Scott Snyder’s Absolute Batman continued to make readers want more. Whether it was the creative violence inflicted on his victims or the continued reveal of his original backstory, you couldn’t help but want to know what was next for Bruce Wayne and Gotham City.
The final issue of Absolute Batman Volume 1 was no different. The creative team of writer Scott Snyder and artist Nick Dragotta leave fans excited with news of what's to come from the heroes as well as the villains.
WARNING! SPOILERS FOR ABSOLUTE BATMAN NO. 6 AHEAD!!!
Thank you guys so much from the whole team for all the kind words today on ABSOLUTE BATMAN 6 . Best fans. pic.twitter.com/TvnaK3xwFY
— Scott Snyder (@Ssnyder1835) March 19, 2025
Alfred Pennyworth
At the beginning of the series, Alfred is contracted to observe the chaos in Gotham City involving the Party Animals, but not get involved. However, if Batman “gets too close” he is authorized to engage him. This leads to Alfred learning more about Batman including his secret identity. The funny thing is the more Alfred discovers, the more he hates and loves the Dark Knight and his mission. Eventually, it turns sour when Bruce refuses to take money from Roman Sionis (Black Mask) leaving Alfred to abandon Bruce and Gotham City (Absolute Batman No. 5).
After Batman defeats Roman (issue No. 6), Bruce is beaten and almost dead from an explosion that destroys Roman’s servers. Coming to his rescue is Alfred who says, “If I’m sticking around, so are you.” Alfred begins patching up Bruce’s wounds and officially starts their partnership.
Alfred is likely staying to get closer to his daughter and keep her safe. He knows that things in Gotham will worsen and the Dark Knight is the only person protecting the city. The problem is Batman is fighting a war he can’t win alone. Alfred’s decades of experience in warfare and combat will help Bruce become a better hero and Batman. It'll be a more intense and violent relationship than the one on Earth-Prime. There's no way this won't rock.
Joker and Bane
Scott Snyder was asked what villains he was excited to introduce and he said Bane. It was easy to guess the Monster from Santa Prisca was coming later this year, but no one could have guessed it would happen so soon. Not after Batman just went through Hell with Black Mask and Absolute Mr. Freeze debuting in Issue No. 7. Nevertheless, during the epilogue of Absolute Batman No. 6, Joker tells his employee “It’s time. Get Bane”. Sadly, that isn’t the only thing Gotham should be worried about.
Also in the epilogue, Joker is seen with his classic white skin, bugged-out eyes, and giant grin while getting a weird and graphic treatment. Joker is covered in what appears to be organs and the head of a terrified person. Whatever is happening is turning Joker’s skin from bleach white to a normal human hue. Does this mean that the only thing keeping Joker "sane" is some horrific science experiment? It’s possible considering this is the Absolute Universe. One certainty is this Joker is still twisted, he’s aware of Batman's existence, and nothing good can come from it.
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