The latest issue of Absolute Batman pays homage to a scene from The Dark Knight featuring Batman and Heath Ledger’s Joker. The chapter also marked a major turning point as two long-time enemies come face-to-face for the first time in this universe.
How Absolute Batman pays homage to Heath Ledger’s performance in The Dark Knight
DC Comics has delivered one of the biggest moments in its new Absolute Universe. The long-awaited first meeting between Absolute Batman and Absolute Joker finally happened in Absolute Batman #21. This very first meeting subtly references the climactic scene from Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight. In that scene, Batman saves Joker from falling off a building.
Near the end of Absolute Batman #21, Jack Grimm V, also known as the Absolute Joker in this universe, confronts Bruce Wayne on top of an under-construction skyscraper. Instead of attacking, Grimm calmly introduces himself. However, Bruce immediately recognizes him and tries to fight, but Grimm effortlessly stops the punch mid-air.
Still overcome with anger, Bruce yells that he knows what Grimm really is. In response, Grimm smiles. He then tells Bruce that he played a role in shaping his destiny and claims that Batman was originally meant to be a side project—a footnote. But over the years, he has come to “love” Batman and “can’t imagine a life” without him anymore. Grimm then slowly reveals his terrifying demonic form as his face transforms into something completely inhuman.
At the sight of the transformation, Bruce gets genuinely terrified and nearly falls to his death. However, Joker saves him. He explains that the story is far from over and says that only he has the right to end Batman’s life.
Many fans have noticed that the scene strongly resembles the ending of The Dark Knight. While Batman saves Joker in the film, the roles are reversed in the latest issue. Furthermore, Grimm’s dialogue also echoes Ledger’s famous line that Batman and Joker are destined to continue their battle forever.
Originally reported by Harsha Panduranga on SuperHeroHype.
