Absolute Joker: The Untold Story Revealed

*Absolute Batman* stands as one of DC's most significant comic book launches in recent years, captivating fans and topping sales charts since its debut as the best-selling comic of 2024. This series has struck a chord with readers, offering a bold and often surprising reinvention of the Dark Knight that has kept audiences eagerly anticipating each new issue.

With the conclusion of their first story arc, "The Zoo," creators Scott Snyder and Nick Dragotta shared insights with IGN about their transformative approach to the Batman mythos. Dive into their discussion on the design of this impressively buff Batman, the impact of Bruce Wayne having a living mother, and what lies ahead as the Absolute Joker steps into the spotlight.

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, characterized by his bulging muscles, shoulder spikes, and various enhancements to the traditional Batsuit. This design earned a spot on our list of the 10 greatest Batman costumes of all time. Snyder and Dragotta revealed how they crafted this hulking vision of the Dark Knight, focusing on 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 this to be the biggest Batman we've seen yet. I drew him really big at first, and then Scott said, ‘Nick, I want to go bigger.’ And I was like, ‘Scott, we're getting into Hulk-like proportions now.’”

Dragotta continued, “The design was driven by the need to go big, bold, and iconic, reflecting the themes of who this character is. Every piece of his suit, down to his emblem, is a weapon. It’s all about utility, and this will continue to evolve as the series progresses.”

Snyder emphasized the necessity of making Batman enormous, explaining, “The classic Batman's superpower is his extreme wealth. Without that, this Batman needs to compensate with sheer physical presence. When he shows up, his size and the utility of his suit become his tools of intimidation.”

Snyder added, “The villains he faces think they're untouchable due to their resources. As he goes up against bigger threats, he needs to be a force of nature, proving that he can touch them, he can punch them.”

Art by Nick Dragotta. (Image Credit: DC)

The influence of Frank Miller's The Dark Knight Returns is evident, particularly in a striking splash page in issue #6 that pays homage to Miller's iconic cover, featuring Batman leaping through the air against a lightning bolt backdrop.

Dragotta said, “Frank Miller and David Mazzucchelli's Batman from Batman: Year One is a huge inspiration for me, especially in storytelling and layout. The homage to Dark Knight Returns felt right and necessary.”

Giving Batman a Family

Absolute Batman reimagines key elements of the Dark Knight's mythology, with the most significant change being the revelation that Bruce Wayne's mother, Martha, is alive. This alteration transforms Batman from a lonely orphan to a man with much more to lose.

“It was a decision I went back and forth on the most,” Snyder admitted. “Having Martha alive felt more interesting than Thomas, given the paternal focus in other universes. Once she entered the story, she became the moral compass of the book, adding a new dimension to Bruce's character.”

Snyder continued, “Her presence is both a source of strength and vulnerability. It's a core part of the book's DNA now, and I can't imagine it any other way.”

Another major change introduced in issue #1 is Bruce's childhood friendship 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 to Bruce, influencing his path to becoming Batman.

Snyder teased, “These characters helped him learn the city's underworld, how to fight, high-level detection, and the city's politics. Their relationships are the heart of the book, grounding and strengthening him while also making him more vulnerable.”

Art by Nick Dragotta. (Image Credit: DC)

In "The Zoo," Batman begins to make his mark just as a new wave of costumed supervillains emerges. The focus is on Roman Sionis, aka Black Mask, the leader of the Party Animals, a nihilistic gang reveling in Gotham's chaos.

Snyder explained, “We chose Black Mask because his character felt like clay we could mold. His death mask and nihilistic worldview fit perfectly with our story. We treated him like a creator-owned character, staying true to his essence while making him entirely fresh.”

Art by Nick Dragotta. (Image Credit: DC)

The rivalry between Batman and Black Mask reaches its peak in issue #6, with Batman delivering a brutal beatdown on Sionis' yacht. Despite the violence, Batman stops short of killing, leaving Black Mask defeated and maimed, underscoring Batman's underdog status in this universe.

Snyder shared, “Those lines weren't in the original script but came to me over Nick's art. They encapsulate our Batman's essence—he uses the world's impossibility to change as fuel, refusing to believe it’s impossible.”

The Threat of Absolute Joker

The Joker, Batman's dark inverse, looms large in the series. Teased from the end of issue #1, Absolute Joker is portrayed as everything Batman traditionally is: wealthy, worldly, and trained by the best, yet devoid of laughter.

Snyder noted, “In this inverted system, Batman is the disruption, while Joker represents the system. Their relationship is always at opposite ends of the spectrum.”

The conclusion of "The Zoo" features another glimpse of the Joker, wrapped in a cocoon of dead babies and planning to use Bane against Batman.

Art by Nick Dragotta. (Image Credit: DC)

Snyder hinted, “This Joker is terrifying before meeting Batman, and their relationship will evolve significantly as the series progresses.”

Dragotta added, “He's been there, and his power is evident. His storyline is coming up, and we want readers to wonder what's happening.”

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 and the villain's dark path.

Snyder said, “Mr. Freeze embodies similar struggles to Bruce but has chosen a darker path. We're taking these characters to new, twisted places in our universe.”

As for Bane, Snyder confirmed, “He's really big. We wanted someone who makes Bruce's silhouette look smaller.”

Finally, Snyder teased the broader Absolute line, noting that while the series have been standalone so far, interactions between characters will increase in 2025.

“You'll see hints that Bruce is aware of other happenings in our Absolute Universe. We're planning how these characters will interact into 2026, focusing on how they affect each other and their villains.”

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