Batman Targets the Elite as a Response to the Joker’s Threat: A Call to ‘Eat the Rich’

The latest iteration of Batman, known as the Absolute version, zeroes in on the ultra-wealthy elite of Gotham City, represented through a radically reimagined Joker. In this new narrative arc, rather than being merely a supervillain, the Joker has ascended to the status of a super-elite, highlighting the distinctive qualities of this adaptation of the Dark Knight’s legacy.

In a revealing interview with Comicsbeat.com, Scott Snyder, co-writer of Absolute Batman alongside Nick Dragotta, shared insights into the creative vision guiding this iteration of Bruce Wayne.

Snyder explained how this new storyline transforms Batman’s mission. Instead of pursuing his usual rogue’s gallery of villains, the Absolute Batman targets the wealthiest and most corrupt citizens of Gotham. In this narrative, the Joker becomes a central figure among the elite, initiating a series of sinister plans that lead to inevitable confrontations with the Caped Crusader.

A Distinctive Outlook on Gotham’s Wealthy

Batman Talks About The Rich Consuming Gotham City

In the traditional universe of DC, Bruce Wayne is among the richest individuals on the planet, overseeing Wayne Enterprises with an extensive portfolio. This status grants Bruce considerable ease in battling the ultra-rich, often opting to use his wealth to combat corruption rather than taking direct action as Batman. His privileged background allows him to influence change subtly.

Snyder further expounded on Bruce’s evolving origin, which reframes his adversarial focus. He remarked:

“He’s both literally and figuratively climbing up the chain of what he sees as the problem to the top. Not wealth in and of itself, but the people who have decided that they’re going to use these positions of power to enrich and reinforce their own status by giving nothing to anyone and thinking of nothing but themselves. That they’re going to sort of abuse and twist the system itself to benefit themselves even further.”

This perspective distinctly characterizes the Absolute Universe’s Batman. Unlike his wealthier counterpart, this Bruce Wayne’s impoverished upbringing means he has never experienced life with an abundance of wealth. His lack of familiarity with the elite makes engaging them uniquely challenging; he cannot confront them as Bruce but can still pursue them as Batman.

Absolute Batman: A Fearsome Adversary for the Wealthy

No Wealth Can Ensure Safety

One of the legendary moments in Batman’s lore occurs in Batman: Year One, where he confronts mobsters reveling in their ill-gotten gains. He makes a dramatic entrance, emphasizing that their exploitation of Gotham’s innocent populace must end. Snyder has ingeniously reinterpreted this moment, positioning the wealthy—not the traditional criminals—as Batman’s primary adversaries in this narrative.

The ultra-wealthy are unlikely to take Bruce Wayne’s views seriously, but they will undoubtedly come to fear this new embodiment of Batman.

As Bruce Wayne aims to eradicate crime from Gotham, he remains undeterred by whether the offenders are street thugs or elite criminals. While the Prime Universe Bruce has the resources to manipulate the system through glitzy charity events and social maneuvering, the Absolute version faces much steeper challenges. However, despite their initial indifference, Gotham’s affluent elite, including the formidable Joker, will soon face repercussions under the watchful eye of this unique Batman.

For more insights, see the interview with Scott Snyder on Comicsbeat.

Absolute Batman is now available from DC Comics!

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