Warning: Spoilers for Absolute Batman #4

It's no secret that Batman draws much of his legendary iconography from bats, including his moniker, and his Absolute Universe counterpart just revealed why he's so fascinated with these creatures of the night. Absolute Batman in particular boasts a much larger bat symbol than his original version, with this massive size finally getting an explanation after months of fan speculation.

In Absolute Batman #4 by Scott Snyder, Gabriel Hernández Walta, Frank Martin, and Clayton Cowles, a young Bruce Wayne shows off his engineering project to his father. He's constructed a bridge model that resembles a bat in its structure, and when his father asks why he chose to base it on a bat's attributes, Bruce explains that he designed it to strike fear.

Thomas probes his son further, and Bruce informs him that intimidation can be used to protect people. Bruce's fixation on bats serves as the primary inspiration for his superhero persona, and his conversation with his father unveils the true meaning of Batman's symbol.

Absolute Batman Chose His Bat Symbol to Symbolize His Protection of Gotham

Batman Keeps People Safe By Frightening Enemies in Bat-Like Fashion

In his discussion with his father, Thomas suggests that intimidation may not be the ideal tactic to help people with, but Bruce offers a compelling argument that sheds light on his eventual big logo emblazoned on Batman's chest is so massive - and why he's big in general. Batman can scare foes in defense of innocents thanks to the bat-like costume he has designed.

Moreover, Batman's costume doesn't merely need to be as intimidating as it is in most continuities; it must be even more so. As concluded by Bruce, “Here, in this place, at this moment, their bat needs to be all of it, plus more". The Darkseid's death to fulfill his desire for a world in his image. A universe in desperate need of hope requires a Batman who is twice the bat he typically is. Thus, his logo and stature have been upgraded to represent this idea of Batman embodying "more".

Batman's Bat Inspiration Defines Him in DC's Absolute Universe

Bats Are Connected to Bruce Wayne's Deepest Trauma

Thomas Wayne faces an untimely death. At the moment of Thomas' demise, Bruce is locked in a bat sanctuary and surrounded by the terrifying creatures. Bats are present throughout critical moments between Bruce and his father, influencing the hero he becomes. In this universe's bold reinvention of classic lore, Batman's bat iconography becomes more heartfelt than it's ever been, with his intimidation fulfilling a noble purpose.

Absolute Batman #4 is available now from DC Comics.