Absolute Joker Will Be Unlike "Anything" Batman Has Ever Seen Before, DC Promises

Though the Joker made a brief appearance in the debut issue of Absolute Batman, fans have yet to see him again, even as the series reaches its fourth issue. Fortunately, Scott Snyder recently teased the Joker's return, revealing which issues he will appear in next and discussing how the villain will be unlike anything Batman has ever encountered.

On January 9, 2025, Scott Snyder sat down with the Owen Likes More Comics YouTube channel, where they discussed all things Absolute Batman. Over the course of the hour-long conversation, fans were treated to plenty of exciting teasers.

However, the most intriguing moment came when the two delved into Absolute Joker, a character first teased at the end of Absolute Batman #1 but who has yet to return to the narrative. Snyder shared which upcoming issues fans can expect to see the Gotham rogue play a major role, along with hints about what sets this version of the Joker apart from his Earth-Prime counterpart.

“...the Joker Isn't Anything Like Batman Has Faced…”: Scott Snyder Teases New Absolute Joker Crumbs

Comic Panel of Absolute Joker Comes From Absolute Batman #1 (2024) – Art by Nick Dragotta

When discussing Absolute Joker, Snyder explained that "the Joker isn’t anything like Batman has faced" because Absolute Batman is unlike anything we've ever seen as well. In other words, this version of the Gotham rogue will be drastically different from what both fans and the Dark Knight have encountered before because the Bruce Wayne of the Absolute Universe is equally different. As a result, fans will witness two unknown variables colliding in a way that’s distinctly unique compared to Earth-Prime continuities. Snyder further elaborated that another key factor in what makes this Joker so different is his financial situation.

In Absolute Batman #1, it was revealed that in this universe, the Joker is the billionaire, not Batman.This means Joker is the one who has “the resources and the cave—who has the vehicles,”as Snyder put it. He teased that fans will get their first major hint about this Joker in issue #7 of Absolute Batman, but the true depth of how different he is from his Earth-Prime counterpart won’t become clear until issues #13 or #14. It seems fans will need to hold out for quite some time to have their questions about the Absolute Joker answered.

Scott Snyder: In this world, the Joker isn't anything like Batman has faced because Batman is like nothing [as well]. Where they are headed is so interesting to me. I don't want to spoil too much because this doesn't happen until Issue 13 or 14, even beyond that really, but I wanted the Joker to be the one who has the resources and the cave - who has the vehicles in this.

He's not sitting there as a clown, he's very different from that in this [story]. You'll start to learn about him soon actually; The first big hint about [Joker] comes in Issue 7.

DC Is Gearing Up For an Unexplored Batman & Joker Dynamic in the Absolute Universe

Cover B Card Stock Variant by Frank Quitely for Absolute Batman #6 (2025)

By confirming that the Joker is the one with the resources in this universe, it’s clear why this version of the character will be unlike anything Batman has faced before. Typically, the Joker doesn’t have access to billions of dollars or immense resources. This dynamic will undoubtedly shift the battlefield between the two, with Bruce already starting at a disadvantage in terms of resources. However, if Absolute Batman has demonstrated anything, it’s that this version of Bruce is even more resourceful than his Earth-Prime counterpart. Despite the odds, fans can expect him to bring his A-game when facing the Joker.

The Joker

NAME

Arthur Fleck

Alias

Red Hood, Clown Prince of Crime, Ace of Knaves

Created By

Bill Finger, Bob Kane, Jerry Robinson

POWERS

Criminal Mastermind, Expert Chemist, Weaponized Props, Psychological Manipulation, Combat Skills, Unpredictability, High Pain Tolerance, Charisma, Escape Artist

RELATIONSHIPS

Batman (archenemy), Harley Quinn (former psychiatrist, on-and-off girlfriend), Penguin (frequent collaborator), Two-Face (frequent collaborator)

HISTORY

The Joker's history has been depicted with various origin stories, the most common being his transformation into the Joker after falling into a vat of chemical waste that bleaches his skin white, turns his hair green, and lips bright red. This disfigurement drives him insane, leading him to become Batman's greatest nemesis.

The Joker is a psychopathic criminal mastermind with a warped sense of humor. Initially introduced as a remorseless serial killer, the character evolved over time, often oscillating between a prankster and a homicidal maniac. His relationship with Batman is one of the most complex in comic book history, defined by their mutual obsession. Over the decades, the Joker has become an enduring icon of chaos and madness, embodying the antithesis of Batman's order and justice.

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