Joker’s Batcave Debuts in Absolute Batman — and One Detail Makes No Sense

3 weeks ago 30

Published May 13, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT

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The Absolute Batman series has not only stripped Bruce Wayne of many of his traditional advantages. It has also transferred most of the hero's signature privileges to Absolute Joker, including his Batcave.

DC Comics has released a preview of Absolute Batman #20 that sees Absolute Joker occupying his own version of the Batcave.

Curiously, the Absolute Batcave is not much different from The Dark Knight's base of operations from DC's main continuity. In fact, Absolute Batman artist Nick Dragotta's design features many elements that would prove instantly recognizable to longtime admirers of the iconic character, from his life-size replica of a Tyrannosaurus Rex to his comically large penny.

However, there is one similarity that is particularly bizarre and is located at the secret passageway from which Absolute Joker enters the cave. It is an iconic image of a grandfather clock with the hands placed to read "10:47," just as Bruce does in Wayne Manor.

In the central timeline, Bruce sets the clock this way because 10:47 p.m. was the time at which he witnessed the murder of his parents, Thomas and Martha Wayne, in Crime Alley when he was a child. That raises the question of what significance this time holds for Absolute Joker?

It has already been implied that the corrupt multi-billionaire, who appears as a grotesque, razor-toothed demon in his true form, only refers to himself as Jack Grimm IV to hide the fact that he is immortal, based on Alfred Pennyworth's investigation into his family legacy. If true, he likely has not experienced the tragedy of losing a parent to violence like this universe's version of Bruce also has, having witnessed his father's death.

This may be nothing more than an Easter Egg paying homage to the original, iconic Caped Crusader. Then again, it could also be a hint to something Dragotta and Absolute Batman author Scott Snyder have in store for the villain down the line.

Absolute Batman #20 marks the first glimpse at the inner workings of the cave located beneath Grimm Manor. It was first hinted at in the series' fifteenth issue, which delved deeper into the history of Jack Grimm and concluded with a scene of the wealthy criminal entering the secret passageway and informing his live-in servant that he will "be in the cave."

The Batcave also recently made headlines for a development reported to be taking place in writer Matt Fraction's Batman #9. The official synopsis of the upcoming issue of the also popular current series, featuring artwork by Jorge Jiménez, teases that the Bat-Family will be forced to abandon their many hideouts throughout Gotham City when Commissioner Vandal Savage orders the GCPD to crack down on the vigilantes.

Absolute Batman #20 Printing Issues Puzzle Retailers

Even long before the preview showcasing Absolute Joker's Batcave was revealed, Absolute Batman #20 has been one of the comic book industry's most buzzed-about releases for various reasons. Well, another less favorable reason has been added to that list.

As reported by Popverse, retailers who have received early shipments of the smash-hit series' latest chapter noted a few "manufacturing defects." In fact, it is one of three upcoming DC releases affected by faulty printing, the others being Absolute Martian Manhunter #11 and Barbara Gordon: Breakout #1, a spin-off of Matt Fraction's Batman that follows the former Batgirl imprisoned for aiding the Bat-Family.

In response, DC has encouraged retailers to continue planning to release the comics on their set May 13 release date to prevent eager fans from experiencing any delays. The publisher released a notice stating that they intend to resolve the issue as soon as possible.

"We are investigating the defects and putting together plans for amelioration and will provide a follow-up update early next week. Thank you for your patience as we work to resolve this as quickly as possible. We empathize with the position this situation has put you in, and we appreciate your continued support."

Absolute Batman #20 is an especially anticipated title for the emergence of the Absolute Robins, a team led by Slade "Deathstroke" Wilson and financially supported by Jack Grimm, who has served as a father figure to the five young Gothamites. Their primary goal is to take down Batman, who was framed for the murder of former mayor James Gordon, which was implied to have been caused by Absolute Scarecrow.

Absolute Batman #20 hits the shelves on May 13.