Absolute Batman's Success Is Being Credited to a Surprising Gen Z Trend

While Absolute Batman may stand as one of the best Batman comic series ever written, creator Scott Snyder doesn't completely take all the credit for the immeasurable sensationalism around the reinvention of Bruce Wayne for a new era.

During an appearance on the AIPT Podcast, Snyder reflected on the growth around Absolute Batman's success, nodding to TikTok as a key factor in the comic book's overwhelming online praise. “There’s so many comic TikTokers all of a sudden. And I look at it, I’m way too old for it, but it’s also exciting,” Snyder explained. He also shared that he was encouraged to become a TikTok content creator by DC Comics, though he remains hesitant over the idea of becoming a social media star.

"DC asked me about it. They were like, ‘You should do a TikTok.’ I do other things a little bit. They were like, ‘Do that. You can teach little lessons and this stuff.’ I was like, ‘I can’t. I can’t look at myself on camera and do all that stuff,'" Snyder explained. "...but it’s very exciting. Everyone on there, thank you. It’s amazing to see the whole neighborhood of things happening.”

Absolute Batman doesn't have to completely rely on TikTok as a driving source of its rise to power; the craftsmanship shared between Scott Snyder, Nick Dragotta, and other creatives has provided the grounds for such an innovative reintroduction of Batman as a character. The broken mold of Bruce Wayne's becoming The Dark Knight has rightfully caught the attention of comic fans and curious parties alike, though it's interesting that there's an outward amount of credit given to TikTok in particular for keeping Absolute Batman fresh in new audiences' minds. With the video-sharing platform being so oriented towards the younger demographic, it's both exciting and surprising that DC Comics has noted such a strong pull towards comic book creators on the app.

With great power comes great responsibility. Social media's inherent means of connecting those around the world has also greatly assisted in the exposure to different forms of entertainment media. The collective hivemind has played a significant role in determining the fate of modern pop culture or pop culture staples with long-lasting legacies. With TikTok serving as a platform that continues to support some of the most prominent names in entertainment media, Absolute Batman has absolutely earned its right to be popularized in online spaces. The entertainment industry of today has looked to social media as a marketing tool while having a direct means of connecting with fans; it makes total sense that DC Comics has asked Scott Snyder to spend more time on TikTok, creating an even more inviting space for the next generation of comic book readers.

Print media doesn't need to rely on Generation Z or TikTok to be deemed as quality, though it's completely telling of the times when something does go viral among an unexpected audience. With short-form entertainment becoming more of a desired trend, it's incredibly exciting to see long-form stories such as Absolute Batman continue to resonate with Batman fans of all ages — even if some do find out about such a magnificent comic through TikTok.

Absolute Batman can be read wherever DC Comics are sold.