Summary

  • Everyone make way for Absolute Batman, a reimagined version of the Dark Knight in a separate universe from DC's main canon.
  • The new Absolute Universe will feature new backstories for familiar DC superheroes, with Batman's the most visually striking so far.
  • Bruce Wayne is a working class city engineer who lifts weights, and has a tiny dog instead of a Robin in this new Absolute story.

The new Absolute Batman has been further detailed, offering fans more information about this new version of The Dark Knight. Set to exist separately from the main canon of the DC Universe, the Absolute Universe will be spinning out of DC's "Absolute Power" arc, introducing an alternate reality of familiar DC superheroes, this time with entirely new backstories.

Thankfully, DC's "Absolute Power" at San Diego Comic-Con's unveils Absolute Batman to an even greater degree, with early sketches revealing the character's full design outside the cowl, his new (non-billionaire) occupation, and the early makings of a Bat-Family. Including not only a new "bat-eared" French Bulldog, but a new incarnation of Alfred Pennyworth. Or, as he's going to be called in this new Absolute story, "Penny."

And for more than one reason, this Absolute Batman ranks among the Absolute era's biggest reimagining thus far.

Absolute Batman Explained

Secret Identity, Occupation, and Family Revealed

Comic book art: the Absolute Universe versions of Batman, Wonder Woman, and Superman glare menacingly.

When he's not roaming the streets of Gotham dressed as a bat, this new 20-something Bruce is working as a city engineer, a far more working class position than audiences have seen from the billionaire Wayne namesake of the main DC Universe. And after making a shocking debut in artwork from Nick Dragotta, the concept sketches also confirm this Bruce's physical size is no exaggeration: Absolute Batman stands at 6'6", and weighs in at 250lbs. Understandably, Bruce is an avid weightlifter, earning him the status of "thick boi" (artist's term, not ours).

Absolute Batman DC All In Promo Featured DC
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DC's ABSOLUTE BATMAN Redesign Makes Every Other Version of Bruce Wayne Look Weak

As DC Comics reveals its plans for the brand-new Absolute Universe, it shows off a new Batman that puts the Prime Bruce Wayne to shame.

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This Batman doesn't have a Robin, but he does have a tiny dog named Bat Ear Frenchie. Frenchie doesn't seem nearly as intimidating as the classic Bruce Wayne's signature pet Ace the Bat-Hound, but it's a nice, small start for what could be the makings of a bigger Bat-Family to come. It will be interesting to see how the Bat-Family comes to grow in time, as well. Most of the canonical Batman's connections were built through his wealth and resources, and for a Batman who has neither, one must wonder if he can even afford gadgets on his salary.

A Working Class Batman Brings This Hero Down to Earth

A Batman Unlike Any Other

Absolute Batman First Look Standing DC

While not being a billionaire could drastically change what's in this Batman's utility belt, it just as easily could change his character, maybe even for the better. Many fan criticisms against Batman tend to derive from his billionaire status, and until recently, Bruce Wayne previously lost his billions, in a creative effort to humble The Bat. Crafting a blue collar Batman throws those criticisms out the window, along with giving him a better insight into the people he protects as he walks among them. Stay tuned for updates on Absolute Batman as they arise during Comic-Con weekend!

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