Absolute Batman: Ark M Special is a Chilling Start to 2026 (Review)

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DC Comics is starting the new year strong with a thrilling new story arc in Absolute Batman. The series, created by Scott Snyder and Nick Dragotta, has quickly become a favorite among both new and longtime comic book fans. While readers have already discovered a lot about this version of Bruce Wayne and his past, mysteries remain – particularly surrounding the Joker in this Absolute Universe.

We recently learned a lot about the Joker’s past in Absolute Batman #15, including some surprising revelations. However, many mysteries remain, particularly surrounding his secretive Ark M project. Fortunately, Scott Snyder, along with Frank Tieri and Josh Hixon, is releasing a new one-shot comic that explores the history of Arkham Asylum in this universe and hints at the challenges coming up in the next year of Absolute Batman.

Rating: 4 out of 5

PROS CONS
Amazing, unsettling atmosphere The twist is somewhat obvious
Art is perfectly suited for a horror story Less about the modern ‘Ark M’ than you’d think

Absolute Batman: Ark M Special is a Creepy, Lore-Expanding Tale

The story by Snyder, Tieri, and Hixon unfolds primarily through the diary of Dr. Amadeus Arkham, with an additional story set in 1945 framing the narrative. In 1945, Dr. Arkham is selling his asylum and shows the buyer around, recounting its origins. Driven by a personal tragedy that destroyed his family, Arkham created the sanitarium to help others, but he’s haunted by inner struggles stemming from a troubled boy he adopted.

Dr. Arkham adopted a boy who shared his passion for understanding the mind. However, Arkham’s life was again shattered when the asylum’s most dangerous patient, a villain similar to the Joker named Jack Doe, escaped. This was also the last time Arkham saw the boy he’d raised. As the story concludes, the potential buyer reveals a stunning secret: the breakout was orchestrated by Amadeus’s former patient. And the buyer himself? He’s actually Jack Grimm, also known as the Absolute Joker – the very boy Arkham raised.

The shocking truth sends Arkham into a frenzy. Confirming the Joker’s claims, he destroys the asylum, remaining inside as it burns, while the Joker observes with a sinister grin. The Joker cherishes Amadeus’ diary, amused by the elaborate scheme he concocted for the doctor. However, Grimm has a different agenda, especially concerning Absolute Batman. The Joker prepares several of Arkham’s creations – including the Isley and Langstrome environments – to target Batman. But this is just a prelude, as the Joker intends to unleash Absolute Deathstroke to ultimately defeat the Dark Knight.

Ark M Reminds Us All of the Real Threat Absolute Joker Is

This book was a really enjoyable read. I was expecting more focus on Ark M and its unusual inhabitants, but Snyder and Tieri cleverly deliver a fascinating character study of the Joker instead. While Absolute Batman #15 effectively showed how dangerous Jack Grimm is, Absolute Batman: Ark M perfectly illustrates his twisted worldview. He doesn’t just want to cause destruction; he enjoys corrupting and tormenting others, and finds amusement in the pain he inflicts.

Joshua Hixon consistently delivers excellent work, and Roman Stevens’ striking colors create a truly terrifying atmosphere. The story’s most impactful scenes – like the events at Arkham Asylum and Amadeus’s sacrifice – are powerfully realized. A pervasive sense of unease builds throughout the entire book, effectively conveying the growing influence of the Absolute Joker. Though seasoned Batman fans might anticipate the plot twist, the combination of compelling writing and evocative art is exceptionally strong.

Although I was anticipating something different from the current Ark M storyline, what we’ve received is actually more compelling. A year into Absolute Batman, with the Joker as the central villain, Scott Snyder clearly aims to showcase just how dangerous he is. This issue achieves that goal, offering Absolute Universe readers a disturbing look into the Joker’s past and revealing the terrifying nature hidden beneath his charismatic facade. As Absolute Batman continues, fans won’t want to miss the upcoming Ark M special.

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2026-01-07 17:44