DC's *Absolute Batman* is a monumental comic book launch, boasting the best-selling comic of 2024 and maintaining its top spot ever since. Readers clearly embrace this bold, surprising reimagining of the Dark Knight.
Following the conclusion of their first arc, "The Zoo," creators Scott Snyder and Nick Dragotta spoke with IGN, revealing how *Absolute Batman* subverts the traditional mythos. Discover the design process behind this impressively muscular Batman, the impact of Bruce Wayne having a living mother, and what to expect as Absolute Joker emerges.
Warning: Full spoilers for *Absolute Batman* #6 follow!
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Designing Absolute Batman
The Absolute Universe's Batman is undeniably intimidating—bulging muscles, shoulder spikes, and a redesigned Batsuit. His costume is rightfully included among the 10 greatest Batman costumes of all time. Snyder and Dragotta explain their vision of a Batman lacking his usual wealth and resources:
Dragotta shared, "Scott's initial direction was 'bigger.' I drew him huge, but Scott wanted even bigger! We ended up with almost Hulk-like proportions. The design aimed for big, bold, iconic, reflecting the character. Every element of his suit is a weapon; it’s not just a utility belt anymore."
Snyder explains, "Classic Batman's intimidation factor stems from his fighting skills, detective work, imposing presence, and theatrics—but also his wealth. He arrives in cars, planes, and high-tech suits that scream, 'I'm richer than you.' This Batman lacks that, so his size, physicality, and the brutal efficiency of his suit become his tools of intimidation. He faces villains with vast resources, so he needs to be a force of nature, someone who can simply overpower them."
Frank Miller's The Dark Knight Returns clearly influenced Absolute Batman's design. Dragotta's homage to Miller's iconic cover, depicting Batman silhouetted against lightning, is a prime example. Dragotta states, "Frank Miller and David Mazzucchelli's work is a huge inspiration, not just visually, but in storytelling and pacing. Dark Knight Returns and Batman: Year One are definite influences, and that homage felt right and necessary."
Giving Batman a Family
Beyond the absence of wealth, Absolute Batman fundamentally alters the Dark Knight's mythology. The most significant change? Martha Wayne is alive. Batman is no longer a solitary orphan; he has a mother, increasing his vulnerability.
Snyder explains, "Keeping Martha alive was a major decision. It felt more interesting than keeping Thomas alive, given Thomas' frequent portrayal in other universes. Martha became the moral compass of the book. Bruce is strong-willed, but still young and idealistic. Martha provides strength and vulnerability, adding a crucial dimension to the character. It's one of my favorite aspects of the series."
Issue #1 revealed Bruce's childhood friendships with Waylon Jones, Oswald Cobblepot, Harvey Dent, Edward Nygma, and Selina Kyle—future members of his rogues' gallery. Here, they're essentially family. Snyder hints at their influence on Bruce's transformation:
"If he couldn't train with the League of Shadows, who did he train with? Oswald taught him the underworld, Waylon fighting, Eddie logic, Harvey politics, and Selina… well, that's coming. They’re all part of his development. Initially, it was fun to have them as friends who later became villains. But exploring their relationships, along with Martha, became the heart of the book—his connections, grounding him, strengthening and making him vulnerable. My favorite scenes often involve him and his friends and Martha."
Absolute Batman vs. Absolute Black Mask
"The Zoo" introduces a new generation of villains, with hints of Bane and Joker, but primarily focuses on Roman Sionis, aka Black Mask, leader of the nihilistic Party Animals.
Snyder explains Black Mask's suitability: "He offered malleable material. His death-mask aesthetic embodies the nihilism of a world beyond repair—a 'let's party while it burns' mentality. We treated him like a creator-owned character, staying true to his core nature as a crime boss but making him our own."
Issue #6 features a brutal Batman/Black Mask confrontation. Even while beating Black Mask with a bowling ball, Batman screams, "Tell me again how I don’t matter! I love it!" He doesn't kill Sionis, but leaves him severely injured and blinded. This fight underscores Batman's underdog status:
Snyder states, "Those lines weren't initially there; they resonated with me. They encapsulate our Batman: 'Tell me I don't matter. I love it.' He uses the world's perceived impossibility as fuel. He'll have moments of doubt, but at his best, he refuses to believe in limitations."
The Threat of Absolute Joker
Joker inevitably follows Batman. He's the chaos to Batman's order. Absolute Joker, teased in issue #1, is the inverse of Batman—wealthy, worldly, trained, and devoid of laughter.
Snyder explains, "If this is an inverted system, Batman is the disruption, so who's the system? Joker. He's always at the opposite end of the spectrum. This Joker is terrifying even before meeting Batman. Their relationship will evolve."
Absolute Joker's existence implies a pre-existing psychopathic nature, unlike the classic Killing Joke origin. Snyder teases, "This Joker is already terrifying. His relationship with Batman will evolve significantly."
Dragotta adds, "He's been there, and his power is immense. Clues are planted; we want readers to wonder."
What to Expect From Absolute Mr. Freeze and Absolute Bane
Issues #7 and #8, illustrated by Marcos Martin, introduce Mr. Freeze. Judging by the cover, it's a horrific reimagining.
Snyder says, "These issues are exciting. Marcos focuses on the emotional heart of the story. Mr. Freeze mirrors Bruce's struggles. This is our creator-owned universe, so we can go dark."
Bane's appearance is also teased. Given Batman's size, will Bane be even bigger?
Snyder reveals, "Bane is big. Very big. He makes Bruce's silhouette look smaller."
The Absolute line—including Absolute Wonder Woman and Absolute Superman—will expand in 2025 with Absolute Flash, Absolute Green Lantern, and Absolute Martian Manhunter. Snyder teases future interactions:
"Bruce will become aware of events in other Absolute Universe titles. We're planning how these characters will interact in 2025 and beyond. We're not crossing over with the main universe, but showing how these characters and villains affect each other."
Absolute Batman #6 is available now. Preorder Absolute Batman Vol. 1: The Zoo HC on Amazon.
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