The Absolute Universe has redefined the classic Dark Knight mythology in many ways, but most notably in how it handles his villains. In this dark reality, Bruce Wayne grew up poor on the mean streets of Gotham, with The Riddler and The Penguin as childhood friends. Absolute Batman #10 twists things even further, introducing some classic Batman villains in horrific new forms.
Written by Scott Snyder with art by Nick Dragotta, Absolute Batman #10 finds Bruce Wayne imprisoned within Ark M. Built off the Gotham City coast, Ark M. was suspected to be a privately run Supermax prison. However, the young hero soon discovers that Ark M. is more laboratory than prison. This is revealed as he encounters other inmates-turned-test subjects during his repeated escape attempts.
Doctor Death
Dr. Karl Helfern, aka Doctor Death, was one of the first supervillains Batman ever fought. First appearing in 1939’s Detective Comics #30, Doctor Death experimented with deadly pollens before transforming into a giant monster. This would appear to be the mass of flesh Absolute Batman runs past while passing through what is labeled the Helfern Experiment.
Clayface
Bruce is apprehended in his first escape attempt passing through the Transmutations and Plasticity Department. Specifically, the “K.L.A.Y. biome” This abbreviation goes unexplained. However, it is apparent that whatever it stands for, the biome contains the Absolute Batman version of Clayface. This becomes clear as the ground under Bruce Wayne becomes a pained face and a mass of grabbing hands.
Hugo Strange and Poison Ivy
Absolute Batman’s second escape attempt takes him through “the Strange corridor.” This is a nod to Professor Hugo Strange, another mad scientist who created “monster men.” Bruce is ultimately apprehended in “the Isley ecosystem” by a mob of trees with faces and plant people. This is clearly the work of Dr. Pamela Isley, aka Poison Ivy.
Man-Bat and Professor Pyg
When Bruce made his escape a third time, he went through what is labeled the Langstrom Experiment. This is a nod to Dr. Kirk Langstrom, who transformed himself into Man-Bat. Several of the prisoners there plead for Absolute Batman to help them and one of them resembles a giant pig-man. This could be a nod to the villain Professor Pyg.
Killer Croc
The third escape attempt finds Absolute Batman aided by another inmate. Bruce immediately recognizes this monster man as his friend Waylon Jones, aka Killer Croc. This version of Croc is different from the original, however, resembling a giant crocodile or dragon rather than a lizard-skinned man.
Absolute Batman #10 is now available at comic shops everywhere.
