‘Absolute Batman’ Sequel Confirmed by Scott Snyder — New Details Revealed

As the Absolute Universe continues to expand, most DC fans still cannot get enough of the imprint's crown jewel, Absolute Batman. Well, its creator dropped info on an upcoming follow-up to one of the most revered chapters of the hit series.

Scott Snyder confirmed that he is planning to write a sequel to the popular one-shot, Absolute Batman: Ark-M #1, during an interview for ComicPop Returns.

"We really want to do a sequel to Ark-M. The Joker has Ark-M. The whole idea is that this is the last one he built. It's a final one, but he's had them. He has A, B, C, D, all over the world because he thinks it's funny to end on Arkham and call it Ark-M because he killed Arkham, right? And in those places, a lot of other villains have been created, the way Bane was created in Ark-A from Santa Cris. So a lot of other ones are lurking around in these terrible places. And it tells more of the story of the Joker, like how he set these up over the years, what he's done in other places, and who lurks inside all these things. And then, as we did with this one, they would come to Gotham."

Synder paints a pretty clear picture of what he'd like to achieve through the sequel to Absolute Batman: Ark-M #1, typing a clever play on words into an even greater (and hopefully more twisted) sequel. The Arkham Asylum has forever been an integral aspect of Batman lore, and with it now being pulled into the Absolute Universe, it'll be exciting to see how Snyder and co. can reinvent the psychiatric hospital through a more daring lens.

Absolute Batman Is Changing DC Comics Forever

The innovations made to Batman's lore through Snyder's unwavering boldness are rightfully refreshing The Dark Knight for the modern day. By re-introducing such an iconic character as a young person fighting for the working class, Batman suddenly feels a bit more grounded and relatable in comparison to his ultra-wealthy, seemingly untouchable status that fans have gotten to know.

In an interview with CBR's Sean O'Connell, Snyder explains the key ingredients that were crucial for the flavor of Absolute Batman. Per O'Connell's reporting, there are no familiar “comfort features”: no wealth requirement, no cave requirement, and even the idea that Alfred or Robins are essential. While there's absolutely a reason for Batman to retain his core identity, Snyder and his incredibly talented team can elevate the framework of the Caped Crusader into a character who's as exciting as he is necessary for today's comics industry.

The Absolute Universe is more than just Batman, though Absolute Batman has insisted upon how and why the World's Greatest Detective has become so synonymous with DC Comics' most daring comic line yet.

The sequel to Absolute Batman: Ark-M #1 does not have a release date yet.