Absolute Batman Meets Absolute Joker: What's Next?

Absolute Batman has emerged as one of DC's most significant comic book launches in recent years. The inaugural issue soared to become the best-selling comic of 2024, maintaining its position at the top of the sales charts ever since. This enthusiastic reception is a testament to the series' 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 sat down with IGN to delve into how Absolute Batman redefines the traditional Batman narrative. They shared insights into the design of this impressively muscular Batman, the impact of having a mother on Bruce Wayne's character, and what readers can anticipate as the Absolute Joker emerges from the shadows.

Warning: full spoilers for Absolute Batman #6 ahead!

Absolute Batman #6 Preview Gallery

11 ImagesDesigning Absolute Batman

In the Absolute Universe, Batman's imposing presence is unmistakable, characterized by his hulking muscles, shoulder spikes, and a revamped Batsuit. This design has earned him a spot among the 10 greatest Batman costumes of all time. Snyder and Dragotta discussed how they crafted this formidable 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 explained to IGN. "His first direction to me was to create the largest Batman we've ever seen. I started with a large design, but Scott wanted even more. We ventured into Hulk-like proportions."

Dragotta elaborated, "The design was driven by the idea of making him bold, iconic, and a weapon in every aspect. From his emblem to every piece of his suit, everything is a utility. This concept will continue to evolve and change."

For Snyder, making Batman enormous was crucial. He pointed out that the classic Batman's superpower is his wealth, which intimidates Gotham's criminals. Without that financial advantage, this Batman compensates with sheer physical presence.

"When the classic Batman appears, his wealth is part of his intimidation factor," Snyder said. "He arrives in high-tech suits and vehicles, showcasing his resources. But in the Absolute Universe, Batman's size, physicality, and the utility of his suit become his tools of intimidation. He's a force of nature, confronting villains who believe they're untouchable."

Art by Nick Dragotta. (Image Credit: DC)

The influence of Frank Miller's The Dark Knight Returns is evident in Absolute Batman, particularly in a splash page from issue #6 that pays homage to Miller’s iconic (and surprisingly divisive) Dark Knight Returns cover, featuring Batman leaping through the air against a lightning bolt.

"Frank Miller and David Mazzucchelli's Batman has been a huge inspiration for me, especially in storytelling," Dragotta said. "The homage to Dark Knight Returns felt necessary and fitting."

Giving Batman a Family

Absolute Batman not only strips Bruce Wayne of his wealth but also introduces significant changes to his mythology. The most notable shift is the revelation that his mother, Martha, is alive, fundamentally altering Batman's character from a solitary orphan to a man with a family to protect.

"Deciding to keep Martha alive was a major decision," Snyder admitted. "It felt right to explore a more maternal influence, given Bruce's paternal relationships in other universes. As we developed the story, Martha became the moral compass, adding depth and vulnerability to Bruce's character."

Art by Nick Dragotta. (Image Credit: DC)

Another significant change introduced in issue #1 is that Bruce grew up with a group of childhood friends, including Waylon Jones, Oswald Cobblepot, Harvey Dent, Edward Nygma, and Selina Kyle, who are traditionally part of his rogues gallery. In the Absolute Universe, they form an extended family, influencing Bruce's journey to becoming Batman.

"Without the ability to train globally, who does Bruce learn from?" Snyder asked. "He learns the underworld from Oswald, combat from Waylon, high-level detection from Edward, politics from Harvey, and more from Selina. These relationships are the heart of the book, grounding and strengthening Bruce while making him more vulnerable."

Art by Nick Dragotta. (Image Credit: DC)Absolute Batman vs. Absolute Black Mask

In "The Zoo," Absolute Batman establishes his presence in Gotham as a new wave of costumed supervillains emerges. The focus of this arc is on Roman Sionis, aka Black Mask, who leads the nihilistic Party Animals. Snyder and Dragotta initially considered introducing a new villain but chose to revamp Black Mask, molding him to fit the story's themes of nihilism and hedonism.

"Black Mask's aesthetic embodies the world's despair," Snyder said. "We wanted to write him as if he were a creator-owned character, staying true to his roots as a crime boss but making him entirely fresh."

Art by Nick Dragotta. (Image Credit: DC)

The rivalry between Batman and Black Mask reaches its climax in issue #6, where Bruce delivers a brutal beatdown on Sionis' yacht. Despite the intensity, Batman stops short of killing, maintaining his moral boundaries even as he leaves Black Mask severely injured.

"These lines encapsulate our Batman's essence," Snyder noted. "He uses the world's cynicism as fuel, refusing to believe change is impossible."

The Threat of Absolute Joker

The series is building towards a confrontation with the Absolute Joker, teased since the end of issue #1. In the Absolute Universe, Joker embodies the order and wealth that Batman lacks, never laughing and commanding significant resources.

"In this inverted system, Batman is the disruption while Joker represents the system," Snyder explained. "Their dynamic is always in relation, even if Joker isn't present in the story."

The Absolute Joker has already evolved into a terrifying figure, independent of Batman, hinting at a complex relationship that will develop as the series progresses.

Art by Nick Dragotta. (Image Credit: DC)What to Expect From Absolute Mr. Freeze and Absolute Bane

Issues #7 and #8 introduce a new arc with Marcos Martin illustrating, featuring a horror-tinged reinvention of Mr. Freeze. Snyder praised Martin's focus on the emotional heart of the story, which aligns with Bruce's struggle to navigate his new reality as Batman.

"Mr. Freeze's dark path mirrors Bruce's challenges," Snyder said. "In the Absolute Universe, we're pushing the boundaries with these villains, making them distinctly our own."

Art by Nick Dragotta. (Image Credit: DC)

Issue #6 also sets up a future confrontation with Bane, who remains a physically imposing threat. Snyder confirmed that Bane will not be diminished in size, designed to make Batman's silhouette appear smaller in comparison.

The Absolute line, launched alongside Absolute Wonder Woman and Absolute Superman, will expand in 2025 with titles like Absolute Flash, Absolute Green Lantern, and Absolute Martian Manhunter. While the stories remain self-contained, Snyder hinted at upcoming interactions among characters in the Absolute Universe.

"You'll see hints of how these characters are beginning to affect each other," Snyder said. "We're planning for deeper connections in 2025 and beyond."

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