WARNING: Contains Potential Spoilers for ABSOLUTE BATMAN #7!
DC’s Absolute Universe has reimagined long-established lore in unprecedented ways, with its impact extending to Batman’s iconic rogues gallery. While changes to the Dark Knight’s villains have been present since the debut issue of Absolute Batman, the latest release brings even more alterations, resulting in a major lore shift.
Scott Snyder returns with Absolute Batman #7, this time ed by guest artist Marcos Martín and colorist Muntsa Vicente. As fans who have been following the series know, issue #6 marked the finale of the first arc, with Batman defeating Black Mask and his sadistic Party Animals.
This conclusion also brought a major status quo shift, as Bruce sought out the help of his friends, who, in Earth-Prime continuity, are his rogues, uncharacteristically revealing himself as Batman. Absolute Batman #7 picks up in the aftermath of this revelation, unveiling a surprising twist regarding the unknowing roles Waylon Jones, Harvey Dent, Oswald Cobblepot, and Edward Nygma played in shaping Bruce into Gotham’s protector.
How Bruce Wayne Used His Friends to Forge Himself Into Batman
Comic Page Comes from Scott Snyder’s Absolute Batman #7 (2025) - Art by Marcos Martín & Muntsa Vicente
After the death of their old friend, Matches Malone, Waylon, Harvey, Oswald, and Edward gather, trying to piece together what happened to their former acquaintance. It’s during this moment of reflection that Bruce makes an unexpected appearance, confirming he was the last to see Matches alive. His friends are shocked by this revelation, but even more so by Bruce’s sudden return, especially since he had gone dark on them after his Batman reveal. Edward points out that they all thought he was dead, too, with Oswald finishing his thought by saying that the last time they saw Bruce, he was “diving out of a plane dressed like @#%& Nosferatu.”
Bruce apologetically its that he should have kept them out of his vigilante activities and not involved them. But as the conversation unfolds, his friends start connecting the dots of their past interactions with him, realizing that the time they spent together was, in essence, part of Bruce’s training to become Batman. Harvey asks, “Was it for Batman, when you clerked with me?” The others follow suit, with Waylon asking if their training was for Batman, and Oswald and Edward respectively asking if their time slumming and studying together was also part of Bruce’s mission. Bruce avoids answering, but his silence speaks volumes.
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Batman’s Rogues Aren’t Just His Friends in the Absolute Universe, They’re His Trainers
Main Cover by Nick Dragotta & Frank Martin for Absolute Batman #7 (2025)
What is particularly interesting about Batman learning various skills from Waylon, Oswald, Harvey, and Edward is that the Absolute Universe has reimagined these iconic rogues as playing a major role in Bruce’s training to become Batman. In Earth-Prime continuity, Bruce’s villain-related training is primarily tied to Ra’s al Ghul, with little to no impact from Two-Face, Penguin, Riddler, or Killer Croc. In contrast, the Absolute Universe has completely rewritten these rogues' roles in Batman’s story, making them not only his friends but also key figures in training the Dark Knight himself.
ABSOLUTE BATMAN #7 is available now from DC Comics!
