Absolute Batman #1 offered a truly new take on the classic Batman tropes. However, writer Scott Snyder did not stop there. The first book set in DC Comics‘ new Absolute Universe also changes up many of the classic villains of Gotham City.
One of the more notable changes is that the Wayne family is working class, with Thomas Wayne being a teacher rather than a doctor. Among other changes, this means Bruce Wayne grew up in the public school system and has to train himself in a local gym. It is here that we learn that the Absolute Batman grew up with many of his classic enemies.
An old photo shows Bruce alongside a young Harvey Dent, Oswald Cobblepot, Waylon Jones, Selina Kyle, and Edward Nygma. Of these, only Waylon Jones puts in an appearance as an adult, being the proprietor of Croc’s Gym. He has dreams of something bigger, however, and is opening an exotic pet shop specializing in reptiles.
Waylon tells Bruce that their mutual friend Ozzie arranged for his license and is helping fund the business. This suggests that the Penguin is still a shady businessman in the Absolute Universe. Reference is also made to a regular poker game with “Eddie, Harvey (and) Oz” that Bruce has been missing.
The gangsters of Gotham in Absolute Batman
The only classic Batman villain confirmed to be operating in a familiar form as Absolute Batman begins is Black Mask. The leader of the Party Animals gang, Roman Sionis is still obsessed with masks. In this world, however, he collects death masks, and makes them for each of his enemies. These include gangsters Carmine Falcone and Sal Maroni, who are surprisingly dispatched during their meeting with Black Mask.
Absolute Joker is no laughing matter
The final page of Absolute Batman #1 reveals a character called The Joker. The name, however, is highly ironic, as he is said to never laugh about anything. This Joker is also a reclusive man of means, whom Alfred Pennyworth has been hunting for five years on behalf of his unknown employers.
This Joker seems to be living the life the classic Bruce Wayne enjoyed, traveling the world and training under the same teachers. In this case, however, Joker is killing off his instructors once he is done with them. Undoubtedly his journey will eventually lead him to Gotham City and the Absolute Batman.
Absolute Batman #1 is now available at comic shops everywhere.
