When it comes to Batman, fans know to expect the unexpected. Over 85 years, the Dark Knight’s legacy has shifted and adapted through countless interpretations in comics, films, and video games. Yet few transformations are as daring as those unveiled in DC Comics’ latest series, “Absolute Batman”. This reboot reimagines not just Bruce Wayne but also his infamous Rogues Gallery, taking their backstories and connections to unexpected places.
In this bold reimagining, “Absolute Batman” casts Bruce Wayne as a city engineer who grew up in Crime Alley—a far cry from the billionaire bachelor persona we’ve come to know. But Bruce isn’t the only one getting a makeover. The iconic villains of Gotham—Oswald Cobblepot (The Penguin), Harvey Dent (Two-Face), Selina Kyle (Catwoman), and Edward Nygma (The Riddler)—have been rewritten as Bruce’s childhood friends. Yes, you read that right. Gotham’s deadliest adversaries are no longer shadowy threats in the night; they’re part of Bruce’s inner circle.
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This dramatic twist was first hinted at in “Absolute Batman” #1 but is confirmed in issue #2, which hit shelves on November 13. The story introduces fans to an unforgettable scene where Bruce, Oswald, Harvey, and Edward, joined by Waylon Jones (a pre-transformation Killer Croc), are gathered for a gambling night. Their camaraderie is striking, yet hints of their future selves linger. Oswald still has ties to the criminal underworld, Harvey remains immersed in Gotham’s political scene, and Edward’s obsession with puzzles is as sharp as ever.
Waylon Jones, meanwhile, is cleverly alluded to through his gym, aptly named Croc’s Gym—a subtle nod to the reptilian alias he’s destined to embrace. As for Selina Kyle, she’s notably absent from the group but makes a brief appearance in a flashback, teasing her involvement in the series’ next installment.
DC’s Absolute Universe is taking big swings with its lore, and “Absolute Batman” is no exception. By framing Gotham’s villains as allies-turned-enemies, the series adds a layer of tragedy and complexity to their relationships. It’s a bold move, but one that deepens the narrative stakes while staying true to Batman’s core themes of loyalty, betrayal, and redemption.
As DC describes “Absolute Batman” #2:
“Batman was born out of violence—a horrible tragedy that shaped the trajectory of his future. But when a vigilant MI6 agent starts tracking the lonely life of Bruce Wayne, he discovers the interconnectivity between a hero’s shell life and the many layers of the Black Mask Gang. It’s Batman versus Alfred Pennyworth!”
Have you read “Absolute Batman” yet? Let us know in the comments!
