The Absolute Batman comic drastically changed the background of Bruce Wayne for the new Absolute Universe setting. Beyond being raised by a working-class single-mother, this Bruce Wayne grew up alongside many of his greatest villains. Now, a new one-shot special has confirmed the existence of several other classic Batman villains in this dark new universe.
The one-shot comic is co-written by Scott Snyder and Frank Tieri, with art by Joshua Hixson. Absolute Batman: Ark M Special #1 details the history of Arkham Asylum in the Absolute Universe. It also reveals how the infamous institution laid the groundwork for Ark M, the private prison/laboratory financed by the Absolute Universe version of The Joker.
Those familiar with Snyder’s previous collaborative works (such as Batman: Gates of Gotham with Kyle Higgins) will be on familiar footing here. Few writers have explored the fictional history of Gotham City quite so deeply as Snyder. Nor have many other writers developed such intense psychological thrillers built around the mad legacy of the Arkham family. Snyder, with Tieri’s aid, does the same thing here, while also tying the Arkham family into the origins of Absolute Joker. However, it is the final scene of the special that confirms several new villains, while teasing the future of Absolute Batman.
What Batman villains are confirmed to exist in the Absolute Universe?
The final scene of Absolute Batman: Ark M Special finds Absolute Joker speaking with an unseen ally. This figure, who has been watching video footage of Batman, claims he can handle the Dark Knight easily. Joker agrees, but says, “There are other friends I’d like to introduce him to in the meantime.”
As he says this, several printouts are revealed featuring the civilian identities of several classic Batman villains. These villains are Man-Bat, Poison Ivy, Hugo Strange, Scarecrow, Clayface, and Mad Hatter. The scene and comic conclude with Joker assuring his unseen ally that he will get his chance to fight Batman soon enough. The final page reveals this unseen character as the Absolute Universe version of Deathstroke.
For the most part, none of these villains have been so directly featured in earlier Absolute Batman comics. Absolute Batman #7 showed a figure who might be Clayface, and referenced Kurt Langstrom, Pamela Isley, and Hugo Strange. It has been confirmed, however, that Absolute Poison Ivy will make her premiere appearance in February’s Absolute Batman #17.
Absolute Batman: Ark M Special #1 is now available at comic shops everywhere.
