Absolute Joker’s Dark Secret Makes Batman Villain Even More Fearsome

For the first year of Absolute Batman, the character of Absolute Joker was a man of mystery. Little was revealed of the character beyond his being a reclusive billionaire who was involved in various dirty deeds. However, a new story exploring the villain’s background has revealed a secret even more unsettling than his apparent true form.

Written by Scott Snyder, with art by Jock, Absolute Batman #15 reveals the history of Absolute Joker. At least, it reveals what little covert operative Alfred Pennyworth has learned after decades of hunting him. He relates this history to Bruce Wayne, telling him that the man called Joker is truly Jack Grimm V. He is heir to a vast entertainment empire, dating back to the original Jack Grimm — a Victorian era clown turned theater magnate and philanthropist. An orphan himself, Jack Grimm I was especially generous in donating to children’s charities.

This history is intercut with scenes of Jack Grimm V taking a hunting trip on one of several uncharted islands he is said to own. Pennyworth suspects that he uses the islands to hold his enemies so he can hunt them for sport later. This is indeed the case, but it is far from the worst thing about Absolute Joker.

What is the dark secret of Absolute Joker?

As he finds his quarry, Absolute Joker transforms into a horrific dragon-like being with the familiar coloration and smile of the classic Joker. However, this is not at all surprising. The early press for the issue highlighted the true form of Jack Grimm V. Indeed, every variant cover for Absolute Batman #15 showcases the monstrous new villain. The true horror comes before the transformation, as a marooned, hunted man recognizes Jack Grimm V despite having been alone on the island for over 30 years.

As this occurs, Pennyworth offers his theory that Jack Grimm I found some form of immortality involving the orphans he helped. Whether it is dark magic or sick science he cannot say. All he knows is that Absolute Joker turned himself into something inhuman and he seems to live off the suffering of others.

The coda of the issue reveals another secret and sick joke. Jack Grimm V returns home to a mansion in Gotham City, where a loyal butler is waiting. He tells the servant he will “be in the cave,” before departing through a secret passage hidden behind a grandfather clock. In a cosmic joke sure to make The Joker laugh, he has been reborn in the Absolute Universe as a sick parody of Bruce Wayne.

Absolute Batman #15 is now available at comic shops everywhere.