A new look at Absolute Batman’s version of the Joker is certainly not what DC fans were expecting.
Absolute Batman is a DC Comics series that officially launched in October 2024. The first title in DC’s Absolute Universe imprint, the series reimagines the titular Dark Knight as a 24-year-old blue-collar civil engineer.
What does Absolute Batman’s Joker look like?
While the Joker has previously been seen and teased in previous issues of Dark Knight’s Absolute Universe solo series, not much has been known about the character up until this point. Now, however, writer Scott Snyder has shared Nick Dragotta’s Absolute Batman #15 cover on Twitter, which showcases a version of the Clown Prince of Crime that is far different compared to what DC fans were expecting or have ever seen before.
View the cover below:
The solicitation for Absolute Batman #15 indicates that Alfred Pennyworth will explain the backstory as to how the Joker became such a monstrous, dragon-like creature. It reads, “Alfred reveals to Bruce the story of the man he’s been chasing for years. Enter: Joker! Scott Snyder and Jock reunite for an epic tale in the Absolute Universe!”
DC fans are reacting with surprise to the design of Absolute Joker and wondering how Batman will even stand a chance going up against the villain.
The departure from Joker’s most common design fits in well with other villains who have appeared in the comic series so far. Absolute Killer Croc, for example, has a much larger physique compared to the standard Waylon Jones, while Absolute Bane is an absolutely giant, towering figure.
Absolute Batman #15 goes on sale on December 10, 2025, from DC Comics. The issue features art by Jock, who also provides a variant cover. Other variant covers come from Ben Oliver, Brian Bolland, and Sanford Greene.
Originally reported by Brandon Schreur at SuperHeroHype.