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 challenges 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 lies ahead as the Absolute Joker steps into the spotlight.
Warning: full spoilers for Absolute Batman #6 ahead!
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Designing Absolute Batman
The Absolute Universe's Batman is a formidable 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 imposing version of the Dark Knight, emphasizing 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 large initially, but Scott pushed for even more, saying, 'Nick, I want to go bigger.' We were venturing into Hulk-like proportions."
Dragotta elaborated, "The design was driven by the need to make him bold, iconic, and reflective of his character. Every element of his suit, from the emblem to the utility, is a weapon. This approach will continue to evolve and shape his future appearances."
"For Snyder, making Batman enormous was crucial. Without the financial advantage, this Batman compensates with sheer physical presence. "When the classic Batman appears, his intimidation factor comes from his skills, theatrics, and wealth," Snyder noted. "But in this universe, his size, physicality, and the utility of his suit become his tools for intimidation."
Snyder added, "The villains he faces believe they're untouchable due to their resources. As he confronts increasingly formidable foes, Batman must embody a force of nature, proving that he can indeed touch them."
"For me, Frank Miller and David Mazzucchelli's Batman is a huge inspiration," Dragotta said. "Their storytelling and narrative structure are what I draw from. The homage to Dark Knight Returns felt necessary and fitting."
Giving Batman a Family
Absolute Batman reimagines many aspects 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 a character with much to lose.
"It was a decision I debated extensively," Snyder admitted. "Choosing Martha over Thomas felt right because Bruce's relationship with his father has been explored extensively. Martha's presence adds a new dimension, serving as the moral compass of the story. Bruce is young and idealistic, and she provides both strength and vulnerability."
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 adversaries. In this universe, they form an extended family, influencing his journey to becoming Batman.
"The idea was to explore who Bruce would train with if he couldn't travel the world," Snyder explained. "He learns the city's underworld from Oswald, combat from Waylon, high-level detection from Edward, and the city's politics from Harvey. Selina's influence is also significant, and we'll see more of that in upcoming issues."
In "The Zoo," Absolute Batman begins to assert his presence in Gotham as new supervillains emerge. The arc focuses on Roman Sionis, aka Black Mask, the leader of the Party Animals, a gang reveling in Gotham's chaos.
Black Mask may not be the typical choice for a Batman origin story, but Snyder felt he was perfect for "The Zoo." Initially, they considered a new villain but chose to revamp Black Mask instead.
"We saw potential in him as a character we could mold," Snyder said. "His nihilistic aesthetic fit our theme of a world beyond saving, where the only response is to party amidst the ruins. We treated him like a creator-owned character, staying true to his core while making him fresh."
"Those lines weren't in the original script," Snyder revealed. "They encapsulate our Batman's spirit: he thrives on proving the naysayers wrong. He uses their doubt as fuel, even if he faces moments of doubt himself."
The Threat of Absolute Joker
The series builds towards a confrontation with the Absolute Joker, who is introduced as Batman's dark inverse. Unlike traditional portrayals, this Joker is wealthy, worldly, and never laughs.
"The Zoo" ends with a glimpse of the Joker, wrapped in a cocoon of dead babies and ordering Bane to deal with Batman. This Joker has already evolved into a psychopathic supervillain, independent of Batman.
"The concept was to invert the system," Snyder explained. "If Batman is the disruption, then Joker represents the system. Their relationship is central to the series, with Joker evolving further as he encounters Batman."
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 with his identity as Batman.
"Marcos brings an emotional depth to the story," Snyder said. "Mr. Freeze's dark path mirrors Bruce's internal conflict. We're taking a bold approach with these villains, making them uniquely ours in this universe."
Issue #6 also teases a confrontation with Bane, raising questions about his size relative to the massive Batman. "Bane is really big," Snyder confirmed. "We wanted him to make Bruce's silhouette look smaller."
Finally, the larger Absolute line, which includes Absolute Wonder Woman and Absolute Superman, will see new titles in 2025, such as Absolute Flash, Absolute Green Lantern, and Absolute Martian Manhunter. Snyder hinted at future interactions among these characters.
"You'll see hints of Bruce being aware of events in other parts of the Absolute Universe," Snyder said. "We're planning how these characters will interact in 2025 and beyond, focusing on how they affect each other within this world."
Absolute Batman #6 is available in stores now. You can preorder the Absolute Batman Vol. 1: The Zoo HC on Amazon.
