Absolute Batman stands out as one of DC's most significant comic book launches in recent years. The first issue, which became the best-selling comic of 2024, has consistently topped sales charts, showcasing a strong reader response to this bold and often surprising reinvention of the Dark Knight.
Following the completion of their first story arc, "The Zoo," creators Scott Snyder and Nick Dragotta shared insights with IGN on how Absolute Batman reimagines the traditional Batman mythos. Dive into their discussion to discover the inspiration behind the impressively muscular Batman, the impact of having a living mother on Bruce Wayne's life, and what's in store as the Absolute Joker looms in the background.
Warning: full spoilers for Absolute Batman #6 ahead!
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Designing Absolute Batman
The Absolute Universe's Batman is designed to be an imposing figure, characterized by his muscular build, shoulder spikes, and other enhancements to the classic Batsuit. His inclusion in our list of the 10 greatest Batman costumes of all time is well-deserved. Snyder and Dragotta explained to IGN how they developed this larger-than-life version of the Dark Knight, aiming to portray a Batman who lacks the wealth and resources of his traditional counterpart.
"Scott's vision was to make him monumental," Dragotta shared. "He wanted this to be the biggest Batman we've ever seen. Initially, I drew him large, but Scott pushed for even more, reaching almost Hulk-like proportions."
Dragotta elaborated, "The design was driven by the need to make him bold and iconic, reflecting his character's essence. Every element, from his emblem to his suit, is crafted as a weapon, not just a utility belt. This approach will continue to evolve the design as the series progresses."
For Snyder, Batman's size was crucial. Unlike the classic Batman, whose superpower is his vast wealth, this version relies on his physical presence to intimidate. "The classic Batman uses his wealth as a tool of intimidation," Snyder noted. "But without that, this Batman must rely on his size, physicality, and the utility of every part of his suit to be a constant threat."
Snyder added, "His opponents believe they're untouchable due to their resources. In the upcoming arc, he'll face even greater challenges, necessitating his role as a formidable force of nature."
The influence of Frank Miller's The Dark Knight Returns is evident in Absolute Batman, particularly in a striking splash page from issue #6 that echoes Miller's iconic (and surprisingly divisive) Dark Knight Returns cover. Dragotta acknowledged this homage, citing Miller's storytelling as a significant inspiration.
Giving Batman a Family
Absolute Batman reimagines numerous aspects of the Dark Knight's mythology, but the most impactful change is the revelation that Bruce Wayne's mother, Martha, is alive. This alteration transforms Batman from a solitary orphan into a character with much more to lose.
"Deciding to keep Martha alive was a major decision," Snyder admitted. "It felt right to explore a maternal relationship, given the frequent paternal focus in other universes. Her presence adds a moral compass and vulnerability to Bruce, enriching his character and the story's core."
Another significant change introduced in issue #1 is Bruce's childhood friendships with characters like Waylon Jones, Oswald Cobblepot, Harvey Dent, Edward Nygma, and Selina Kyle. These individuals, traditionally part of Batman's rogues gallery, form an extended family in this universe. Snyder hinted that upcoming issues will explore how these relationships shaped Bruce's journey to becoming Batman.
"Without the ability to travel and train globally, Bruce learned from his friends," Snyder explained. "Each one contributed to his skills and understanding of Gotham's underworld, politics, and more. These relationships are central to the series, offering both strength and vulnerability to Bruce."
Absolute Batman vs. Absolute Black Mask ---------------------------------------In "The Zoo," Absolute Batman begins to assert his presence in Gotham as new supervillains emerge, including hints of Bane and Joker. The focus of this arc, however, is Roman Sionis, aka Black Mask, leader of the nihilistic Party Animals gang.
Snyder noted that Black Mask was the perfect villain for this arc, initially considering a new villain before deciding to revamp Black Mask. "His nihilistic aesthetic fit our story's theme of a world beyond saving," Snyder said. "We treated him as a creator-owned character, staying true to his crime boss roots while making him uniquely ours."
The confrontation between Batman and Black Mask in issue #6 culminates in a fierce battle on Sionis' yacht, where Batman delivers a brutal beating but stops short of killing. This fight underscores Batman's underdog status in the Absolute Universe, where he's underestimated but determined to make a difference.
"Those lines weren't in the original script, but they encapsulate our Batman's essence," Snyder said. "He uses the world's doubts as fuel to prove them wrong, even in his darkest moments."
The Threat of Absolute Joker
The Joker, Batman's chaotic counterpart, is a looming threat in the Absolute Universe. Teased at the end of issue #1, the Absolute Joker embodies everything Batman traditionally represents: wealth, global training, and a stoic demeanor.
In "The Zoo's" conclusion, the Joker appears briefly, wrapped in a disturbing cocoon and commanding his servant to summon Bane. Snyder explained that in this inverted universe, the Joker represents the system, while Batman is the disruption.
"Joker's already a terrifying figure before meeting Batman," Snyder teased. "Their relationship will evolve significantly as the series progresses."
Dragotta added, "This Joker has been established for a while, and his power is evident. We're planting clues for his master plan, which will unfold in upcoming issues."
What to Expect From Absolute Mr. Freeze and Absolute Bane ---------------------------------------------------------Issues #7 and #8 introduce Mr. Freeze, with Marcos Martin taking over art duties for a short arc that promises a horror-infused take on the villain. Snyder expressed excitement about this detour, emphasizing Martin's focus on the emotional core of the story.
"Mr. Freeze mirrors Bruce's struggles but takes a darker path," Snyder said. "In the Absolute Universe, we're pushing boundaries with these characters, creating our own dark versions."
Issue #6 also hints at an imminent confrontation with Bane, raising questions about his size relative to the massive Batman. "Bane is definitely big," Snyder confirmed. "We wanted him to make Bruce's silhouette look smaller."
The broader Absolute line, launched with Absolute Batman, Absolute Wonder Woman, and Absolute Superman in 2024, will expand in 2025 with Absolute Flash, Absolute Green Lantern, and Absolute Martian Manhunter. While the series have been standalone so far, Snyder hinted at future interactions among characters in the Absolute Universe.
"You'll start seeing hints of how these characters affect each other," Snyder said. "We're planning for deeper connections in 2025 and beyond, but not with the main universe."
Absolute Batman #6 is available in stores now, and you can preorder the Absolute Batman Vol. 1: The Zoo HC on Amazon.
