Absolute Batman has emerged as one of DC's most significant comic book launches in recent years, with the first issue becoming the best-selling comic of 2024. The series has consistently topped sales charts, a testament to the enthusiastic reception of 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 shared insights with IGN on how Absolute Batman redefines 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 journey, and what to anticipate as the Absolute Joker steps into the spotlight.
***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 classic Batsuit. This design earned him a spot on our list of the 10 greatest Batman costumes of all time. Snyder and Dragotta discussed the creative process behind this hulking version of the Dark Knight, emphasizing the need to reflect a Batman without 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 Scott pushed for even more, saying, 'Nick, I want to go bigger.' We were getting into Hulk-like proportions."
Dragotta elaborated, "The design was driven by the need to make him bold, iconic, and embody the themes of the character. Every piece of his suit is a weapon, not just a utility belt. This approach will continue to evolve and change as the series progresses."
For Snyder, making Batman enormous was crucial. "The classic Batman's superpower is his extreme wealth," he noted. "Without that, this Batman needs to compensate with sheer physical presence. When he shows up, it's not just about his fighting skills or detective work; it's about his size and the violence he brings to a fight. Every part of his suit is a tool to intimidate."
Snyder added, "The villains he faces believe they're untouchable because of their resources. Batman needs to be a force of nature, proving that he can touch them, that he can punch back."
The influence of Frank Miller's The Dark Knight Returns is evident in Absolute Batman, particularly in a striking splash page in issue #6 that pays homage to Miller’s iconic (and surprisingly divisive) Dark Knight Returns cover. Dragotta acknowledged this influence, saying, "Frank Miller and David Mazzucchelli's Batman is a huge inspiration, especially in storytelling and layout. The homage to Dark Knight Returns felt right and necessary."
Giving Batman a Family
Absolute Batman reimagines many elements of the Dark Knight's mythology, including the revelation that Bruce Wayne's mother, Martha, is alive. This change transforms Batman from a solitary orphan to someone with much more to lose.
"It was the aspect I debated the most," Snyder admitted. "Having Martha alive felt more interesting than Thomas, given Bruce's paternal relationships in other universes. Once she entered the story, she became the moral compass, adding strength and vulnerability to Bruce. Her presence is now a core part of his character and the series."
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, who are traditionally his rogues gallery. Snyder teased that these relationships will be explored further, showing how they influenced Bruce's transformation into Batman.
"If Bruce can't travel the world to train, who does he learn from?" Snyder asked. "He learns the city's underworld from Oswald, fighting from Waylon, logic from Edward, politics from Harvey, and much more from Selina. These relationships are the heart of the book, grounding and strengthening him while also making him more vulnerable."
In "The Zoo," Absolute Batman begins to assert his presence in Gotham as new supervillains emerge. The focus is on Roman Sionis, aka Black Mask, the leader of the nihilistic Party Animals. Snyder and Dragotta initially considered a new villain but chose to revamp Black Mask, appreciating the flexibility to mold his character.
"We wanted a villain embodying nihilism, reflecting a world past the point of no return," Snyder explained. "Black Mask's aesthetic fit perfectly. We treated him like a creator-owned character, staying true to his crime boss roots while making him fresh and our own."
The rivalry between Batman and Black Mask reaches its peak in issue #6, with Batman storming Sionis' yacht and delivering a brutal beatdown. Despite not killing Sionis, Batman leaves him severely injured, highlighting the underdog nature of this Batman.
"These lines weren't in the original script, but they became my favorite," Snyder said. "Batman's response to being told he doesn't matter is to use it as fuel. He'll take the world's impossibility and turn it into determination."
The Threat of Absolute Joker
The series is building towards a confrontation with the Absolute Joker, who is teased as Batman's dark inverse. Introduced at the end of issue #1, the Joker is depicted as wealthy, worldly, and trained by the best, yet never laughing.
"The Zoo" concludes with another glimpse of the Joker, wrapped in a cocoon of dead babies and ordering Bane to deal with Batman. Snyder emphasized the inverted dynamic, saying, "If Batman is the disruption, Joker represents the system. They're always in relation, even if Joker isn't in the story."
The Absolute Joker is already a terrifying figure before meeting Batman, and their relationship will evolve throughout the series. Dragotta hinted at the Joker's power and master plan, saying, "He's been there. The clues we've planted show how powerful he is."
What to Expect From Absolute Mr. Freeze and Absolute Bane ---------------------------------------------------------Issues #7 and #8 introduce Mr. Freeze, with Marcos Martin taking over for a short arc. Snyder praised Martin's focus on the emotional heart of the story, saying, "Mr. Freeze's dark path mirrors Bruce's struggles. We're going dark and twisted with this version."
Issue #6 also sets up a confrontation with Bane, who will be a physically imposing adversary. "Bane is really big," Snyder confirmed. "We wanted someone who makes Bruce's silhouette look smaller."
The Absolute line, which includes Absolute Batman, Wonder Woman, and Superman, will expand in 2025 with Absolute Flash, Green Lantern, and Martian Manhunter. Snyder hinted at future interactions among these characters, saying, "You'll see hints of how these characters affect each other in 2025."
Absolute Batman #6 is available in stores now. You can preorder the Absolute Batman Vol. 1: The Zoo HC on Amazon.
