Absolute Batman #20 delves into the new dynamics of the Absolute Universe, where Batman has become more like the Joker and Gotham City views him as a threat. The city has turned against Batman due to the manipulations of Scarecrow and Jack Grimm V, who have activated the Robin Initiative to hunt down Batman. The Dark Knight's public image has collapsed, and he is now seen as an agent of chaos and the Cowled Prince of Crime, intentional references to the mainline Joker.
Warning! This post contains SPOILERS for Absolute Batman #20 One of the most fascinating things about DC’s Absolute Universe is how aggressively it flips the standard dynamics fans are used to.
This is especially true when it comes to Absolute Batman and Gotham City. Case in point, recent issues have made it abundantly clear that this new version of The Dark Knight has essentially become"The Joker" of the Absolute Universe. The best thing about DC's alternate Absolute Universe is the impressive level of creative freedom to fully reimagine characters, relationships, and how certain heroes and villains are perceived.
Key examples include Superman living on Krypton for years as a child ahead of the planet's gradual and much slower demise, or Wonder Woman, who was raised as a witch by Circe in Hell itself. Likewise, Absolute Batman operates very differently from the mainline Batman, so much so that he's now receiving a reputation that's more in line with the mainline Joker.
As seen in the new Absolute Batman #20 from Scott Snyder and Nick Dragotta, the entire city has turned on Batman thanks to the efforts of Jack Grimm V and the recently debuted Absolute Scarecrow, highlighting just how upside down the dynamics are compared to the primary DC Universe. Gotham City Now Views Absolute Batman Like DC's Mainline Joker Thanks to the manipulations of Scarecrow and Jack Grimm V, Absolute Batman’s public image has completely collapsed in recent issues.
After Jim Gordon was compelled to kill himself by Scarecrow, the death was pinned on Batman, who tried and failed to save Gotham's former mayor. With Batman now viewed as an extremely dangerous individual and a threat to Gotham's citizens, Jack Grimm and Mayor Hill activated the new Robin Initiative, a strike team of wards taken in by Grimm and trained by Slade Wilson, their first mission being to hunt down Batman himself.
As such, Absolute Batman #20 opens with the news calling The Dark Knight an"agent of chaos" and the"Cowled Prince of Crime". Naturally, both of those descriptions are very clearly intentional references to the main DC Universe’s Joker. Heath Ledger's Joker famously described himself as"an agent of chaos" in Christopher Nolan's The Dark Knight movie, while"Clown Prince of Crime" is one of Joker's most classic monikers.
ScreenRant.com | Absolute Files Interactive Quiz ScreenRant/ DC/ Absolute Universe/ Trivia Bold Reimagining · Alternate DC Universe Test Your DC Comics Absolute Universe Knowledge ♆️SupermanReimagined 🦇BatmanNo billions ⚔️Wonder WomanReforged ⚡FlashSpeed 🌐UniverseAbsolute ENTER THE ABSOLUTE UNIVERSE → QUESTION 1 / 8UNIVERSE 01 DC’s Absolute Universe is a new line of comics launched in late 2024 that reimagines iconic DC heroes in a world without the legacy advantages they traditionally have. Which DC event/storyline set up the creation of the Absolute Universe?
ADark Crisis BInfinite Frontier CDarkseid’s rewriting of the DC Multiverse in the current continuity DFlashpoint Beyond ✓ Correct! The Absolute Universe was born from Darkseid rewriting reality in the current DC continuity. This cosmic act of villainy created a parallel world where DC’s greatest heroes exist without the advantages and support systems they traditionally rely on. ✗ That answer didn’t make it through the Absolute reboot!
The answer is Darkseid’s rewriting of the DC Multiverse. While Dark Crisis, Infinite Frontier, and Flashpoint Beyond are all significant DC events, it was Darkseid’s manipulation of reality that gave birth to the Absolute Universe.
NEXT → QUESTION 2 / 8SUPERMAN 02 In Absolute Superman, Kal-El’s origin is dramatically different from the main universe. Instead of being raised by the Kents in Smallville, how does Absolute Superman grow up? AHe is raised by the government BHe grows up on Krypton CHe is raised in an immigrant community with no wealth or privilege DHe is raised by Lex Luthor ✓ Correct!
In the Absolute Universe, Kal-El lands not with the Kents but in an immigrant community, growing up without wealth or privilege. This reimagining strips away Superman’s traditional support system while keeping his core values of hope and justice intact. ✗ That answer didn’t make it through the Absolute reboot! The answer is that he’s raised in an immigrant community with no wealth or privilege.
The Absolute line is built on the concept of heroes without their traditional advantages, and Superman’s new upbringing reflects this perfectly. NEXT → QUESTION 3 / 8BATMAN 03 Absolute Batman reimagines Bruce Wayne without his billionaire status. In this version, Bruce Wayne has a very different civilian occupation. What is Absolute Batman’s day job?
APolice officer BEngineer / construction worker CTeacher DJournalist ✓ Correct! In the Absolute Universe, Bruce Wayne works as an engineer and construction worker. Without the Wayne fortune or Wayne Enterprises, this Bruce builds his gear and gadgets with his own hands and working-class ingenuity, making him a truly self-made Batman. ✗ That answer didn’t make it through the Absolute reboot!
The answer is engineer / construction worker. Absolute Batman strips Bruce Wayne of his billionaire status entirely. This Bruce is a massive, imposing figure who uses his engineering skills and physical labor background to craft his own Batman arsenal.
NEXT → QUESTION 4 / 8BATMAN 04 Absolute Batman’s costume and physique are dramatically different from the traditional Batman. This version of Bruce Wayne is much larger and more imposing. Who is the writer of Absolute Batman? ATom King BJames Tynion IV CScott Snyder DChip Zdarsky ✓ Correct!
Scott Snyder, who previously wrote the acclaimed New 52 Batman run, is the writer of Absolute Batman. His bold reimagining of Bruce Wayne as a working-class hero without billions has been one of the breakout hits of the Absolute Universe line. ✗ That answer didn’t make it through the Absolute reboot! The answer is Scott Snyder.
Known for his legendary Batman run featuring the Court of Owls and other iconic storylines, Snyder returned to the Dark Knight with Absolute Batman, completely reinventing Bruce Wayne for this new universe. NEXT → QUESTION 5 / 8WONDER WOMAN 05 Absolute Wonder Woman reimagines Diana in a significantly different setting. In this version, the character’s mythology and origin pull from different cultural influences. Who is the writer of Absolute Wonder Woman?
AG. Willow Wilson BKelly Thompson CBecky Cloonan DMariko Tamaki ✓ Correct! Kelly Thompson writes Absolute Wonder Woman, bringing a fresh take on Diana’s mythology and origin. This version reimagines Wonder Woman’s world with different cultural influences while maintaining the warrior spirit at the core of the character.
✗ That answer didn’t make it through the Absolute reboot! The answer is Kelly Thompson. While all four writers are acclaimed in the comics industry, it’s Thompson who helms Absolute Wonder Woman, crafting a bold new vision for Diana in the Absolute Universe.
NEXT → QUESTION 6 / 8UNIVERSE 06 The Absolute Universe was created as a result of Darkseid altering reality. A key difference is that in this universe, heroes don’t have the traditional advantages and support systems. What concept describes this — that these heroes exist without their usual “safety nets”? AHeroes without legacy BHeroes without hope CHeroes without privilege DGrounded heroes ✓ Correct!
“Heroes without legacy” is the core concept of the Absolute Universe. These versions of DC’s iconic characters exist without the inherited advantages, mentors, wealth, and support networks that traditionally define them — forcing them to become heroes purely on their own terms. ✗ That answer didn’t make it through the Absolute reboot! The answer is “Heroes without legacy.
” The Absolute Universe is built on the idea that Darkseid stripped these heroes of their legacies — Batman has no fortune, Superman has no Kents, Wonder Woman has no Themyscira as we know it. NEXT → QUESTION 7 / 8FLASH 07 Absolute Flash reimagines Wally West in the Absolute Universe. In this version, the Flash’s connection to the Speed Force is portrayed differently. Who is the writer of Absolute Flash?
AJeff Lemire BJoshua Williamson CMark Waid DJeremy Adams ✓ Correct! Jeff Lemire, known for his deeply human storytelling in titles like Sweet Tooth and Animal Man, writes Absolute Flash. His take on Wally West reimagines the speedster’s relationship with the Speed Force in the context of the Absolute Universe’s stripped-down heroic landscape. ✗ That answer didn’t make it through the Absolute reboot!
The answer is Jeff Lemire. While Williamson, Waid, and Adams have all written excellent Flash stories in the main continuity, it’s Lemire who brings his unique storytelling vision to Absolute Flash.
NEXT → QUESTION 8 / 8SUPERMAN 08 Absolute Superman is written and drawn by a critically acclaimed creator who handles both the writing and art duties on the series. Who is this creator? AJim Lee BJason Aaron with Rafa Sandoval CGrant Morrison DJorge Jiménez ✓ Correct! Absolute Superman is written by Jason Aaron with art by Rafa Sandoval.
Together they’ve crafted a powerful reimagining of Kal-El, placing him in an immigrant community without the Kent family’s support, creating one of the most compelling new takes on the character in years. ✗ That answer didn’t make it through the Absolute reboot! The answer is Jason Aaron with Rafa Sandoval . While Jim Lee, Grant Morrison, and Jorge Jiménez are all legendary DC creators, it’s the Aaron and Sandoval team that brings Absolute Superman to life.
REVEAL MY SCORE → Analysis Complete Your Absolute Knowledge / 8 Are you an Absolute expert — or still in the main continuity? ↻ TRY AGAIN Additionally, Absolute Batman's Joker-esque reputation is further established once he learns the truth about his own tragic past. While the previous issue teased a major conspiracy behind Batman's origins, with Gordon giving Bruce files labeled"Project: Batman" right before his death, Scarecrow reveals the actual truth in this new issue.
There was never a grand plan beyond the murder of Bruce's father, a response to Bruce's mother and her involvement with the Absolute Universe's version of the Court of Owls. Grimm and Scarecrow simply thought it would be funny to have Thomas killed during Bruce's class field trip to the zoo's bat enclosure, as bats are the natural prey of owls.
As a result, Scarecrow specifically tells Batman in this issue that his entire existence is a"joke.
" Absolute Joker Has Everything DC's Mainline Batman Has As Absolute Batman increasingly occupies Joker’s typical narrative role, Jack Grimm V simultaneously exhibits several defining traits typically associated with the mainline Batman. Unlike Absolute Batman, Grimm possesses massive amounts of wealth and infinite resources. Not only that, but he also has his own manor and secret cave. Now, Jack Grimm also has several Robins working for him: Dick Grayson, Jason Todd, Tim Drake, Stephanie Brown, and Duke Thomas.
Clearly, Absolute Joker has everything Batman should have in the main DC Universe, proving the darkness inherent in this darker reality created by Darkseid himself. Comparatively, Absolute Batman ironically has Harley Quinn and the Red Hood gang as allies, and many of his childhood friends have become twisted versions of classic Gotham rogues . With every new issue, the entire mythology of Gotham continues to invert.
As such, it's going to be fascinating to see how the story continues to unfold, especially as the stakes are raised by the end of this issue, with Batman preparing to take on all the Robins at once. Absolute Batman #20 is now on sale from DC Comics.
Batman Video Game Batman: Arkham City, Batman: Arkham Asylum , Batman: Arkham Knight, Gotham Knights, Batman: The Telltale Series First Film Batman First TV Show Batman Created by Bob Kane, Bill Finger Latest Film The Batman Upcoming Films The Batman Part II Expand Collapse
Absolute Batman Absolute Universe Gotham City Batman Joker Scarecrow Jack Grimm V Robin Initiative Cowled Prince Of Crime Agent Of Chaos
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
AP finishes US restructuring with round of 20 layoffs, part of strategic pivot from print journalismThe Associated Press implemented a round of layoffs Friday of U.S.-based journalists.
Read more »
Absolute Batman #20 Owns Bleeding Cool Top Ten Weekly Bestseller ListAbsolute Batman 20 totally owns The Bleeding Cool Top Ten Weekly Bestseller List, selling three times its nearest rival
Read more »
Absolute Flash & Green Arrow Top The Week's 50 Most Anticipated ComicsAbsolute Flash 15 and Absolute Green Arrow 1 Top The Week's 50 Most Anticipated Comics with Nightwing and Batman/Superman to follow
Read more »
Sign Up For Your Dan Quintana Absolute Batman #21 Retailer ExclusiveSign up for your Dan Quintana Absolute Batman 21 retailer exclusive variant cover... now
Read more »