Warning! This post contains SPOILERS for Absolute Batman #15
Over a decade later, one of Batman’s creepiest Joker legends may be making a comeback. While the main DC Universe’s Joker is simply an insane mortal clown determined to cause as much chaos as possible, the Absolute Universe may be reviving a debunked idea that had suggested the Clown Prince of Crime was something far more ancient.
In the new Absolute Batman #15 by Scott Snyder and Nick Dragotta, we recently got our first look at the new Absolute Joker, a far more frightening and powerful version of The Dark Knight’s classic arch-foe. Keeping that in mind, this dark new Joker might actually be paying off a DC legend first heard years ago.
10 Years Ago, We Learned About “The Pale Man Of Gotham.”
During 2015’s Batman: Endgame storyline, Scott Snyder introduced the idea of the “Pale Man of Gotham.” Essentially, this legend suggested that Joker had existed for centuries, terrorizing Gotham across multiple eras as an ancient and supernaturally evil being who could not be killed.
In truth, it was eventually revealed that the Joker himself created the Pale Man legend as a major hoax, seeking to mess with the heads of Batman and his allies as a major psychological attack. Using planted evidence, false memories, manipulated records, and exposure to dionesium, Joker portrayed himself as an immortal figure not unlike Vandal Savage or Ra’s al Ghul.
While it was a fascinating potential origin for The Clown Prince of Crime, Batman eventually discovered the truth. That said, Snyder may have just debuted a genuine “Pale Man/Joker” over a decade later.
Theory: Batman’s Absolute Joker Could Very Well Be The REAL Pale Man Of Gotham
Keeping the above in mind, DC’s Absolute Universe has debuted its new Joker, and he’s radically different from the mainline Clown Prince of Crime.
Jack Grimm V is no mere criminal wearing makeup, but instead a centuries-old billionaire who has profited from humanity’s suffering across generations, playing both sides and thriving on the chaos. However, that’s only part of what makes Absolute Joker so terrifying.
Seemingly connected to his dark means of longevity, it’s been revealed that Grimm can become an eldritch nightmare, complete with horns, multiple rows of fangs, and inhuman proportions, presumably a mixture of dark science and/or supernatural means via a demonic pact of some kind.
As such, the original Pale Man legend suddenly feels prophetic in the face of the new Absolute Joker. What was once a hoax could now be the horrifically literal truth in this alternate DC universe created by Darkseid. The parallels are easy to spot and were likely intentional on Scott Snyder’s part.
As a result, we may finally have a real Pale Man serving as The Dark Knight’s ultimate nemesis, and it’s going to be fascinating to see the two finally confront each other outright as Absolute Batman continues.
Absolute Batman #15 is on sale now from DC Comics.
- Created By
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Bill Finger, Bob Kane, Jerry Robinson
- First Appearance
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Batman (1940)
- Alias
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Red Hood, Clown Prince of Crime, Ace of Knaves
- RELATIONSHIPS
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Batman (archenemy), Harley Quinn (former psychiatrist, on-and-off girlfriend), Penguin (frequent collaborator), Two-Face (frequent collaborator)
- Alliance
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Injustice League, Legion of Doom, Injustice Gang
