Absolute Joker: The Untold Story Unveiled

Absolute Batman has emerged as one of DC's most significant comic book launches in recent years. The first issue, which became the best-selling comic of 2024, has consistently topped the sales charts, demonstrating a strong reader engagement with this bold and often surprising reinvention of the Dark Knight.

Following the completion of their first story arc, "The Zoo," creators Scott Snyder and Nick Dragotta shared insights with IGN on how they're redefining the traditional Batman mythos. Dive into their discussion on crafting a more muscular Batman, the impact of having a living mother on Bruce Wayne, and the looming threat of Absolute Joker.

Warning: full spoilers for Absolute Batman #6 ahead!

Absolute Batman #6 Preview Gallery

11 ImagesDesigning Absolute Batman

The Absolute Universe's Batman is a formidable figure, characterized by his imposing physique, shoulder spikes, and other 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 how they conceptualized this larger-than-life Batman, emphasizing a character without the usual wealth and resources.

"Scott's vision was to make him big," Dragotta shared with IGN. "His directive was clear: this Batman needed to be the most imposing we've ever seen. When I first drew him, Scott urged me to go even bigger, pushing towards Hulk-like proportions."

Dragotta elaborated, "The design reflects his essence as a weapon. Every element, from the emblem to the suit, serves a purpose. This approach will continue to evolve and adapt as the series progresses."

For Snyder, the need for a physically imposing Batman stemmed from the absence of his traditional financial advantage. "Classic Batman uses his wealth to intimidate criminals," Snyder explained. "Without that, this Batman relies on his size and sheer physical presence to be a force to be reckoned with."

Snyder added, "He confronts villains who believe they're untouchable. As he faces increasingly formidable foes, his size becomes a crucial tool, signaling that he can indeed reach them."

Art by Nick Dragotta. (Image Credit: DC)

The inspiration from Frank Miller's The Dark Knight Returns is evident, particularly in a striking splash page in issue #6, which pays homage to Miller's iconic (and surprisingly divisive) Dark Knight Returns cover.

"Miller and Mazzucchelli's storytelling has been a major influence," Dragotta said. "The homage to Dark Knight Returns felt necessary and right."

Giving Batman a Family

Absolute Batman not only reimagines Batman's appearance but also his personal life, introducing a significant change: his mother, Martha, is alive. This alters the narrative from a solitary orphan to someone with much to lose.

"Introducing Martha was a decision I debated a lot," Snyder admitted. "It felt right to focus on her rather than Thomas, given Batman's paternal relationships in other universes. Her presence adds a moral dimension and vulnerability to Bruce, shaping the core of the series."

Art by Nick Dragotta. (Image Credit: DC)

Snyder further explained, "Martha acts as a moral compass and a source of strength, yet her existence also makes Bruce more vulnerable. This dynamic is essential to the character's development."

Another twist introduced early on is Bruce's childhood friendships with key figures like Waylon Jones, Oswald Cobblepot, Harvey Dent, Edward Nygma, and Selina Kyle. These relationships, traditionally adversarial, form an extended family in this universe.

Art by Nick Dragotta. (Image Credit: DC)

"Without global training, these friends became his teachers," Snyder teased. "Each one imparted crucial skills that shaped him into Batman. Their relationships are central to the book's heart and Bruce's journey."

Absolute Batman vs. Absolute Black Mask ---------------------------------------

In "The Zoo," Batman begins asserting his presence in Gotham as new villains emerge. The focus is on Roman Sionis, aka Black Mask, leader of the nihilistic Party Animals. Although not a typical choice for a Batman origin story, Snyder found him fitting for the arc.

"Black Mask's nihilistic aesthetic matched our story's theme," Snyder said. "We molded him like a creator-owned character, staying true to his core while making him fresh."

Art by Nick Dragotta. (Image Credit: DC)

The confrontation between Batman and Black Mask in issue #6 is intense, with Batman delivering a brutal beatdown without crossing the line into murder. "It's about proving his impact," Snyder noted. "He uses the world's doubt as fuel to fight harder."

The Threat of Absolute Joker

The series hints at an inevitable clash with the Joker, who in this universe is Batman's dark counterpart—wealthy, worldly, and humorless. Introduced subtly at the end of issue #1, the Joker's presence grows in "The Zoo," culminating in a chilling scene involving dead babies and a command to summon Bane.

Art by Nick Dragotta. (Image Credit: DC)

"In this inverted world, Batman disrupts the system, while Joker embodies it," Snyder explained. "Their relationship is key, even when not directly interacting."

Snyder hinted at the Joker's evolution, suggesting a complex dynamic with Batman that will unfold further. "This Joker is terrifying before meeting Batman," he said. "Their relationship will evolve as the series progresses."

Dragotta added, "Joker's power is already evident. His master plan involves global Arks, hinting at a larger scheme."

What to Expect From Absolute Mr. Freeze and Absolute Bane ---------------------------------------------------------

Issues #7 and #8 introduce Mr. Freeze, illustrated by Marcos Martin, marking another dark twist on a classic villain. "Mr. Freeze's story parallels Bruce's struggles," Snyder shared. "It's a twisted take, fitting for our creator-owned universe."

Art by Nick Dragotta. (Image Credit: DC)

Bane's looming presence is also teased in issue #6. "Bane is big," Snyder confirmed. "He's meant to dwarf Batman's silhouette, adding to the challenge."

As part of the broader Absolute line, Absolute Batman launched with other titles like Absolute Wonder Woman and Absolute Superman in 2024, with more planned for 2025. Snyder hinted at future interactions between these characters. "We're planning how they'll affect each other into 2026," he said. "It's not about crossing with the main universe but showing how these characters influence one another."

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