Fans have been eagerly waiting, and the terrifying Joker from the Absolute Universe has finally appeared! We first saw a hint of him at the end of Absolute Batman #1, but he remained a mysterious and unsettling figure. Now, in this week’s Absolute Batman #15, readers finally get a full look at his frightening appearance and learn an origin story that might be the scariest one yet in the Absolute Universe.
Warning: spoilers for Absolute Batman #15 beyond this point.
The latest issue of Absolute Batman, #15, features Alfred updating Bruce Wayne on the Joker, but the story isn’t a simple retelling. We learn about the Joker’s origins in layers – what’s publicly known, what Alfred believes to be true, and the actual truth. These are shown alongside scenes of the Joker on a trip to one of his private islands. The issue reveals the Joker’s real name is Jack Grimm V, named after his great-grandfather, a successful street performer who built a media empire, J.K. Holdings, and secretly funded charitable causes for generations – a tradition continued by Jack Grimm V. However, the full story is far more complex, and the accepted version of events isn’t accurate.
The Grimm Family Story is a Lie — and Both “Truths” Are Terrifying
The Joker’s family history hides a disturbing truth: the Grimms aren’t the benevolent philanthropists they appear to be. Alfred reveals they’ve built their fortune by secretly funding both sides of every conflict – from political media to World War II, and even peace and war initiatives. Their goal isn’t to do good, but to maximize profit by manipulating situations and exploiting those caught in the middle. This makes Jack Grimm V, now incredibly wealthy, a uniquely dangerous villain – he’s essentially controlling the world for his own financial benefit. But that’s not even the scariest part.
Under questioning, Alfred shares his suspicion that the Grimm family story is a fabrication. He believes there’s never been a real family, only one man named Jack Grimm – a seemingly immortal and monstrous being. Alfred isn’t sure how Jack maintains his youth – whether through scientific means or a supernatural deal – but events confirm his theory. On the island, a man named Harvey Harris was investigating disappearances linked to the Grimms before vanishing himself. Now, he’s Jack’s next target, killed by Jack, who transforms into a terrifying monster with incredibly sharp teeth.
Absolute Joker Is the Most Chilling Absolute Version Yet
The Joker’s newly revealed origin story is incredibly complex. We already suspected his past would be deeply disturbing, with hints of horrific acts like seemingly feeding on the life force of babies. But learning that he might be immortal because of these practices, and that he’s responsible for terrible events worldwide, elevates him beyond a typical comic book villain – he’s become something truly terrifying.
According to Alfred, this version of the Joker secretly financed the Nazis while publicly supporting their enemies. As we learned about the history of the “Grimm family” – their media empire and decades of influence – it became clear there is no actual family, just one deranged individual controlling everything. This suggests the Joker isn’t just a danger to Batman or Gotham, but could be a threat on a global scale. It’s reminiscent of his line in The Dark Knight about wanting to watch the world burn, and it makes him a potentially far greater problem for the entire Absolute Universe than previously thought.
Interestingly, this story also offers a commentary on Batman himself. The final pages show Jack Grimm living the life most people associate with Bruce Wayne: a grand manor, a dedicated butler, and even a secret cave hidden behind a grandfather clock set to a specific time. Given that Bruce Wayne’s wealth is often criticized as contributing to the problems Batman fights against, the Joker’s situation in this universe forces readers to view Batman in a new light – and question whether anyone in this world can truly escape their circumstances.
Absolute Batman #15 is on sale now.
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2025-12-10 17:40