Absolute Batman stands out as one of DC's most significant comic book launches in recent years. The first issue soared to become the best-selling comic of 2024, and its continued dominance on the sales charts showcases the enthusiastic response from readers to 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 sat down with IGN to delve into how Absolute Batman challenges the traditional Batman mythos. They discussed the design of this impressively buff Batman, the impact of having a living mother on Bruce Wayne's life, and what readers can anticipate as Absolute Joker steps out of the shadows.
Warning: full spoilers for Absolute Batman #6 ahead!
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Designing Absolute Batman
The Batman of the Absolute Universe is an imposing figure, characterized by his bulging muscles, shoulder spikes, and various enhancements to the traditional Batsuit. This design has earned him a spot on our list of the 10 greatest Batman costumes of all time. Snyder and Dragotta shared how they envisioned this hulking version of the Dark Knight, who, unlike his traditional counterpart, lacks wealth and resources.
"Scott's initial idea was to go big," Dragotta explains. "He wanted this to be the biggest Batman we've seen. When Scott saw my first drafts, he pushed for even more size, saying, 'Nick, let's go bigger.' We ended up with a Batman approaching Hulk-like proportions."
Dragotta emphasizes that the design reflects the character's themes, with every element of the suit functioning as a weapon. "From his emblem to every piece of his suit, he's a weapon. It's all a weapon. It's not just a utility belt anymore; everything on this Batman is a utility."
For Snyder, making Batman enormous was essential. "The classic Batman's superpower is his extreme wealth," he notes. "Without that, this Batman compensates with sheer physical presence. When he shows up, it's not just his skills as a fighter and detective that intimidate; it's his size and the violence he brings to a fight."
Snyder adds that Batman's adversaries in this universe are resource-rich, making his physicality a crucial tool. "They don't think they can be touched, but he's a force of nature, ready to punch back."
The influence of Frank Miller's The Dark Knight Returns is evident in Dragotta's design, particularly in a striking splash page in issue #6 that pays homage to Miller's iconic (and surprisingly divisive) Dark Knight Returns cover.
"Miller and Mazzucchelli's storytelling in Batman: Year One has been a huge inspiration," Dragotta says. "That homage felt necessary and right."
Giving Batman a Family
Absolute Batman reshapes the Dark Knight's mythology, notably by revealing that Bruce Wayne's mother, Martha, is alive. This change transforms Batman from a lonely orphan into someone with much more to lose.
"Introducing Martha was a decision I debated a lot," Snyder admits. "It felt right to focus on her rather than Thomas, who's often been explored in other universes. Her presence adds a new dimension to Bruce's character, serving as both a moral compass and a vulnerability."
Snyder also highlights the impact of Bruce's childhood friendships with characters like Waylon Jones, Oswald Cobblepot, Harvey Dent, Edward Nygma, and Selina Kyle, who are traditionally his rogues gallery but here form an extended family. "These relationships ground him, yet also make him vulnerable," Snyder says. "They're integral to understanding how he becomes Batman."
Art by Nick Dragotta. (Image Credit: DC) Absolute Batman vs. Absolute Black Mask
In "The Zoo," Absolute Batman confronts a new generation of supervillains, focusing on Roman Sionis, aka Black Mask, the leader of the nihilistic Party Animals. Snyder and Dragotta initially considered creating a new villain but chose to revamp Black Mask, appreciating his malleability.
"Black Mask's death mask and nihilistic theme fit our narrative," Snyder explains. "We wanted to portray him as a crime boss who embodies a 'party while the world burns' philosophy. Nick transformed him into something fresh and entirely our own."
Their rivalry peaks in issue #6, with Batman delivering a fierce beatdown on Sionis' yacht. "Tell me again how I don’t matter! I love it!" Batman screams, embodying the underdog spirit of the Absolute Universe. Despite not killing Sionis, Batman leaves him severely injured, showcasing his resolve.
"These lines weren't in the original script," Snyder says. "They encapsulate our Batman's spirit: using others' doubt as fuel to prove them wrong."
The Threat of Absolute Joker
As Batman emerges in Gotham, the series teases the looming threat of the Absolute Joker. Introduced at the end of issue #1 as a wealthy, worldly figure who never laughs, the Joker's presence grows, culminating in a chilling scene in "The Zoo" where he orders Bane to handle Batman.
"In this inverted system, Batman is the disruption, and Joker represents the system," Snyder explains. "Their relationship is central to our take on Batman."
Snyder hints at the Joker's already terrifying nature before meeting Batman, suggesting their encounters will further evolve the Clown Prince of Crime. "This Joker's been there," Dragotta adds, teasing his power and the master plan hinted at by Alfred.
What to Expect From Absolute Mr. Freeze and Absolute Bane ---------------------------------------------------------Issues #7 and #8, illustrated by Marcos Martin, introduce a horror-infused version of Mr. Freeze, reflecting Bruce's struggles with his friends and his own survival. "Mr. Freeze's dark path mirrors Bruce's challenges," Snyder says. "In this universe, we're going dark and taking risks with these characters."
Bane's looming presence is also teased, with Snyder confirming, "He's really big. We wanted someone who makes Bruce's silhouette look smaller."
As part of the broader Absolute line, Absolute Batman launched alongside other titles in 2024, with more planned for 2025. Snyder hints at future interactions between characters, promising a more interconnected narrative. "You'll see how these characters and their villains affect each other," he says.
Absolute Batman #6 is available in stores now. You can preorder the Absolute Batman Vol. 1: The Zoo HC on Amazon.
