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

As a seasoned gamer with decades of Batman comics under my belt, I must say that the latest twist in Absolute Batman is nothing short of mind-blowing! The idea of Bruce Wayne playing poker with his rogues gallery is a concept that would have left me utterly speechless if I weren’t already so accustomed to the unexpected twists and turns of the Dark Knight’s world.


Readers well-versed in the Batman universe recognize The Dark Knight’s roster of adversaries, such as The Joker, Catwoman, The Penguin, Riddler, and Two-Face. These characters have become renowned on their own, too. What’s equally known is that Batman has a distinct relationship with each villain, often playing a role in their transformation or descent into crime. Writer Scott Snyder leverages this familiarity with the Batman lore as he introduces an unexpected turn: Bruce Wayne now maintains friendships with many of his rogues’ gallery’s key members!

WARNING: SPOILERS FOLLOW!

In issue #2 of “Absolute Batman,” the groundbreaking reimagining of Batman’s universe within DC’s multiverse continues. This installment offers a closer look at the routine life of Bruce Wayne, with Alfred Pennyworth serving as an undercover observer. It serves as an expansion of the world following the initial glimpse 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 spends his poker nights with some close friends: Harvey Dent, Oswald Cobblepot, Edward Nygma, and Waylon Jones – better known as the civilian personas of Two-Face, Penguin, Riddler, and Killer Croc!


Snyder adds depth to the card game between Bruce and his friends, blending friendly banter with the simmering conflicts typical among close-knit groups. While we don’t delve deeply, it’s evident that Eddie works in technology, Harvey is climbing the ranks at the District Attorney’s office, and “Ozzie” manages a questionable enterprise on the border of legality.

As I subtly navigate through a game of poker among my acquaintances, I can’t help but use this opportunity to gather intel on the elusive gang known as the Party Animals, who have been wreaking havoc in Gotham. This clandestine move harks back to the undercover moments we’ve seen with Bruce’s “Matches Malone” persona in the main timeline, and serves as a delightful hint at how Bruce Wayne’s private life may one day intertwine with his alter ego, Batman.

In this particular card game, both Selina Kyle (also known as Catwoman) and The Joker are conspicuously missing. Interestingly, Selina’s identity is unveiled in a flashback at the end of issue #2, hinting at a close relationship with Bruce Wayne that dates back to their childhood days. Remarkably, it seems Selina has been donning the Catwoman persona since she was young. The dialogue during the game suggests Catwoman might still be evading authorities, as Waylong implies she sent a postcard from Cairo, catching his attention.

As I navigated through the immersive world of gaming, I found myself recalling the enigmatic figure known as the Joker, who made his grand entrance in “Absolute Batman” #1. So far, what’s been shared about him is that he’s a wealthy global enigma, a character that even the resourceful Alfred Pennyworth couldn’t manage to trace. In our virtual universe, it was unequivocally clear: no seats for Jokers at our table.

Absolute Batman is now on sale.

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2024-11-16 02:40