Absolute Batman #15 is written by Scott Snyder and published by DC. Artwork is by Jock, colours by Frank Martin and letters by Clayton Cowles. Main cover art (left) is by Dragotta and Martin.
Absolute Batman #15 is available from today, in comic book stores and on digital platforms where all good comic books are sold. Grab your physical copy from Forbidden Planet or digitally from Amazon Comixology UK.
Synopsis
Alfred reveals to Bruce the story of the man he’s been chasing for years. Enter: Joker! Scott Snyder and Jock reunite for an epic tale in the Absolute Universe!
Review
Today marks a landmark moment for Scott Snyder’s Absolute Batman. The introduction of The Joker. Arguably bringing about the most legendary rivalry in comic book history. It almost marks the beginning of a new chapter in the story. Stepping beyond the Bane-saga there are plenty of questions about how the book can continue to break new ground for DC and its iconic characters.
Snyder brilliantly frames the whole story in a conversation between Bruce and Alfred. We’ve seen the bond between these two men grow exponentially across the series so far. All of that relationship building and world building brings us to this moment as the elder MI6 statesman shares his story. Of course all of this has come about because Bruce has been fighting his way up the chain from Black Mask, to Bane and now the shadowy leadership behind ARK-M. Snyder has laid out a skilful series of breadcrumbs which have signposted the arrival of The Joker and now it’s time to pay up.
The undercurrent of tension between Bruce, consistently nudging Alfred towards the difficult truth of Joker’s nature, is scintillating. It bubbles away under the surface of the issue, rising to the surface as both men struggle to grasp the truth of this monstrous villain. It speaks clearly to who Joker is as a character and his legacy in comics. In pure Snyder fashion it also pokes a little fun, daring to declare that parts of the character’s history make “no bloody sense” at all. It’s fun to see which aspects of the character he chooses to keep and which he accentuates in grotesque fashion to push deeper in to Absolute-brand territory.
The story of Joker’s history is teased out in what is essentially three passes. The first, very matter of fact portrays Joker’s family history as something almost upstanding. Snyder constructs a rich narrative around Joseph Grimm I – aka Jack – which portrays very humble beginnings laced with a clown motif. We’re purposely led to make choices about what might have led a descendent of this poor street performer to become the ugliest of comic book villains. Then with each new pass, as Bruce pushes Alfred to share what he truly believes, the story unfolds more and more. New gruesome changes twist the story towards something more familiar and more uncomfortable until only the implausible truth remains.
For this issue Snyder is re-teaming with old friend Jock repeating a brilliant idea first seen in Absolute Batman #4 when Gabriel Walta stepped in as guest-artist. Whilst series artist Nick Dragotta is an undeniable talent, it’s cool to see the series use guest-artists to explore these flashback issues. So whilst we still have the excitement of being fully introduced to Dragotta’s Joker – apart from the incredible main cover above – there’s still so much to dig in to this month with Jock onboard.
Jock utilises a lot of double-page spreads as Alfred explores Joker’s history. He abandons all traditional ideas of layout and panelling in these moments, instead opting for more imaginative and immersive designs. Each time Alfred retells the origin there are familiar elements which carry over. But each becomes more twisted as the tale escalated. This is juxtaposed against a much more traditional design for scenes in the present day, exploring Joker’s current movements.
Verdict
Snyder and Jock deliver a chilling and inventive reimagining of the Joker’s beginnings, using Bruce and Alfred’s strained conversations as a powerful emotional anchor. Absolute Batman #15 marks a new high point for the series, proving it still has bold, surprising territory left to explore.
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