Absolute Batman #15: No Laughing Matter

Absolute Batman #15 – written by Scott Snyder, with art by Jock, coloring by Frank Martin, and lettering by Clayton Cowles – is a masterclass in sustained tension, pushing the series deeper into psychological terror while raising the emotional stakes in every direction. While issue #14 exploded in a collision of brute force and monstrous fury, this issue introduces readers to another monstrous figure: The Joker. The momentum that Snyder and company have fostered leading to this point has been near perfect, and most readers have been waiting for the true introduction of Absolute Joker. With this issue marking a grand reunion between Snyder and Jock, it is only fitting that this issue starts with a little history lesson.

Surprisingly, the Joker of the Absolute Universe is a lot like Bruce Wayne of the main DC Universe, but with some stark differences. While avoiding major spoilers, readers will be surprised to find that he is almost a broken reflection of the Bruce most know. Knowing Snyder and the way this series has been shuffling certain elements around, this arc should be interesting. On top of Joker, there are hints of the first Absolute crossover with mentions of Wonder Woman. The highlight, however, is Jock’s art, which plunges the issue firmly into another level of horror. 

Jock’s jagged linework and stark contrasts distort Gotham and its characters into something both familiar and feral, which is an excellent way to describe Absolute Joker. Jock’s sense of motion and unease thrives in this issue, and Frank Martin’s coloring amplifies all of it. Not much happens within the issue, as Batman, and the reader for that matter, is being told about the Joker by Alfred. Clayton Cowles’ lettering weaves between the sequence changes brilliantly. Together, the creative team masters a sense of dread that feels absolutely terrifying.