Absolute Joker: The Dark Knight's Nemesis Explored

Absolute Batman has emerged as one of DC's most significant comic book launches in recent years. The first issue not only became the best-selling comic of 2024 but has consistently topped sales charts, demonstrating a strong and enthusiastic reader response to this 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 shared insights with IGN on how Absolute Batman challenges the traditional Batman narrative. They delved into the design of this impressively muscular Batman, the impact of Bruce Wayne having a living mother, and teased 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 stands out as a formidable figure, characterized by his bulging muscles, shoulder spikes, and other enhancements to the classic Batsuit. This redesign has earned Absolute Batman a spot on our list of the 10 greatest Batman costumes of all time. Snyder and Dragotta discussed the creation of this imposing version of the Dark Knight, emphasizing the concept of a Batman without the traditional wealth and resources.

"Scott's initial directive was to go big," Dragotta shared with IGN. "He wanted this to be the biggest Batman we've seen, and I took that to heart. Initially, I drew him quite large, but Scott pushed for even more, saying, 'Nick, let's go bigger.' We ended up with a Batman approaching Hulk-like proportions."

Dragotta elaborated, "The design embodies the essence of the character as a weapon. Every part of his suit, down to the emblem, serves a purpose. It's not just a utility belt; it's a full arsenal, and this will continue to evolve."

For Snyder, Batman's size was crucial. "Traditional Batman's superpower is his wealth," he explained. "Without that, this Batman must rely on his physical presence to intimidate. His size, his fighting prowess, and the utility of his suit become his tools. He needs to be a force of nature against villains who think they're untouchable."

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

"For me, Frank Miller and David Mazzucchelli's Batman are monumental inspirations," Dragotta said. "Their storytelling and narrative structure are what I draw from, and paying homage to Dark Knight Returns and Batman: Year One felt necessary and right."

Giving Batman a Family

Absolute Batman redefines many elements of the Dark Knight's mythology, including stripping Bruce Wayne of his wealth. The most significant change, however, is the revelation that his mother, Martha, is alive. This alters Batman's character, shifting him from a solitary orphan to someone with much to lose.

"It was a decision I debated extensively," Snyder admitted. "Having Martha alive felt more impactful than Thomas, given Bruce's established paternal relationships in other universes. Her presence became the moral compass of the series, adding depth and vulnerability to Bruce's character."

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 traditionally form Batman's rogues gallery. In the Absolute Universe, they are his extended family, influencing his journey to becoming Batman.

"The idea was to explore who Bruce would learn from without global training," Snyder said. "He learns the city's underworld from Oswald, fighting from Waylon, detection from Edward, politics from Harvey, and more from Selina. These relationships form the heart of the series, grounding and strengthening Bruce while making him vulnerable."

Absolute Batman vs. Absolute Black Mask

In "The Zoo," Absolute Batman begins to establish his presence as new supervillains emerge. The arc focuses on Roman Sionis, aka Black Mask, leader of the Party Animals, a gang reveling in Gotham's chaos.

Choosing Black Mask for Batman's origin story was deliberate. "We saw him as malleable material to shape into our narrative," Snyder explained. "His nihilistic worldview and aesthetic fit our theme of a world beyond saving, where only indulgence remains. We transformed him into something fresh while staying true to his core as a crime boss."

The rivalry culminates in issue #6, with Batman storming Sionis' yacht and delivering a brutal beating. Despite not crossing the line to kill, Batman leaves Black Mask severely injured, symbolizing his determination and underdog status in this universe.

"These lines weren't planned initially," Snyder noted. "But they encapsulate our Batman's spirit—using the world's impossibility as fuel to make a difference."

The Threat of Absolute Joker

The series builds toward a confrontation with Absolute Joker, introduced in issue #1 as Batman's wealthy and worldly counterpart who never laughs. "The Zoo" ends with a chilling glimpse of Joker, surrounded by a cocoon of dead babies, ordering Bane to deal with Batman.

"In this inverted system, Batman is the disruption, and Joker represents the order," Snyder said. "Their relationship is central to any Batman story I write, even if Joker isn't present. Here, Joker is already a terrifying force before meeting Batman, and their interaction will evolve throughout the series."

Dragotta added, "Joker's already been there, and we've hinted at his power through JK Industries and the Arks. His storyline will unfold soon, and we want readers to be intrigued and anticipating."

What to Expect From Absolute Mr. Freeze and Absolute Bane

Issues #7 and #8 introduce Mr. Freeze in a horror-themed arc illustrated by Marcos Martin. "These issues focus on the emotional heart of the story," Snyder said. "Bruce struggles with his friends knowing he's Batman, and Mr. Freeze's dark path mirrors Bruce's internal conflicts."

Issue #6 also sets up a future confrontation with Bane. "Bane is big," Snyder teased. "He's designed to make Bruce's silhouette look smaller, maintaining the physical intimidation factor."

Finally, the broader Absolute line, which includes Absolute Wonder Woman and Absolute Superman, will see more interconnected stories in 2025 with new titles like Absolute Flash, Absolute Green Lantern, and Absolute Martian Manhunter. "Bruce will become aware of events in other parts of the Absolute Universe," Snyder hinted. "We're planning how these characters will interact in '25 and '26, focusing on how they and their villains affect each other."

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