Absolute Batman's Counterpart: The Absolute Joker Revealed

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. Snyder and Dragotta considered introducing a new villain but chose to revamp Black Mask to fit their narrative.

"Black Mask's nihilistic aesthetic aligned with our story," Snyder said. "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 culminates in a brutal fight on Sionis' yacht. Batman's victory, while not resulting in Sionis' death, leaves the villain severely injured, highlighting Batman's underdog status in the Absolute Universe.

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

The Threat of Absolute Joker

The series builds towards a confrontation with the Absolute Joker, who is introduced as Batman's dark inverse. Unlike traditional narratives, this Joker is already a psychopathic supervillain before encountering Batman.

"In this inverted system, Batman is the disruption, and Joker represents the established order," Snyder explained. "Their relationship will evolve throughout the series."

Dragotta added, "This Joker has been established for a while. We've planted clues about his power and master plan, which will unfold in future issues."

Issues #7 and #8 introduce Mr. Freeze, with Marcos Martin taking over for a short arc. This version of Mr. Freeze leans into horror, reflecting Bruce's internal struggles.

"Marcos brings an emotional depth to the story," Snyder said. "Mr. Freeze's dark path mirrors Bruce's challenges, offering a twisted take on the character."

Bane is also set to appear, and Snyder confirmed, "Bane is really big. 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 among characters. "You'll see hints of how these characters affect each other in 2025," he teased.

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