DC Comics marks the first anniversary of its groundbreaking Absolute Universe with the release of Absolute Evil #1. This special one-shot issue plunges deep into the dark history of this warped reality, revealing crucial insights into its formidable villains. Most notably, readers will finally understand what makes the Absolute Joker terrifyingly distinct from the classic Clown Prince of Crime. The issue also introduces a long-awaited antagonist, whose role in this twisted universe has been a persistent mystery.
Dive in to uncover the Joker’s startling motivations and grasp why the Absolute Universe is conspicuously lacking in heroes.
Warning: Beware of full spoilers for Absolute Evil #1 ahead!
How the Absolute Universe Reinvents Joker
Absolute Evil #1 opens with an unprecedented gathering of the Absolute Universe’s most formidable villains: Veronica Cale from Absolute Wonder Woman, Ra’s al Ghul from Absolute Superman, Hector Hammond from Absolute Green Lantern, Dr. Elenore Thawne from Absolute Flash, and the enigmatic Absolute Batman’s Joker. Historically, these antagonists have operated independently. However, with a fresh wave of costumed revolutionaries emerging to challenge the established world order, Cale believes their unified front is now essential.
Cale struggles to convince the disparate group until the Joker unexpectedly intervenes. His words carry unusual weight, primarily because, as Ra’s al Ghul observes, this Joker is entirely devoid of humor and never tells a joke.
As previously revealed in Absolute Batman, this incarnation of the Joker is a stark inversion of his traditional self. He embodies the traits typically associated with Bruce Wayne in the standard DC Universe: immense wealth, a loyal butler, global travels to hone his skills into those of an ultimate warrior, and an air of refinement and dignity. Crucially, he is humorless and never laughs.
The Joker unveils a profound discovery: his scientific team, using an advanced particle accelerator, has unearthed the Omega Particle. This particle, more foundational than the Higgs Boson, mathematically and spiritually validates the universe’s inherent order. According to Joker, it confirms that he and his allies wield power because they are destined to, and that the universe’s ultimate trajectory is towards a twisted form of ‘justice’.
With this revelation, the Joker proposes a chilling alliance: he, Cale, Ra’s, Hammond, and Thawne will unite to form a new ‘Justice League,’ dedicated to preserving their authority and imposing their version of peace and justice upon the world.
The Omega Particle’s existence links directly to the Absolute Universe’s origin story, first explored in last year’s DC All-In special. This alternate reality is a twisted reflection of the standard DCU, fundamentally distorted by Darkseid’s immense power. His malevolent will has corrupted the universe, stripping DC’s heroes of their inherent strengths, a corruption that, as Joker’s research confirms, seeps into the very subatomic fabric of reality.
As Joker has discovered, Darkseid’s malice permeates the very subatomic fabric of existence.
This issue offers a compelling look into the psyche of this unique Joker, solidifying just how drastically he deviates from previous iterations. Far from being a cackling jester, a mischievous prankster, or even an anarchist, this Joker is a staunch believer in preserving a rigid order. In a striking reversal, Batman now embodies chaos as a revolutionary figure in Gotham City, completely upending their traditional dynamic.
Intriguingly, the Joker’s demeanor suggests that prolonged speech and maintaining his composed facade inflict physical discomfort, hinting at a deeper struggle. Prior issues of Absolute Batman have already hinted at his reliance on a disturbing ritual—a grotesque cocoon of dead babies—believed to grant him enhanced strength and an extended lifespan. Recent teasers from writer Scott Snyder and artist Nick Dragotta for Absolute Batman #15 promise to finally unveil Joker’s terrifying true, monstrous form.
In essence, Batman’s challenges against this Joker are immense, especially as this issue vividly illustrates the grim fate awaiting any hero who dares to cross the new Justice League.
The Secret History of the Absolute Universe
Woven throughout the Justice League’s first assembly are haunting flashback sequences that unveil the hidden history of superheroes in the Absolute Universe. These scenes quickly explain the scarcity of heroes beyond the established figures like Batman, Wonder Woman, Superman, Green Lantern, Flash, and Martian Manhunter, attributing this to Darkseid’s pervasive corruption.
Flashbacks reveal disturbing alterations to history: the Golden Age Sandman, Wesley Dodds, was assassinated early in his crimefighting tenure in the 1930s, his signature sleep gas then weaponized by the government into a potent neurotoxin. Wildcat, instead of a hero, became corrupt, taking a bribe and retiring to run a boxing gym. Hawkman, a stark contrast to his usual self, betrayed his fellow heroes by exposing their identities to the House Un-American Activities Committee. These examples highlight a 20th century where the superhero community’s development was systematically stifled and suppressed, drawing parallels to Marvel’s own reimagined Ultimate Universe.
In the present, Oliver Queen, operating as Green Arrow, embarks on a crusade, leveraging his vast fortune and formidable training to combat corrupt elites such as the billionaire sex trafficker, Jubal Slade. However, his mission is brutally cut short when Hawkman, now clad in bandages and black leather, swiftly murders him and delivers his body to the assembled Justice League. This chilling act serves as a stark warning to any who dare challenge their ‘natural order.’
This development is a striking contradiction to DC’s recent announcement of an Absolute Green Arrow series slated for 2026. Considering Oliver’s phone conversation with a bewildered Roy Harper, it’s highly probable that the upcoming series will follow Roy as he inherits his mentor’s mantle. One can only hope he’ll exercise greater caution when confronting influential billionaires, particularly regarding unsecured communications.
The Debut of Absolute Lex Luthor
Absolute Evil #1 culminates with a monumental twist. The Justice League’s clandestine meeting is covertly observed by Brainiac, Ra’s al Ghul’s minion, who subsequently consults with the Flash’s nemesis, Mirror Master. Mirror Master points out that while the League members are mirrored opposites of their traditional selves, one crucial figure remains absent, one who must provide balance to the Joker.
The narrative then shifts to a tranquil farm scene, where a couple enjoys a sunset, the husband musing on his past as an angry, envious youth. His peaceful reflection is interrupted by a call from Brainiac, to which he responds, ‘This is Lex Luthor speaking. How can I be of help?’.
With this startling reveal, the one villain whose absence from the Absolute Universe has been most keenly felt finally makes his debut. Mirroring the reversed dynamic of Batman and Joker, Lex Luthor appears remarkably similar to Clark Kent, even retaining his hair.
The rationale behind Brainiac selecting Lex Luthor as the sixth and final Justice League member, and how this iteration of Lex is intended to mirror the Joker, is yet to be fully revealed. While his current appearance starkly contrasts his conventional portrayal, one suspects appearances are deeply deceptive.
What are your thoughts on these shocking Joker revelations and the other major twists uncovered in Absolute Evil #1? Share your reactions in the comments below!
Absolute Batman Vol. 1: The Zoo
To delve deeper into the Absolute Universe, explore how Absolute Batman offers unsettling new origin stories for iconic villains like Penguin, Two-Face, and Riddler.