"Introducing the Ultimate Joker: Beyond Batman's Nemesis"

Absolute Batman has emerged as one of DC's most significant comic book launches in recent years, with the first issue becoming the best-selling comic of 2024. The series has consistently topped sales charts, a testament to the enthusiastic reception of 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 the details of crafting this impressively muscular Batman, the impact of having a living mother on Bruce Wayne, and what to anticipate as 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 inspiration behind this imposing version of the Dark Knight, emphasizing a Batman who lacks the wealth and resources of his traditional counterpart.

"Scott's initial idea was to go big," Dragotta explained to IGN. "He wanted the biggest Batman we've seen yet. I drew him large initially, but Scott pushed for even more size, saying, 'Nick, I want to go bigger.' We were venturing into Hulk-like proportions."

Dragotta elaborated, "The design was driven by the need to make him bold, iconic, and reflective of his character. Every element of his suit, down to his emblem, is a weapon. It's not just a utility belt; everything is a utility. This approach will continue to evolve the design in future issues."

For Snyder, making Batman larger was essential. "The classic Batman's superpower is his wealth," he noted. "Without that, this Batman needs to compensate with sheer physical presence. When he confronts villains, it's not just about his fighting skills or detective abilities; it's also about his size and the violence he brings to a fight. Every part of his suit is a tool to intimidate."

Snyder added, "The villains he faces believe they're untouchable due to their resources. As he confronts increasingly formidable foes, he must embody a force of nature, asserting, 'You think I can't touch you, but I will. I'll punch you.'"

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 striking splash page in 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 from Batman: Year One is a huge inspiration," Dragotta said. "It's not just the drawing but the storytelling and layout. The homage to Dark Knight Returns felt necessary and right."

Giving Batman a Family

Absolute Batman reimagines many aspects of the Dark Knight's mythology, including the revelation that Bruce Wayne's mother, Martha, is alive. This change transforms Batman from a solitary orphan into someone with much more to lose.

"Deciding to keep one parent alive was a significant decision," Snyder admitted. "It felt right to choose Martha, given Bruce's paternal relationships in other universes. Her presence adds a moral compass to the story. Bruce is young and idealistic, and Martha provides both strength and vulnerability. Her existence in the world makes him more susceptible to harm, adding depth to his character."

Art by Nick Dragotta. (Image Credit: DC)

Another major 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 part of Batman's rogues gallery. In this universe, they form an extended family, influencing Bruce's journey to becoming Batman.

"If Bruce can't travel the world to train, who does he learn from?" Snyder asked. "He learns the city's underworld from Oswald Cobblepot, fighting from Waylon Jones, high-level detection from Edward Nygma, and the city's politics from Harvey Dent. Selina Kyle also plays a crucial role. 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 begins to assert his presence in Gotham as new supervillains emerge. The focus is on Roman Sionis, aka Black Mask, the leader of the Party Animals, a gang reveling in nihilism and hedonism as Gotham burns.

"Black Mask was the perfect villain for 'The Zoo,'" Snyder explained. "We wanted to mold him like clay, emphasizing his nihilistic worldview. His aesthetic fit our theme of a world past the point of no return, where all that's left is to party amidst the ruins. We treated him like a creator-owned character, staying true to his crime boss roots while making him fresh."

Art by Nick Dragotta. (Image Credit: DC)

The rivalry between Batman and Black Mask culminates in issue #6, with Batman storming Sionis' yacht and delivering a brutal beatdown. Despite not killing Sionis, Batman leaves him severely injured, highlighting the underdog nature of this Batman.

"Those lines weren't in the original script," Snyder said of Batman's declaration, "Tell me again how I don’t matter! I love it!" "They encapsulate our Batman's essence. He uses the world's cynicism as fuel, refusing to believe change is impossible."

The Threat of Absolute Joker

Joker, the dark mirror to Batman, is a looming presence in the series. Teased at the end of issue #1, Absolute Joker is depicted as wealthy, worldly, and trained by the best, yet devoid of laughter.

"In this inverted system, Batman is the disruption, while Joker represents the system," Snyder explained. "Their relationship is always at opposite ends of the spectrum. This Joker is already terrifying before meeting Batman, and their encounters will further evolve his character."

Art by Nick Dragotta. (Image Credit: DC)

Dragotta added, "This Joker has been there, and the clues we've planted show his power. JK Industries and the Arks hint at a master plan. His storyline is coming up, and we want readers to wonder what's happening."

What to Expect From Absolute Mr. Freeze and Absolute Bane

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 struggles with his identity as Batman.

"Marcos Martin brings an emotional depth to the story," Snyder said. "Mr. Freeze's dark path mirrors Bruce's internal conflict. We're going for a twisted version of him, embracing the darker aspects of this universe."

Art by Nick Dragotta. (Image Credit: DC)

Issue #6 also sets up a confrontation with Bane, raising questions about his size relative to this massive Batman. "Bane is really big," Snyder confirmed. "We wanted someone who makes Bruce's silhouette look smaller."

The Absolute line, which includes Absolute Wonder Woman and Absolute Superman, will expand in 2025 with Absolute Flash, Absolute Green Lantern, and Absolute Martian Manhunter. Snyder hinted at future interactions among these characters.

"Bruce is aware of events in other parts of the Absolute Universe," Snyder said. "We're planning how these characters will interact in 2025 and 2026. It's not about crossing with the main universe but showing how these characters and villains affect each other in this world."

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