Mr. Freeze Reimagined: A Haunting Transformation in Absolute Batman!

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In a fresh take from writer Scott Snyder and artist Nick Dragotta, known for their work on Batman and Superman: American Alien respectively, the new universe titled Absolute Batman drastically reimagines Batman’s collection of villains. Instead of being costumed criminals, characters like Selina Kyle (Catwoman), Harvey Dent (Two-Face), Eddie Nygma (Riddler), Ozzie Cobblepot (Penguin), and Waylon Jones (Killer Croc) were once Bruce Wayne’s closest childhood friends. The Joker is portrayed as a humorless oligarch who illegally drains blood from newborns, while Black Mask operates as a high-tech terrorist funding covert black site prisons. Bane, a towering menace sent by the Joker to crush Batman, is now an adversary of Alfred Pennyworth, Batman’s latest ally who happens to be an intelligence agent.

Prior to the appearance of Bane in “Absolute Batman” issue #9, due out on June 11, Scott Snyder and guest artist Marcos Martín will introduce a chilling new interpretation of Victor Fries, better known as Mr. Freeze, in a two-part story that unfolds across issues #7 (available April 9) and #8 (release date May 14) of “Absolute Batman”.

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In a tantalizing preview, it’s stated that “Gotham’s past is shrouded in dread.” The initial six-issue storyline of Absolute Batman merely scratched the surface, as Batman and his allies discovered that the Joker-supported Black Mask has been financing secret prisons worldwide, known as “Arks.” These black sites include “Ark A” in Santa Prisca (the traditional home of Bane in the mainstream continuity), “Ark B” in Russia (possibly suggesting the Russian supervillain KGBeast), and the largest one yet, “Ark M,” which is intended for Gotham City. This last one might be familiar to some as Arkham Asylum.

Previously, Snyder hinted on the Owen Likes Comics podcast that what he was working on involved two parts related to arcs. He worked with artist Jock on Mr. Freeze in All Star Batman, and Absolute Batman has been extensively reimagined from the ground up, mythologically speaking. Everything feels distinctly different now.

Unlike most contemporary portrayals of Batman’s foe, Mr. Freeze, who is usually a cryogenics specialist struggling to cure his wife Nora after a lab accident and her subsequent placement in suspended animation due to a degenerative disease, the new version of Absolute Mr. Freeze bears a striking resemblance to Count Orlok, the vampire character played by Max Schreck in the movie Nosferatu.

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In simpler terms, Snyder stated that he understands how to portray Mr. Freeze in this particular universe because his character wouldn’t be romantic with Nora, who is frozen. Instead, he would be a different character. This is because when you place him within the fundamental structure of the story, he transforms, just like the Joker does. However, the Joker in this version will be significantly different from the traditional one, and the same can be said for Bruce Wayne compared to the traditional Batman.

Absolute Batman #7

Prepare for freezing temperatures in Gotham City as we unravel the links between an aspiring scientist named Victor Fries and his past involvement with the Ark M project. Kick off a thrilling two-part series, featuring none other than renowned artist Marcos Martín, right here!

On sale: April 9

Absolute Batman #8

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In the cold grip of Mr. Freeze, Gotham City finds itself under siege! The Dark Knight is engaged in a desperate battle to save himself from this frosty menace. However, as events unfold, a shocking secret about Arkham and… The Joker will come to light.

On sale: May 14

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2025-04-07 21:10