Absolute Batman #25: Tell Me a Joke

Absolute Batman #25, written by Scott Snyder, with art by Nick Dragotta, colored by Frank Martin, and lettered by Tom Napolitano, goes all in and pays off in a big way. To start, Absolute Joker is simply terrifying. Scott Snyder has spent the last two dozen issues putting Bruce Wayne through the absolute wringer (no pun intended), but nothing prepares readers or Bruce for this. This series has introduced some monstrosities, but Joker truly feels like a horror beyond comprehension, with a true form that is creepy, grotesque, and intimidating. One of the most disturbing aspects, however, is how easily he convinces Bruce’s friends to side with him prior to revealing his “true” form. His entrance into the story, or perhaps Batman’s entrance into Joker’s cave, feels like something straight out of one’s worst nightmare.

Everything Batman has endured up to this point should have prepared him for the worst. Snyder has introduced enough horrors, both human and beyond, to make readers think they’ve seen it all. But this issue makes it clear that no amount of preparation could be enough. The horrors of Gotham can be explained and justified through things like Ark M. Absolute Joker is something else entirely. As Bruce tells Harley, “He’s something stronger, older…” For the first time in this series, Batman faces an obstacle that he can’t simply overcome with brute force. That’s a terrifying idea for a character who has built so much of his identity around enduring the impossible.

Issue #25 throws in plenty of curveballs, along with some major payoffs. Barbara Gordon, aka The Bat, finally gets her proper reveal, and it’s incredible. But the real bombshell is Selina’s reappearance, a moment that changes everything and leaves some big questions. Snyder continues to find ways to subvert expectations, even when it feels like the series has already exhausted every possibility.

Nick Dragotta’s artwork is near perfect throughout the issue. Batman storming Grimm Manor, only to be blindsided by its unexpected occupants, is a standout opening, especially when paired with the massive police chase through the woods. But the real spectacle is the confrontation between Batman and Joker. It starts out horrifying and only gets worse from there. Dragotta brings some spectacular action with some of the series’ best creature design and body horror yet. Somehow, he keeps raising the bar with every issue. Frank Martin’s colors are incredible as always, maintaining the series’ established atmosphere while pushing Dragotta’s artwork even further. The contrast, texture, and overall mood make the horror feel tangible. Tom Napolitano’s lettering rounds out the experience, adding impact to the action and helping the quieter, more disturbing moments land.