Batman’s Circle of Best Friends Now Includes Most of His Key Villains

Batman’s Circle of Best Friends Now Includes Most of His Key Villains

As a lifelong fan of the Caped Crusader, I must say that Scott Snyder’s latest twist in Absolute Batman has me genuinely intrigued! The idea of Bruce Wayne playing poker with his rogues gallery is something I never thought I’d see, yet it feels so fitting for this new reality of the DC multiverse.


Fans who follow Batman know well the array of antagonists that make up The Dark Knight’s roster, such as The Joker, Catwoman, The Penguin, Riddler, and Two-Face, who have become notable characters in their own right. It is also well-known that Batman has a distinctive relationship with each of his adversaries – sometimes even playing a role in their creation or descent into villainy. However, writer Scott Snyder offers a fresh twist to this familiar storyline by having Bruce Wayne forge friendships with most of the key villains from his rogues gallery!

WARNING: SPOILERS FOLLOW!

In issue #2 of “Absolute Batman,” we delve further into the revamped narrative of Batman within DC’s freshly introduced multiverse reality. This installment offers a closer look at Bruce Wayne’s daily routine, under the watchful eye of cover operative Alfred Pennyworth. It serves as an expansive chapter that broadens the world, providing more insight into the identity of Absolute Batman, and sheds light on Bruce Wayne and his inner circle.

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It’s interesting to note that Bruce often plays poker with some close friends: Harvey Dent, Ozzie Cobblepot, Eddie Nygma, and Waylon Jones – more commonly known as the civilian versions of Two-Face, Penguin, Riddler, and Killer Croc!

Batman’s Circle of Best Friends Now Includes Most of His Key Villains
Batman’s Circle of Best Friends Now Includes Most of His Key Villains

Snyder infuses the card game between Bruce and his friends with a blend of friendly banter and the subtle undercurrents of conflicts typical among close companions. Although we only catch glimpses, it’s evident that Eddie is involved in technology, Harvey is starting his career at the D.A.’s office, while “Ozzie” manages a somewhat illegal and shady enterprise.

In this scenario, Bruce tactfully plays poker among his acquaintances, more so to gather information about the criminal group called “Party Animals,” who have been causing chaos in Gotham. This presents a fresh take on the undercover Batman instances we’ve seen with Bruce’s “Matches Malone” character from the primary universe, and it subtly hints at potential future intersections between Bruce Wayne’s personal life and his alter ego as Batman.

In this particular game, neither Selina Kyle (also known as Catwoman) nor The Joker are present. Interestingly, Selina is unveiled in a flashback at the end of issue #2, revealing that she and Bruce have been close since their childhood days. It’s also hinted that Selina has assumed the role of Catwoman since her younger years. As for Catwoman, it seems as though she might still be evading authorities, as Waylong implies she sent a postcard from Cairo, causing him to notice her on his radar.

Batman’s Circle of Best Friends Now Includes Most of His Key Villains

In another development, the Joker made his appearance towards the end of issue #1 in “Absolute Batman.” At present, not much is revealed about him except that he’s a wealthy figure shrouded in mystery, whom Alfred Pennyworth unsuccessfully attempted to locate. Throughout the game, it becomes evident that the Joker is not invited at their gathering, as both Bruce and his associates firmly state.

Absolute Batman is now on sale.

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2024-11-15 22:09