Batman has to face the Joker again in a new comic story. But this time, everything is turned upside down, as they find themselves in an alternate universe of DC. Including nightmarish design.
What kind of story is this? “Absolute Batman” is a comic series by Scott Snyder and Nick Dragotta, starting in 2024 and has so far received 13 issues. In it, things are different: Bruce Wayne is not a billionaire, but comes from humble beginnings. Thus, he lacks the money to finance his Batman project. But that doesn’t stop him from hunting criminals: He builds his equipment himself.
While in the next issue, number 14, the finale against Bane is about to happen, in issue 15 the Joker will make his grand appearance. As first images show, it will be an impressive and eerie volume.
A true monster
What does the Joker look like? Even the cover shared by Scott Snyder on x.com shows the Joker in an unusual form. He is not a crazy suit-wearing man with green hair and makeup on his face, but nothing less than a monster.
The mouth is wide open and long, sharp teeth are exposed. The tongue is curled and protrusions emerge from the back of the very muscular body. All in all, the new design is true nightmare material. This is not the first villain to become nightmarish in the “Absolute” universe.
Additionally, comic collector Felix Comic Art shared on YouTube images of concept drawings depicting the Joker. Here, you can see the face from the front and get a better impression of how terrible he looks. In fact, his horns here resemble the devil, complete with a pointed tail.
The Joker has already appeared in the “Absolute” universe, namely as a normal man in a suit who resembles Bruce Wayne. It is also the case that the Joker is a billionaire in this alternate setting. The roles are switched. For Scott Snyder, Batman is always the exact opposite of the Joker, as he explained at this year’s Dragon Con (via comicbook.com).
However, the human version of the villain is probably just a disguise. Beneath it lies the horror. Even in issue 6, he injected himself with the blood of infants to make himself younger.
What is issue 15 about? The details are still unclear. However, Scott Snyder has revealed that the character in the new story will be explored down to their origins – which could go back to the year 1800.
So, issue 15 of the comic will focus primarily on how the Joker became what he is before he reaches Gotham and confronts Batman.
When will the volume be released? The English original edition is set for December 10, 2025. When the German version will follow is still unclear.
It is certain that this version of the Joker surpasses many others in terms of horror. He can easily compete with other creepy icons – or what do you think? Feel free to write your opinion in the comments. Have you become interested in the Joker? On MeinMMO, you will find a fitting list: 7 wicked Jokers that made Batman’s life difficult
