7 Terrifying New Forms of Batman’s Most Notorious Villains Revealed in Absolute Batman #10

by

In a fresh and intriguing take on traditional Dark Knight lore, the Universe Absolute substantially alters the dynamics of its villains. Most strikingly, this dark narrative presents Bruce Wayne growing up impoverished amidst the harsh streets of Gotham City, where The Riddler and The Penguin were once his childhood companions. Furthermore, Absolute Batman Issue 10 adds another layer to the tale, unveiling terrifying transformations of iconic Batman adversaries.

In Absolute Batman #10, written by Scott Snyder and illustrated by Nick Dragotta, we find Batman locked up within the confines of Ark M, a facility situated off the Gotham City coast that seemed to be a high-security prison. However, as our young hero delves deeper, it becomes clear that Ark M is less of a penitentiary and more of a laboratory. This becomes apparent as he repeatedly tries to escape, encountering inmates who have been transformed into test subjects along the way.

Doctor Death

Dr. Karl Helfern, also known as “Doctor Death,” was among the initial supervillains that Batman encountered. Making his debut in Detective Comics #30 from 1939, Doctor Death conducted experiments with lethal pollens, eventually transforming into a colossal monster. As Absolute Batman sprints past, this mass of flesh is identified as the Helfern Experiment.

Clayface

In his initial attempt to flee, Bruce was captured within the Transmutations and Shaping Department, specifically the “K.L.A.Y. zone.” This term doesn’t have an explicit definition provided, but it seems to be associated with the ultimate version of Clayface, also known as Batman in its Absolute form. The situation becomes clear when the ground beneath Bruce Wayne transforms into a sorrowful face and numerous grasping hands.

Hugo Strange and Poison Ivy

In his second bid for freedom, Absolute Batman navigates “the Mysterious Hallway,” a reference to the eccentric scientist, Professor Hugo Strange, who was known for breeding “abnormal humanoids.” Eventually, Bruce Wayne is captured within “the Isley Forest” by a horde of tree-like creatures with faces and sapient flora, which can only mean one thing – Dr. Pamela Isley, alias Poison Ivy, has orchestrated this.

Man-Bat and Professor Pyg

When Bruce fled for the third time, he passed by what is known as the Langstrom Experiment – a reference to Dr. Kirk Langstrom, who turned into Man-Bat. Prisoners there appealed for the intervention of the Absolute Batman, and one of them bears a resemblance to a towering pig-like creature. This might hint at the notorious villain, Professor Pyg.

Killer Croc

In their third effort to break free, the imprisoned Batman receives assistance from another inmate – none other than his old friend Waylon Jones, known as Killer Croc. Bruce quickly identifies this new form of Croc as being unlike the original, taking on a shape more akin to a colossal crocodile or dragon instead of the usual human with lizard-like skin.

Absolute Batman #10 is now available at comic shops everywhere.

Read More

2025-07-17 18:17