Absolute Batman #15 is the Chilling Joker Story You’ve Been Waiting For (Review)

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After months of speculation, the mystery surrounding Batman’s greatest enemy in the Absolute Universe has been solved. It feels like just yesterday DC Comics revealed the striking design of the Absolute Joker, and fans were amazed. We’ve seen glimpses of this world’s sophisticated, yet sinister, version of the Joker, but it was clear there was more to the story. Now, as he takes center stage, we’re finally getting a clearer picture of just how twisted and different this new Joker truly is.

In the Absolute Universe, the Joker is secretly one of the wealthiest people on Earth. MI6 agent Alfred Pennyworth was originally assigned to investigate him, but his mission was interrupted by an attack on Gotham by the Party Animals and Batman’s reaction. It turns out the Joker has been a hidden force behind every villain we’ve seen so far. Now, fans will finally learn his true identity and ultimate plan. Luckily, Absolute Batman is finally revealing all the answers in a new, action-packed story that’s pushing the series into thrilling and dangerous territory.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

PROS CONS
Amazing story structure Story may leave some fans hanging
Effective, creepy art Experimental tone isn’t for everyone.

The Joker Shines in Terrifying Standalone Chapter

The latest issue, Absolute Batman #15, brings back the creative team of Scott Snyder and Jock, and it’s fantastic. The story centers around a long-awaited conversation between Batman and Alfred about the mastermind behind several of his most dangerous enemies, like Black Mask and Bane. At the same time, Jack Grimm V – believed to be the real identity of the Absolute Joker – retreats to a private island to recover after Bane’s defeat by Batman.

Alfred explains to Bruce how the Grimms built their wealth through the entertainment industry – everything from stage shows to movies and video games. However, as is typical with the Joker, the truth is far more complex. The story of the Grimms is revealed to be a facade, built on exploitation and deceit. The biggest shock comes when Alfred reveals evidence suggesting the ‘Grimm family’ never existed – it’s all been a single Joker, manipulating events and laughing at everyone for over a century.

Alfred is unaware of the full extent of the danger. As he explains the situation to Bruce, the Joker is tracking down a victim on a secluded island, exposing the terrifying truth: beneath the charming billionaire facade lies a monstrous, fifteen-foot-tall creature. The beast feeds by killing and consuming its victim before returning to its Gotham home – a grand manor, naturally. Meanwhile, the Joker is already plotting his next move against Batman, retreating to a hidden cave beneath his mansion to formulate his plan.

Absolute Batman #15 Hits All the Major Points to Tell a Damn Good Joker Story

This chapter was fantastic, and honestly, it wasn’t a surprise. Scott Snyder clearly has a deep understanding of the Joker, and this issue really showcases all the thought he’s put into the character’s backstory, meaning, and imagery. While I would have loved to see the regular artist, Nick Dragotta, on this scary first issue, Jock did an incredible job. Everything in this book works, from the unsettling flashbacks to the Joker’s disturbing change.

This story successfully expands on the character of the Absolute Joker while still maintaining an air of mystery. It leaves us wondering: is he a manipulative force profiting from chaos, or a man consumed by inner darkness trying to reshape the world in his image? The book offers plenty of clues, but not enough to provide definitive answers—and that’s perfect for a Joker narrative.

Absolute Batman #15 offers a fascinating look into the mind of the Joker. It explores everything fans appreciate about the character – his mysterious past, twisted humor, and core motivation: to find amusement in everything he does. Whether he’s committing crimes as his classic self or building a fortune while chaos reigns, the Joker is simply driven by his own warped sense of fun.

It’s unclear where the Absolute Batman story is headed, but this issue feels like a significant moment for the series and the broader Absolute Universe. It really makes you wonder how far the Joker’s influence reaches in this world, and what other parts of this DC Universe are connected to his twisted plans. This issue answered a lot of questions I had, but also left me wanting more. If you’re a fan of Absolute Batman and enjoy following the whole Absolute Universe, you definitely need to read this.

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2025-12-10 17:47