The Absolute Universe's Batman has faced some intense challenges, but he's about to go up against a terrifying version of the classic rogue, Mr. Freeze. The darker, stranger universe has introduced a number of overhauls of iconic villains, but the chilling new threat may be the most outrageous redesign yet.

DC Comics fans are getting a preview of what lies ahead this May in DC's latest batch of solicitations thanks to an early look from Bleeding Cool. There's about to be a chill in the air in Absolute Batman #8, which will see DC's newest Dark Knight come face-to-face with a powerful and disturbing Mr. Freeze.

Unlike his Prime Universe counterpart, bared at Absolute Batman. There also seems to be strange blue vials embedded in Mr. Freeze's back.

DC Just Gave Its First Look at Its Outrageous New Mr. Freeze

How Will Absolute Batman Defeat This Monster?

It was only a few months ago that the new Absolute Universe debuted and with it came a number of creative redesigns to both heroes and villains. In Absolute Batman’s corner of this new world, most of his classic villains, like the Riddler or the Penguin, have been reinterpreted as his childhood friends. But those who are still like their Prime counterparts are worse in the Absolute Universe. Black Mask is an international criminal who organizes militarized gangs to attack vulnerable towns. And though he’s only been briefly seen, the Joker is one of the world’s richest and ruthless billionaires.

Absolute Batman writer Scott Snyder has been teasing Absolute Mr. Freeze for months, and now fans are finally seeing how this world has changed the generally tragic villain. But what was it that made Victor Fries (if that’s indeed who he is in this world) this way? Was it still an experiment gone wrong or is Mr. Freeze the result of something darker and twisted, as hinted with the Ark M project that Absolute Batman has started to investigate? Whatever the reason behind him, Absolute Batman’s got his work cut out against him as he faces his first real supervillain.

Absolute Batman Is Going to Need to Get Seriously Creative To Stop Mr. Freeze

His Usual Homemade Gadgets Aren’t Going to Be Enough Here

Absolute Batman might not have the fortune or the gadgets that make crime-fighting easier for the Prime Batman, but he’s done a good job with less. That being said, all fans have seen him fight so far are gangsters. Granted, they were all packing high-grade weaponry, but it’s nothing that Bruce couldn’t plan around. However, as far as fans know, this Caped Crusader has never fought an honest-to-goodness being with superpowers. Is Absolute Batman prepared to take on what looks to be like one of the most frightening Mr. Freezes in the DC multiverse?

It’s a good thing Absolute Batman is used to difficulty, because this new take on Mr. Freeze looks like he’s not going to be easy to take down. This world is heavily skewed towards the bad guys and even at his best, Bruce hasn’t been tested when it comes to something like this monstrous foe. Hopefully, Absolute Batman is ready to take on a real challenge, because this Mr. Freeze looks to be his greatest battle yet.

Absolute Batman #8 is available on May 14th from DC Comics.

Source: Bleeding Cool