervillains emerges. The focus of this arc is Roman Sionis, aka Black Mask, the leader of the nihilistic Party Animals.

Snyder noted, “We chose Black Mask because his nihilistic aesthetic fit perfectly with our story. We molded him to fit our narrative while staying true to his essence as a crime boss.”

The climactic confrontation between Batman and Black Mask in issue #6 showcases Batman's determination and ferocity, with Batman using his suit's features to devastating effect.

Snyder shared, “Batman’s lines in this fight encapsulate his essence. He uses the world's doubts as fuel to make a difference, no matter how impossible it seems.”

The Threat of Absolute Joker

The series teases the inevitable confrontation between Batman and the Absolute Joker, who is depicted as Batman's dark inverse. Introduced briefly at the end of issue #1, the Joker is shown to be wealthy, well-traveled, and trained by the best, yet never laughs.

Snyder discussed the concept, stating, “In this inverted system, Batman disrupts the order, while Joker represents the system. Their relationship is fundamental to the story.”

The Joker's evolution into a psychopathic supervillain independent of Batman adds a new layer to their dynamic, promising further development as the series progresses.

What to Expect From Absolute Mr. Freeze and Absolute Bane

The series takes a brief detour in issues #7 and #8, introducing Mr. Freeze, reimagined with a horror twist. Snyder praised artist Marcos Martin's contribution, saying, “Marcos brings an emotional depth to the story, exploring Bruce’s struggles and Mr. Freeze’s dark path.”

Bane's imminent arrival is also teased in issue #6. Snyder confirmed, “Bane will be a physically imposing figure, making Batman’s silhouette look smaller by comparison.”

Finally, Snyder hinted at the broader Absolute line, which includes Absolute Wonder Woman, Absolute Superman, and upcoming titles like Absolute Flash, Absolute Green Lantern, and Absolute Martian Manhunter. He teased that while the series are currently standalone, they will begin to interconnect in 2025.

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