Absolute Batman's Next Huge Reveal Was Just Leaked Early

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The following article contains spoilers for Absolute Batman #13.

Very rarely has a comic book creator taken dramatic liberties with a beloved, iconic superhero character, such as Batman, and not left die-hard fans feeling betrayed and ready to assemble with torches and pitchforks. However, DC's Absolute Universe is a major exception, leaving readers dazzled by its unique storylines and refreshing reimaginings of classic characters, and the latest to emerge in Absolute Batman is a real doozy.

In Absolute Batman #13, Batman is seen speaking to the leader of the Red Hood Gang, aptly known as The Red Hood, which is actually a moniker that has been worn by many DC characters, from the Joker to Jason Todd. However, in the Absolute Universe, that character is none other than Harley Quinn.

The early news of the Clown Princess of Crime's official introduction to writer Scott Snyder and artist Nick Dragotta's newer, acclaimed DC imprint comes from a leak, courtesy of Bleeding Cool. The website previously unveiled the Red Hood Gang's leader as Harley Quinn in late Sept. 2025, mentioning the subtle hint of her eye makeup under the hood as a clue.

The events of Absolute Batman #13 indicate that Bruce Wayne is bringing on the Red Hood Gang as allies, which makes Harley Quinn the latest example of the Absolute Universe reversing a classic character's motivations, given how Quinn -- created by Bruce Timm and Paul Dini for Batman: The Animated Series in the early 1990s -- is typically depicted as a criminal. The next chapter in the series also promises to feature the official debut of Absolute Catwoman, who became a subject of controversy recently for Stanley "Artgerm" Lau's variant cover art, depicting Selina Kyle with a lighter skin tone than the character's younger self in previous issues.

How Joker And Harley Quinn Fit In Absolute Batman

Before Harley Quinn's shocking Absolute Batman debut, the series had already introduced a version of her usual love interest that bears even less of a resemblance to his better-known incarnations. The Absolute Joker, as evidenced by his brief, infrequent appearances in the comic so far, is not a clowinish, maniacal psychopath, but a calculated, cunning and well-kept criminal mastermind who has more in common with Bruce Wayne in his traditional form, in terms of appearance and wealth.

Scott Snyder commented on how this non-laughing Joker compares and contrasts to Batman in a more in-depth manner during an interview at Dragon Con by saying the following:

"If Bruce is Joker now, and he is chaos and he is disruption, then Joker is the system and order. That means Joker would have a Batcave, he would have a mansion, he would be handsome, and be a socialite. Maybe he has Robins!"

Absolute Batman adopted Joker's typical MO in his crusade for justice in Gotham City, while the criminal seems to stand for what the Dark Knight is usually known to fight for, but with more malicious intent. On top of that, by partnering with Batman, Harley Quinn appears to be making herself an enemy of The Joker, which could have been seen as an even more bizarre revelation had their one-sided relationship not ended in the normal timeline before.

As for Snyder's mention of Absolute Joker having his own Robins, that could be a hint that the Absolute Universe's Dick Grayson, previously revealed to be an EMT with distaste for the vigilante, may end up on The Joker's payroll, even further selling this bewildering role swap between him and Bruce Wayne. Then again, the comic had already established that this version of Batman is close friends with his rogues gallery, such as Harvey "Two-Face" Dent and Waylon "Killer Croc" Jones.

Absolute Batman #13 hits the shelves Oct. 8, 2025.