DC Just Reimagined Batman’s Best Villain of the 2010s (Ahead of Rumored Movie Debut)

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Batman is famous for having some of the most compelling villains in comic book history. These characters aren’t just popular within the comic book world – many, like The Joker, Catwoman, and the Penguin, are widely recognized by the general public. This is a rare achievement for any villain. Batman’s enemies are now as closely associated with superhero stories as Batman himself. While his classic villains are the most well-known, newer additions have proven to be equally captivating. One villain, in particular, is quickly gaining popularity and is even predicted to be the main antagonist in the upcoming film, The Batman Part II.

The Court of Owls first appeared in the 2011 Batman storyline, but it was revealed they’d secretly controlled Gotham City since its very beginning. This group of powerful and corrupt citizens used undead assassins called Talons to manipulate events from the shadows, remaining hidden even from Batman. Now, DC Comics has completely reinvented the Court for a darker universe. In Absolute Batman #17, readers meet the Absolute Court of Owls, which is significantly different from the original. Shockingly, Bruce Wayne’s own mother, Martha Wayne, is revealed to be one of its members.

The Absolute Court of Change

After his brutal fight with Bane, Batman’s life was forever altered. While he won, he lost the support of those closest to him: Oz distanced himself, Ed withdrew into his technology, and Harvey vanished, haunted by his own demons. Batman himself was also transformed. Bruce Wayne had always seen Batman as a tool – a way to achieve his goals – but the people of Gotham now viewed him as a hero. Bruce struggles to reconcile this new image of Batman with the one he created.

Bruce hoped visiting his mother’s house would offer some comfort, but things actually got worse. He overheard Martha and Jim Gordon discussing her desire to improve their home’s security, a change she feared would alter their lives. Jim reassured her that it wouldn’t change their relationship, and they shared a kiss. Distraught, Bruce ran off, channeling his frustration into a confrontation with Absolute Poison Ivy. Meanwhile, Martha began enacting a plan of her own.

Martha went to a public phone in a busy part of Gotham and pleaded for assistance. The Court of Owls answered, stating they had been watching and waiting for her to reach out. The three members who responded weren’t the typical Court members who wear white masks and dress like wealthy socialites. Instead, they were all wearing specialized, all-black outfits resembling military gear.

A Court of Pure Rebellion

The Court of Owls in this new version will be very different from what fans know. Because Martha Wayne was once a member and is rejoining, it’s clear the group isn’t composed of Gotham’s elite. They probably aren’t villains, but they’re unlikely to be heroes either. Similar to how the Red Hood Gang has become a rebellious youth movement, this Court of Owls seems to be opposing those currently in power. Instead of secretly controlling Gotham, they appear to be a quiet force trying to dismantle the existing system.

This new version of the Court of Owls is made up of ordinary people from Gotham who feel ignored and want to create change. Like the original Court, they work in secret, but they don’t have the same level of wealth or supernatural power. They’re just people using what they have – tracksuits and homemade equipment – to fight against a system designed to hold them down. Martha’s participation shows that a rebellious spirit runs in her family, even if she and her ancestors approach things differently. While very different from the original Court of Owls, this new group is still a frightening force.

Absolute Batman #17 is on sale now!

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2026-02-19 20:48