Absolute Batman Meets His Match: The Absolute Joker Unveiled

Absolute Batman has emerged as one of DC’s most significant comic book launches in recent years, with the first issue becoming the best-selling comic of 2024. The series has maintained its position at the top of the sales charts, a testament to the enthusiastic reception of this bold and often surprising reinvention of the Dark Knight.

Following the conclusion of the first story arc, "The Zoo," creators Scott Snyder and Nick Dragotta shared insights with IGN about how Absolute Batman redefines the traditional Batman mythos. Dive into their discussion on the design of this impressively muscular Batman, the impact of Bruce Wayne having a living mother, and the looming threat of Absolute Joker.

Warning: This article contains full spoilers for Absolute Batman #6.

Absolute Batman #6 Preview Gallery

11 ImagesDesigning Absolute Batman

The Batman of the Absolute Universe is a formidable figure, characterized by his bulging muscles, shoulder spikes, and various enhancements to the classic Batsuit. This unique design led to Absolute Batman being recognized among the 10 greatest Batman costumes of all time. Snyder and Dragotta shared the creative process behind this imposing version of the Dark Knight, emphasizing the need to reflect a Batman without the wealth and resources of his traditional counterpart.

“Scott's initial idea was to go big,” Dragotta explains to IGN. “He wanted the biggest Batman we've seen yet. Initially, I drew him larger than life, but Scott pushed for even more. We ended up with Batman approaching Hulk-like proportions.”

Dragotta elaborates, “The design was driven by the theme of making Batman a weapon. Every element of his suit, from the emblem to the utility belt, serves a purpose. This concept will continue to evolve as the series progresses.”

For Snyder, making Batman larger than life was crucial. “The classic Batman's superpower is his wealth,” he notes. “Without that, this Batman needs to rely on his physical presence. His size, strength, and the utility of his suit become his tools to intimidate Gotham's criminals. When facing villains like the Riddler, Batman's high-tech suit sends a clear message. In this universe, his physicality and the violence he brings to fights become his primary means of asserting dominance.”

Snyder adds, “The villains in this series are confident in their resources, believing they're untouchable. Batman needs to be a force of nature, proving to them that he can and will confront their power head-on.”

Art by Nick Dragotta. (Image Credit: DC)Dragotta acknowledges the influence of Frank Miller's The Dark Knight Returns on Absolute Batman's design, particularly evident in a striking splash page in issue #6, which pays homage to Miller's iconic cover. “Frank Miller and David Mazzucchelli's Batman: Year One has been a huge inspiration,” he says. “It felt right to give a nod to their work.”

Giving Batman a Family

Absolute Batman reimagines many aspects of the Dark Knight's mythology, notably by revealing that Bruce Wayne's mother, Martha, is alive. This significant change shifts Batman from a solitary figure to one with a family to protect.

“It was a decision I grappled with the most,” Snyder admits. “Having Martha alive felt more intriguing than another paternal relationship. As we developed the story, she became the moral compass, offering both strength and vulnerability to Bruce. Her presence adds a new dimension to his character and the series.”

Another pivotal change introduced in issue #1 is Bruce's childhood friendships with characters like Waylon Jones, Oswald Cobblepot, Harvey Dent, Edward Nygma, and Selina Kyle, who traditionally form Batman’s rogues gallery. In Absolute Batman, they are his extended family, influencing his journey to becoming Batman.

“The idea was to explore who Bruce would train with if he couldn't travel the world,” Snyder explains. “He learned the city's underworld from Oswald, fighting from Waylon, logic from Edward, politics from Harvey, and more from Selina. These relationships form the heart of the book, grounding and strengthening Batman while also making him vulnerable.”

Art by Nick Dragotta. (Image Credit: DC)

In "The Zoo," Absolute Batman begins to make his mark in Gotham as new supervillains emerge. The arc focuses on Roman Sionis, aka Black Mask, the leader of the Party Animals, a gang reveling in Gotham's chaos.

Choosing Black Mask as the main villain was deliberate. “We wanted a villain embodying nihilism,” Snyder explains. “Black Mask's death face and skull aesthetic fit perfectly. We treated him as a creator-owned character, staying true to his core while making him fresh and unique.”

Art by Nick Dragotta. (Image Credit: DC)In issue #6, Batman's confrontation with Black Mask on his yacht culminates in a brutal fight, with Batman using a bowling ball to beat him, yet refraining from killing. This battle underscores Batman's underdog status in the Absolute Universe, where he's underestimated but determined to make a difference.

“Hearing Batman say, ‘Tell me I don't matter. I love it,’ as he fights encapsulates his spirit,” Snyder notes. “He uses the world's cynicism as fuel to defy the odds.”

The Threat of Absolute Joker

The Joker, Batman's dark counterpart, is a looming presence in the series. Absolute Joker is introduced as a wealthy, worldly, and humorless figure, a stark contrast to the traditional Batman.

“The Zoo” concludes with a glimpse of Joker wrapped in a cocoon of dead babies, ordering Bane to deal with Batman. “In this universe, Batman is the disruptor, while Joker represents the system,” Snyder explains. “Their relationship is crucial to the series' narrative.”

Art by Nick Dragotta. (Image Credit: DC)Absolute Joker's evolution into a psychopathic villain independent of Batman sets the stage for their inevitable confrontation. “This Joker is terrifying even before meeting Batman,” Snyder teases. “Their relationship will evolve significantly as the series progresses.”

Dragotta adds, “Joker's been established as a powerful force. The hints we've given, like JK Industries and the Arks, suggest a grand plan. We're building anticipation for his storyline.”

Issues #7 and #8 introduce Mr. Freeze, with Marcos Martin taking the helm. This arc promises a darker, horror-infused take on the villain, reflecting Bruce's struggles and Mr. Freeze's twisted path.

“These issues explore Bruce's emotional journey after revealing his identity to his friends,” Snyder says. “Mr. Freeze's dark path mirrors Bruce's challenges. We're pushing boundaries with a very twisted version of the character.”

Art by Nick Dragotta. (Image Credit: DC)As for Bane, Snyder assures fans that he will be a formidable foe. “Bane is really big. We wanted someone who would make Bruce's silhouette look smaller.”

Finally, the broader Absolute line, including Absolute Wonder Woman, Absolute Superman, and upcoming titles like Absolute Flash, Absolute Green Lantern, and Absolute Martian Manhunter, will see increased interconnectivity in 2025. “You'll see hints of these characters affecting each other,” Snyder hints. “We're planning interactions that will deepen the Absolute Universe's narrative.”

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