We've Met Absolute Batman, but What About Absolute Joker?

Absolute Batman has emerged as one of DC's most significant comic book launches in recent years. The first issue soared to become the best-selling comic of 2024, and the series has consistently topped the sales charts since its debut. This success underscores the enthusiastic reception to this bold and often surprising reinvention of the Dark Knight.

Following the conclusion of their first story arc, "The Zoo," creators Scott Snyder and Nick Dragotta shared insights with IGN on how Absolute Batman redefines the traditional Batman mythos. Dive into their discussion to discover the inspiration behind the impressively muscular Batman, the impact of having a living mother on Bruce Wayne's journey, and what to anticipate as the Absolute Joker steps into the spotlight.

Warning: full spoilers for Absolute Batman #6 ahead!

Absolute Batman #6 Preview Gallery

11 ImagesDesigning Absolute Batman

The Batman of the Absolute Universe is a formidable presence, characterized by his bulging muscles, shoulder spikes, and various enhancements to the classic Batsuit. This design earned him a spot on our list of the 10 greatest Batman costumes of all time. Snyder and Dragotta discussed the creative process behind this imposing version of the Dark Knight, emphasizing a Batman who lacks the wealth and resources of his traditional counterpart.

"Scott's initial vision was to go big," Dragotta explained to IGN. "He wanted this to be the most imposing Batman we've seen. I started with a large design, but Scott pushed for even more. We ended up with a Batman approaching Hulk-like proportions."

Dragotta elaborated, "The design was driven by the need to make him a weapon in every aspect. From his emblem to every piece of his suit, everything serves a purpose. This approach will continue to evolve as the series progresses."

For Snyder, the necessity of making Batman larger-than-life stemmed from the absence of his usual financial advantage. "The classic Batman's superpower is his wealth," Snyder noted. "Without that, this Batman must rely on his physical presence to intimidate Gotham's criminals. His size, his combat skills, and the utility of his suit become his tools of fear."

Snyder added, "The villains he faces believe they're untouchable due to their resources. Batman needs to be a force of nature, proving that he can reach them despite their advantages."

The influence of Frank Miller's The Dark Knight Returns is evident in Absolute Batman, particularly in a striking splash page in issue #6 that pays homage to Miller’s iconic (and surprisingly divisive) Dark Knight Returns cover. Dragotta acknowledged this influence, saying, "Frank Miller and David Mazzucchelli's Batman has been a huge inspiration, especially in storytelling and layout. The homage to Dark Knight Returns felt necessary and right."

Giving Batman a Family

Absolute Batman reimagines many elements of the Dark Knight's mythology, including the significant change of Bruce Wayne having a living mother, Martha. This alteration transforms Batman from a solitary orphan into a character with much more at stake.

"Introducing Martha was a decision I debated extensively," Snyder admitted. "It felt right to explore a maternal relationship, given the frequent focus on Thomas in other universes. As we developed the story, Martha became the moral compass of the series, adding depth and vulnerability to Bruce's character."

Snyder continued, "Her presence brings both strength and vulnerability to Bruce. It's a dynamic that has become integral to the series."

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, who are traditionally his adversaries. These relationships form an extended family for Bruce, influencing his journey to becoming Batman.

"Without global training, Bruce learned from his friends," Snyder explained. "Oswald taught him the underworld, Waylon taught him to fight, Edward provided logic and detection skills, Harvey introduced him to city politics, and Selina's influence is yet to be fully revealed. These relationships are the heart of the series."

In "The Zoo," Absolute Batman begins to assert his presence in Gotham as new supervillains emerge. The focus of this arc is on Roman Sionis, aka Black Mask, the leader of the nihilistic Party Animals gang.

"Black Mask was the perfect villain for this story," Snyder said. "We wanted to explore nihilism and the idea of a world beyond saving. His aesthetic and persona fit perfectly with our vision. We treated him like a creator-owned character, staying true to his core while making him fresh and unique."

The confrontation between Batman and Black Mask in issue #6 is intense, with Batman delivering a brutal beatdown on Sionis' yacht. Despite the violence, Batman refrains from killing, showcasing his moral boundaries even in this new universe.

"Those lines weren't in the original script," Snyder revealed. "They encapsulate our Batman's spirit—using the world's cynicism as fuel to prove he can make a difference."

The Threat of Absolute Joker

The series is building towards a confrontation with the Absolute Joker, who is introduced as Batman's dark inverse. Unlike traditional portrayals, this Joker is already a wealthy, trained psychopath before encountering Batman.

"In this inverted system, Batman is the disruption, and Joker represents the established order," Snyder explained. "Their relationship is central to the series, with Joker already terrifying by the time he meets Batman."

Dragotta added, "This Joker has been around, and his power is evident. We've planted clues about his master plan, and his storyline is coming soon."

Issues #7 and #8 introduce a new arc with Marcos Martin illustrating a radical reinvention of Mr. Freeze, leaning into horror elements. "Marcos brings an emotional depth to the story," Snyder said. "Mr. Freeze's dark path mirrors Bruce's struggles with his identity as Batman."

Snyder continued, "In this universe, we're free to explore darker versions of these characters, and Mr. Freeze is a twisted take on the classic villain."

Issue #6 also teases a confrontation with Bane, who remains a physically imposing threat. "Bane is big," Snyder confirmed. "We wanted him to make Bruce's silhouette look smaller."

As the Absolute line expands with titles like Absolute Wonder Woman, Absolute Superman, and upcoming releases such as Absolute Flash, Absolute Green Lantern, and Absolute Martian Manhunter, Snyder hinted at future interactions within the Absolute Universe. "By 2025, you'll see how these characters begin to affect each other," he said.

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