Olivia Reed
Prepare to be captivated by the fresh perspective of the iconic Batman in Absolute Batman #1. Scott Snyder, the mastermind behind this creation, doesn’t just stop at reimagining Batman. He also breathes new life into the notorious villains of Gotham City in the first book of DC Comics’ groundbreaking Absolute Universe.
In a surprising twist, the Wayne family is portrayed as working class, with Thomas Wayne being a teacher instead of a doctor. This means Bruce Wayne, our beloved Batman, is a product of the public school system and hones his skills in a local gym. It’s here that we discover that the Absolute Batman shares his childhood with many of his classic foes.
An intriguing old photo reveals Bruce with a young Harvey Dent, Oswald Cobblepot, Waylon Jones, Selina Kyle, and Edward Nygma. Among them, only Waylon Jones appears as an adult, running Croc’s Gym. But he has bigger dreams and is on the verge of opening an exotic pet shop specializing in reptiles.
Waylon informs Bruce that their mutual friend Ozzie helped him get his license and is funding his business. This hints that the Penguin continues his shady business dealings in the Absolute Universe. There’s also a mention of a regular poker game with “Eddie, Harvey (and) Oz” that Bruce has been missing.
Gotham’s Underworld in Absolute Batman
The only classic Batman villain who remains true to his original form as Absolute Batman begins is Black Mask. As the leader of the Party Animals gang, Roman Sionis maintains his obsession with masks. But in this universe, he collects death masks and crafts them for each of his enemies, including gangsters Carmine Falcone and Sal Maroni, who meet their unexpected end during a meeting with Black Mask.
The Absolute Joker: A Dark Twist
The final page of Absolute Batman #1 introduces a character named The Joker. But don’t be fooled by the name. This Joker never laughs and is a reclusive man of wealth, whom Alfred Pennyworth has been tracking for five years on behalf of his mysterious employers.
This Joker seems to be living the life that the classic Bruce Wayne once enjoyed, traveling the world and training under the same teachers. However, he has a sinister habit of killing his instructors once he’s done with them. It’s only a matter of time before his journey brings him to Gotham City and face-to-face with the Absolute Batman.
Get your hands on Absolute Batman #1, now available at comic shops everywhere.
