Absolute Joker: A New Take on the Iconic Villain

Absolute Batman has emerged as one of DC's most significant comic book launches in recent years. The first issue became the best-selling comic of 2024, and the series has continued to dominate sales charts, a testament to its bold and often surprising reinvention of the Dark Knight. Now, with the conclusion of the first story arc, "The Zoo," creators Scott Snyder and Nick Dragotta have shared insights with IGN on how they've transformed the traditional Batman mythos.

Dive into the world of Absolute Batman to discover the inspiration behind this impressively muscular Batman, the impact of Bruce Wayne having a living mother, and what lies ahead 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

The Absolute Universe's Batman stands out as an imposing figure, characterized by his bulging muscles, shoulder spikes, and an array of enhancements to the traditional Batsuit. This design earned him a spot on our list of the 10 greatest Batman costumes of all time. Scott Snyder and Nick Dragotta discussed how they crafted this formidable version of the Dark Knight, emphasizing a Batman stripped of his usual wealth and resources.

"Scott's initial idea was to go big," Dragotta shared with IGN. "He wanted this to be the biggest Batman we've seen yet. Initially, I drew him large, but Scott urged me to go even bigger, pushing the boundaries towards Hulk-like proportions."

Dragotta elaborated, "The design was driven by the theme of making Batman a weapon in every aspect. From his emblem to every piece of his suit, everything serves a purpose. This concept will continue to evolve as we progress."

For Snyder, making Batman enormous was crucial. "In the classic Batman narrative, his superpower is his wealth," he explained. "Without that, this Batman must compensate with his sheer physical presence. He needs to intimidate Gotham's criminals not just with his fighting skills and detective prowess, but with his size and the utility of his suit."

Snyder further noted, "His adversaries in this universe are those who believe they're untouchable due to their resources. Batman needs to be a force of nature, a reminder that he can and will confront them."

Art by Nick Dragotta. (Image Credit: DC)Frank Miller's The Dark Knight Returns, with its bulky Batman, was a significant influence. Dragotta acknowledged this inspiration, particularly with a splash page in issue #6 that pays homage to Miller’s iconic (and surprisingly divisive) Dark Knight Returns cover.

"Frank Miller and David Mazzucchelli's Batman from Batman: Year One has been a huge inspiration, especially in terms of storytelling," Dragotta said. "The homage to Dark Knight Returns felt necessary and fitting."

Giving Batman a Family

Absolute Batman goes beyond physical changes, reimagining Bruce Wayne's backstory. A major twist is that his mother, Martha, is alive, altering the core of Batman's identity from a solitary orphan to someone with more to lose.

"It was a decision I debated extensively," Snyder admitted. "Having Martha alive felt fresh, as opposed to the usual focus on Thomas. As we developed the story, she became the moral compass of the series, adding depth to Bruce's character."

Art by Nick Dragotta. (Image Credit: DC)Snyder continued, "Her presence introduces both strength and vulnerability, enriching the narrative and making Bruce's journey more compelling."

Another pivotal change introduced in issue #1 is Bruce's childhood friendships with future members of his rogues gallery: Waylon Jones, Oswald Cobblepot, Harvey Dent, Edward Nygma, and Selina Kyle. These relationships have shaped Bruce's path to becoming Batman.

"The concept was to explore who Bruce would train with if he couldn't travel the world," Snyder explained. "He learned from each friend: underworld knowledge from Oswald, combat skills from Waylon, detective work from Edward, political savvy from Harvey, and much more from Selina. These relationships are central to the story's heart."

Art by Nick Dragotta. (Image Credit: DC)

In "The Zoo," Batman's presence in Gotham coincides with the rise of new villains, with the spotlight on Roman Sionis, aka Black Mask, leader of the nihilistic Party Animals. Snyder and Dragotta initially considered a new villain but chose to revamp Black Mask to fit their narrative.

"We wanted a villain embodying nihilism, believing the world is beyond saving," Snyder said. "Black Mask's aesthetic and his role as a crime boss allowed us to mold him into a fresh character while staying true to his core."

Art by Nick Dragotta. (Image Credit: DC)In issue #6, Batman's confrontation with Black Mask on a yacht culminates in a brutal fight, underscoring Batman's underdog status in this universe. Despite not killing Black Mask, Batman leaves him severely injured, a testament to his resolve.

"Those lines weren't in the original script, but they encapsulate our Batman's spirit," Snyder noted. "He thrives on being told he can't make a difference, using it as fuel to push forward."

The Threat of Absolute Joker

The series teases an inevitable confrontation with the Absolute Joker, who is Batman's antithesis. Introduced in issue #1, the Joker is depicted as wealthy, worldly, and devoid of humor.

"The Zoo" ends with the Joker, shrouded in a cocoon of dead babies, summoning Bane to deal with Batman. Snyder explained, "In this inverted system, Batman is the disruption, while Joker represents the established order. Their relationship is central to the series' dynamics."

Art by Nick Dragotta. (Image Credit: DC)This version of the Joker is already a formidable villain before encountering Batman, challenging the traditional origin story.

"I don't want to spoil too much, but this Joker is already terrifying," Snyder teased. "His evolution will continue as he interacts with Batman."

Dragotta added, "This Joker has been established for a while. The clues we've planted hint at his immense power and a broader plan."

Issues #7 and #8 introduce Mr. Freeze, reimagined by Marcos Martin, with a focus on horror elements. Snyder expressed excitement about this arc, noting, "Mr. Freeze's story parallels Bruce's struggles with his identity and the consequences of revealing his secret to his friends."

Art by Nick Dragotta. (Image Credit: DC)Snyder emphasized the darker tone of the Absolute Universe, "We're not afraid to take these characters to new, darker places. This is our creator-owned Batman."

Regarding Bane, Snyder confirmed, "He's really big. We wanted someone to make Bruce's silhouette look smaller."

Finally, Snyder teased future developments in the larger Absolute line, which includes Absolute Wonder Woman, Absolute Superman, and upcoming titles like Absolute Flash, Absolute Green Lantern, and Absolute Martian Manhunter. "You'll see hints of how these characters interact as we move into 2025 and beyond," he said.

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