While the Joker made a fleeting appearance in the inaugural issue of Absolute Batman, his presence has been notably absent in the subsequent installments, despite the series now reaching its fourth chapter. Recently, however, Scott Snyder provided an exciting update regarding the villain’s upcoming return, indicating which issues will feature the Joker and hinting at a newly crafted menace that challenges Batman in unprecedented ways.
In the context of Absolute Batman and Joker, readers will experience two unpredictable forces converging in a manner that is uniquely tailored to Earth-Prime’s narrative.
On January 9, 2025, Snyder joined the Owen Likes More Comics YouTube channel for an in-depth discussion about Absolute Batman. During the hour-long conversation, a plethora of thrilling sneak peeks were shared with fans.
Among the most captivating moments was their exploration of Absolute Joker, a character initially hinted at in the closing moments of Absolute Batman #1, who has yet to fully emerge in the ongoing storyline. Snyder detailed which forthcoming issues will highlight this notorious figure from Gotham and offered tantalizing clues regarding what distinguishes this variation of the Joker from his Earth-Prime counterpart.
“…the Joker Isn’t Anything Like Batman Has Faced…”: Scott Snyder Teases New Absolute Joker Crumbs
Comic Panel of Absolute Joker Comes From Absolute Batman #1 (2024) – Art by Nick Dragotta
In discussing Absolute Joker, Snyder remarked that “the Joker isn’t anything like Batman has faced”because both characters and their world are radically reimagined. This interpretation presents a Joker that deviates significantly from traditional portrayals, thanks not only to his revamped psychology but also the redefined persona of the Bruce Wayne in this alternate universe. As Snyder put it, this collision of two unfamiliar entities promises a narrative that diverges sharply from Earth-Prime stories.
A pivotal twist introduced in Absolute Batman #1 reveals that within this universe, the roles of power and wealth have shifted dramatically: the Joker has become the billionaire rather than Batman. As Snyder elaborated, “the Joker is the one who has the resources and the cave—who has the vehicles” —a significant departure from his usual status. Fans can expect their first substantial insight into this revised Joker in issue #7 of Absolute Batman, with the full extent of his unfamiliarity not being divulged until issues #13 or #14, keeping the audience in suspense about the Joker’s upcoming strategy.
Scott Snyder: In this world, the Joker isn’t anything like Batman has faced because Batman is like nothing [as well]. Where they are headed is so interesting to me. I don’t want to spoil too much because this doesn’t happen until Issue 13 or 14, even beyond that really, but I wanted the Joker to be the one who has the resources and the cave – who has the vehicles in this.
He’s not sitting there as a clown; he’s very different from that in this [story].
DC Is Gearing Up For an Unexplored Batman & Joker Dynamic in the Absolute Universe
Cover B Card Stock Variant by Frank Quitely for Absolute Batman #6 (2025)
By establishing that the Joker leads with resources in this universe, Snyder’s narrative introduces a landscape where the dynamics between Batman and the Joker drastically change. Traditionally, the Joker lacks access to substantial wealth, which has significantly leveled the playing field. This shift sets a new stage for conflict, with Batman potentially at a resource disadvantage. However, as seen in Absolute Batman, this version of Bruce Wayne exhibits remarkable resourcefulness, hinting at intense confrontations ahead. Fans can anticipate thrilling scenarios where resource disparities challenge the ingenuity of both iconic characters.
For more updates on what lies ahead for Batman and the Joker, stay tuned!
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