DC Comics has officially teased the first look at the new appearance of one of Batman’s most iconic villains. This Gotham rogue is notoriously known for a design that is simply grotesque and edges into body-horror territory. However, this sneak peek suggests DC is going in a completely different direction, one that strongly implies this eyesore of a villain is debuting a look that is pure woman-attracting rizz.
Scott Snyder and Nick Dragotta’s Absolute Batman #21 is finally here, and calling it a bombshell of an issue would be an understatement. Alongside Batman’s highly anticipated battle against the Absolute Universe’s version of the Robins, the issue also features Bruce Wayne and Joker meeting face-to-face for the first time, Jim Gordon’s funeral, and a tense discussion between Bruce’s friends (Waylon, Oswald, Harvey, and Edward) as they debate whether to rally around their friend or abandon him in his time of need.
Batman Officially Meets DC’s New Joker for the First Time, Confirming Next Golden Era
DC has finally given fans the moment they’ve been waiting for: the inevitable first meeting between Absolute Batman and the Absolute Joker.
It is this latter moment that is of particular note, as it once again highlights the group’s growing grievances with Bruce and the impact his life as Batman has had on them. Harvey Dent reveals that he has been stalking a man named “Victor,” whom he had previously locked up for life, only for him to be released after Harvey’s hard-won convictions were called into question because of his association with Batman. It’s here that it becomes clear the Victor that Harvey is referring to is none other than the Gotham rogue, Victor Zsasz.
Absolute Batman Teases Return to Classic Victor Zsasz Character Design
Comic Page Comes from Scott Snyder’s Absolute Batman #21 (2026) – Art by Nick Dragotta
Absolute BAtman #21 Harvey Dent and Victor Zsasz
Victor Zsasz has been a part of Batman’s rogues gallery since 1992 and has, for the most part, maintained a relatively consistent look. The sadomasochistic, psychopathic serial killer is best known for carving a tally mark into his own body for each of his victims, giving him one of the most grotesque and instantly recognizable designs in Batman’s lineup of villains. However, based on a panel from Absolute Batman #21, DC Comics may be on the verge of completely reinventing the character.
As previously mentioned, Harvey Dent rants that Victor Zsasz, a man he had locked away for life, is now out “living his best life.” This is the result of Harvey helping Bruce Wayne with an unrelated matter, which established a connection between them. With Batman now a wanted man, Harvey’s association with Bruce has caused his own convictions (even those completely unrelated to Batman) to be called into question.
Harvey’s rant confirms that the Absolute Universe’s version of Victor is still a psychopath, one who specifically carves up his victims over the course of several days, starting at their feet. However, one panel from Harvey’s point of view casts Victor Zsasz in a very different light than his traditional portrayal. Although the panel shows only Zsasz from behind, it is clear that he is a tall, fit man with a full head of hair and a woman hanging from each arm.
The presence of these women suggests that, despite readers not being able to see Victor’s face, he must be relatively handsome and capable of maintaining a convincing façade of normalcy long enough to attract women. That would be nearly impossible for the mainstream version of the character, whose extensive scarring and obvious psychopathy tend to repel anyone who crosses his path.
While the modern comic book version of Zsasz is typically an eyesore, fans should remember that his original design featured an unscarred face and a full head of hair. In his earliest appearances, the character could easily pass as an ordinary man. As such, Batman fans may actually be witnessing a return to Zsasz’s original design in the Absolute Universe, though it will be impossible to know for certain until DC fully reveals the character.
Bold Reimagining · Alternate DC Universe Test Your DC Comics Absolute Universe Knowledge
♆SupermanReimagined
BatmanNo billions
Wonder WomanReforged
FlashSpeed
UniverseAbsolute
01
DC’s Absolute Universe is a new line of comics launched in late 2024 that reimagines iconic DC heroes in a world without the legacy advantages they traditionally have. Which DC event/storyline set up the creation of the Absolute Universe?
✓ Correct! The Absolute Universe was born from Darkseid rewriting reality in the current DC continuity. This cosmic act of villainy created a parallel world where DC’s greatest heroes exist without the advantages and support systems they traditionally rely on.
✗ That answer didn’t make it through the Absolute reboot! The answer is Darkseid’s rewriting of the DC Multiverse. While Dark Crisis, Infinite Frontier, and Flashpoint Beyond are all significant DC events, it was Darkseid’s manipulation of reality that gave birth to the Absolute Universe.
02
In Absolute Superman, Kal-El’s origin is dramatically different from the main universe. Instead of being raised by the Kents in Smallville, how does Absolute Superman grow up?
✓ Correct! In the Absolute Universe, Kal-El lands not with the Kents but in an immigrant community, growing up without wealth or privilege. This reimagining strips away Superman’s traditional support system while keeping his core values of hope and justice intact.
✗ That answer didn’t make it through the Absolute reboot! The answer is that he’s raised in an immigrant community with no wealth or privilege. The Absolute line is built on the concept of heroes without their traditional advantages, and Superman’s new upbringing reflects this perfectly.
03
Absolute Batman reimagines Bruce Wayne without his billionaire status. In this version, Bruce Wayne has a very different civilian occupation. What is Absolute Batman’s day job?
✓ Correct! In the Absolute Universe, Bruce Wayne works as an engineer and construction worker. Without the Wayne fortune or Wayne Enterprises, this Bruce builds his gear and gadgets with his own hands and working-class ingenuity, making him a truly self-made Batman.
✗ That answer didn’t make it through the Absolute reboot! The answer is engineer / construction worker. Absolute Batman strips Bruce Wayne of his billionaire status entirely. This Bruce is a massive, imposing figure who uses his engineering skills and physical labor background to craft his own Batman arsenal.
04
Absolute Batman’s costume and physique are dramatically different from the traditional Batman. This version of Bruce Wayne is much larger and more imposing. Who is the writer of Absolute Batman?
✓ Correct! Scott Snyder, who previously wrote the acclaimed New 52 Batman run, is the writer of Absolute Batman. His bold reimagining of Bruce Wayne as a working-class hero without billions has been one of the breakout hits of the Absolute Universe line.
✗ That answer didn’t make it through the Absolute reboot! The answer is Scott Snyder. Known for his legendary Batman run featuring the Court of Owls and other iconic storylines, Snyder returned to the Dark Knight with Absolute Batman, completely reinventing Bruce Wayne for this new universe.
05
Absolute Wonder Woman reimagines Diana in a significantly different setting. In this version, the character’s mythology and origin pull from different cultural influences. Who is the writer of Absolute Wonder Woman?
✓ Correct! Kelly Thompson writes Absolute Wonder Woman, bringing a fresh take on Diana’s mythology and origin. This version reimagines Wonder Woman’s world with different cultural influences while maintaining the warrior spirit at the core of the character.
✗ That answer didn’t make it through the Absolute reboot! The answer is Kelly Thompson. While all four writers are acclaimed in the comics industry, it’s Thompson who helms Absolute Wonder Woman, crafting a bold new vision for Diana in the Absolute Universe.
06
The Absolute Universe was created as a result of Darkseid altering reality. A key difference is that in this universe, heroes don’t have the traditional advantages and support systems. What concept describes this — that these heroes exist without their usual “safety nets”?
✓ Correct! “Heroes without legacy” is the core concept of the Absolute Universe. These versions of DC’s iconic characters exist without the inherited advantages, mentors, wealth, and support networks that traditionally define them — forcing them to become heroes purely on their own terms.
✗ That answer didn’t make it through the Absolute reboot! The answer is “Heroes without legacy.” The Absolute Universe is built on the idea that Darkseid stripped these heroes of their legacies — Batman has no fortune, Superman has no Kents, Wonder Woman has no Themyscira as we know it.
07
Absolute Flash reimagines Wally West in the Absolute Universe. In this version, the Flash’s connection to the Speed Force is portrayed differently. Who is the writer of Absolute Flash?
✓ Correct! Jeff Lemire, known for his deeply human storytelling in titles like Sweet Tooth and Animal Man, writes Absolute Flash. His take on Wally West reimagines the speedster’s relationship with the Speed Force in the context of the Absolute Universe’s stripped-down heroic landscape.
✗ That answer didn’t make it through the Absolute reboot! The answer is Jeff Lemire. While Williamson, Waid, and Adams have all written excellent Flash stories in the main continuity, it’s Lemire who brings his unique storytelling vision to Absolute Flash.
08
Absolute Superman is written and drawn by a critically acclaimed creator who handles both the writing and art duties on the series. Who is this creator?
✓ Correct! Absolute Superman is written by Jason Aaron with art by Rafa Sandoval. Together they’ve crafted a powerful reimagining of Kal-El, placing him in an immigrant community without the Kent family’s support, creating one of the most compelling new takes on the character in years.
✗ That answer didn’t make it through the Absolute reboot! The answer is Jason Aaron (writer) with Rafa Sandoval (art). While Jim Lee, Grant Morrison, and Jorge Jiménez are all legendary DC creators, it’s the Aaron and Sandoval team that brings Absolute Superman to life.
Analysis Complete Your Absolute Knowledge
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Are you an Absolute expert — or still in the main continuity?
Absolute Batman #21 from DC Comics is now available to read!
