Absolute Joker: The Dark Knight's Nemesis Unveiled

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 consistently topped the sales charts. This bold and often surprising reinvention of the Dark Knight has clearly resonated with readers.

Now that creators Scott Snyder and Nick Dragotta have concluded their first story arc, "The Zoo," they've shared insights with IGN on how Absolute Batman redefines the traditional Batman mythos. Discover the secrets behind designing this impressively muscular Batman, the impact of having a mother on Bruce Wayne, and what's in store as Absolute Joker steps out of the shadows.

Warning: Full spoilers for Absolute Batman #6 ahead!

Absolute Batman #6 Preview Gallery

11 ImagesDesigning Absolute Batman

The Absolute Universe's Batman is an imposing figure, distinguished by his muscular build, 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 how they envisioned this larger-than-life Dark Knight, who lacks the wealth and resources of his traditional counterpart.

"Scott's initial direction was to go big," Dragotta shared with IGN. "He wanted the biggest Batman we've seen. I initially drew him large, but Scott pushed for even bigger, approaching Hulk-like proportions."

Dragotta elaborated, "The design reflects his essence as a weapon. Every part of his suit, from the emblem to the utility, serves a purpose. This theme will continue to evolve and drive the design forward."

For Snyder, making Batman enormous was essential. Without the financial resources to intimidate Gotham's criminals, this Batman relies on his sheer physical presence.

"When classic Batman appears, his intimidation factor comes from his skills, his theatrics, and his wealth," Snyder explained. "If this Batman lacks those resources, his size and physicality become his tools, making him a constant threat."

Snyder added, "The villains he faces think they're untouchable due to their resources. Batman needs to be a force of nature, proving them wrong."

The influence of Frank Miller's The Dark Knight Returns is evident, especially in a striking splash page in issue #6, which pays homage to Miller's iconic Dark Knight Returns cover.

"Frank Miller and David Mazzucchelli's Batman is a huge inspiration," Dragotta said. "Their storytelling and visual style influenced us, and the homage to Dark Knight Returns felt necessary."

Giving Batman a Family

Absolute Batman reimagines several aspects of the Dark Knight's mythology, notably by introducing a living Martha Wayne, Bruce's mother. This change transforms Batman from a solitary orphan to a hero with much to lose.

"It was a decision I debated a lot," Snyder admitted. "Having Martha alive adds a moral compass and a vulnerability to Bruce. She's a source of strength and weakness, adding a new dimension to his character."

In issue #1, readers also learned that Bruce grew up with future villains like Waylon Jones, Oswald Cobblepot, Harvey Dent, Edward Nygma, and Selina Kyle. These characters, traditionally Batman's rogues gallery, form an extended family in this universe.

"The idea was to explore who Bruce trains with if he can't travel the world," Snyder said. "He learns from his friends: underworld knowledge from Oswald, combat skills from Waylon, logic from Edward, politics from Harvey, and more from Selina. Their relationships are central to the book."

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

In "The Zoo," Absolute Batman confronts the rising threat of Roman Sionis, aka Black Mask, leader of the nihilistic Party Animals gang. Snyder and Dragotta initially considered a new villain but chose to revamp Black Mask to fit their narrative.

"We wanted a villain embodying nihilism," Snyder said. "Black Mask's skull motif and his crime boss DNA allowed us to create a fresh take on him."

The rivalry between Batman and Black Mask escalates in issue #6, with Batman delivering a brutal beatdown on Sionis' yacht. Despite not killing Black Mask, Batman leaves him battered and blinded, showcasing his underdog status in the Absolute Universe.

"Those lines about Batman not mattering were added over Nick's art," Snyder shared. "They encapsulate our Batman's spirit: he uses doubt as fuel, refusing to believe change is impossible."

The Threat of Absolute Joker

The series hints at an inevitable confrontation with the Absolute Joker, who contrasts Batman as the embodiment of chaos to his order. Introduced in issue #1 as a wealthy, worldly, and humorless figure, the Joker's presence looms large.

"The Zoo" ends with the Joker, wrapped in a cocoon of dead babies, ordering his manservant to summon Bane against Batman.

"If Batman is the disruptor, Joker represents the system," Snyder explained. "Their relationship is central to the series, with the Joker already a terrifying force before meeting Batman."

Dragotta added, "This Joker has been established, with hints of his power through JK Industries and the global Arks. His storyline is coming, and we want readers to stay intrigued."

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

Issues #7 and #8, illustrated by Marcos Martin, introduce a horrifying version of Mr. Freeze to the Absolute Universe.

"Marcos captures the emotional heart of the story," Snyder said. "Mr. Freeze's dark path mirrors Bruce's struggles with his friends and his survival plan."

Regarding Bane, Snyder teased, "He's really big. We wanted someone who makes Bruce's silhouette look smaller."

Finally, the larger Absolute line, including Absolute Wonder Woman and Absolute Superman, will see further development in 2025 with titles like Absolute Flash, Absolute Green Lantern, and Absolute Martian Manhunter. Snyder hinted at future interactions among these characters.

"You'll see hints of Bruce being aware of other events in the Absolute Universe," Snyder said. "We're planning how these characters will affect each other 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.