DC Comics is set to unleash another Absolute Batman special, and it promises to be one of the bloodiest affairs to ever grace Ark-M.
During the recent DC Absolute Universe panel at San Diego Comic-Con this past weekend, attendees got their first look at the upcoming Absolute Batman: Beyond Ark-M Special from writers Scott Snyder and Frank Tieri and artist Francesco Francavilla. Attendees got to see a pair of covers for the issue showcasing Absolute Batman mainstays such as the monstrous Joker and newcomers including a terrifying new version of Professor Pyg.
Absolute Batman: Beyond Ark-M Special #1
- Written by SCOTT SNYDER & FRANK TIERI
- Art by FRANCESCO FRANCAVILLA
- Main cover art by FRANCESCO FRANCAVILLA
From the panel, fans learned that the upcoming Absolute Batman: Beyond Ark-M Special one-shot will give readers a look at the Absolute Professor Pyg’s personal journey. Rather than becoming a mere costumed serial killer, this Professor Pyg found a home for himself within the Joker’s sprawling organization, eventually carrying out grotesque experiments in the various Arks which preceded Ark-M.
This falls in line with statements Snyder made at MegaCon Orlando back in May, during which he opined, “I’m sure we could do an Absolute Joker thing at some point. We really want to do a sequel to Ark-M. The Joker has Ark-M, [and] the whole idea is that this is the last one he built. It’s a final one, but he’s had them. He has A, B, C, D, all over the world because he thinks it’s funny to end on Arkham and call it Ark-M because he killed Arkham, right?”
The first Absolute Batman: Ark M one-shot special charted the origins of the Absolute Universe’s Arkham Asylum, which was founded under the best of intentions before being twisted into something completely unrecognizable. Rather than serving as an institute for those with exceptionally unique criminal proclivities, the Ark M of the modern Absolute Universe is another clandestine detention center where the Joker oversees inhumane experiments that have given rise to the likes of Bane.
What’s Next for the Absolute Universe After Beyond Ark M?
Presumably, the events of the Absolute Batman: Beyond Ark M special will provide some key insight into the inner workings of the Joker’s operations, no matter how unsettling they might be. With any luck, that same insight will prove useful to the heroes of the Absolute Universe as they prepare to head into the fan-favorite comic book line’s very first major crossover event.
Snyder previously confirmed that it will be the Absolute Martian Manhunter who “helps bring everybody together” for the crossover. Snyder went on to explain, “It’s gonna be [Absolute Superman writer] Jason [Aaron] who’s writing the actual thing, but we’re all plotting it together. So Deniz [Camp] is there, we’re all in the room making it together. So it’s really fun in that regard. It’s like a big team effort. So Deniz is there, you know, telling his side of what Martian Manhunter will do.”
Absolute Batman: Beyond Ark-M Special #1 from DC Comics is expected to arrive in stores in late 2026.
- First Film
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Batman: The Movie
- Cast
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Adam West, Kevin Conroy, Christian Bale, Robert Pattinson, Ben Affleck, Michael Keaton, Keanu Reeves, Josh Hutcherson, Will Friedle, Anson Mount, Will Arnett
- Created by
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Bill Finger, Bob Kane
- Upcoming Films
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The Batman – Part II
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