Batman Legend Urges DC to Adapt His Story in an Unexpected Medium
Absolute Batman artist Nick Dragotta says he wants DC to adapt the hit Snyder-Dragotta series into an unexpected medium. Launched in October 2024, the book is 13 issues deep with Absolute Batman #14 on the way.
File this under: things that would absolutely rule. Nick Dragotta, the artist behind DC's Absolute Batman, says he would love to see the book adapted into anime. No hint that it is happening, but he is not shy about where he would take it if it did.
Quick refresher: what is Absolute Batman?
Scott Snyder writes it, Nick Dragotta draws it, and it launched back in October 2024 as its own continuity. This Bruce Wayne is 24, a blue-collar civil engineer by day, and a Batman who lives in a world where the villains are even larger and nastier than usual. It has been a hit — 13 issues are out so far, with issue 14 due next month.
So, adaptation talk?
During a League of Comic Geeks AMA, someone asked Snyder and Dragotta if they had spoken with James Gunn about turning Absolute Batman into anything beyond comics — movies, animation, toys, the whole thing. Dragotta said he is not aware of any plans right now, but he did point fans toward some early merch teases and pitched his dream version if this ever does move.
"Check out the Inart and LPZZ toys debut at Wonderfest in Shanghai for a taste of things to come. I am not in the know, but I know DC makes and licenses quality stuff, so I am excited to see what comes. Personally, I would love to see a Studio Trigger anime of Ab Bat."
Studio Trigger tackling a 24-year-old, hard-hat Bruce against monster-sized rogues? That writes itself.
Where things stand in the book
- Batman has already clashed with this universe's Bane and Killer Croc — both scaled up into true nightmares.
- Absolute Batman #14 lands next month.
- Absolute Batman #15 arrives in December, and Bruce is set to face a Joker who is basically Kaiju-sized.
- Worth noting: #15 features Scott Snyder reuniting with artist Jock — a cool twist given Dragotta is the series artist so far.
"SCOTT SNYDER REUNITES WITH LEGENDARY ARTIST JOCK! Alfred reveals to Bruce the story of the man he is been chasing for years. Enter: Joker! Scott Snyder and Jock reunite for an epic tale in the Absolute Universe!"
If you are keeping score: no adaptation is in motion that anyone is admitting to, merch is quietly bubbling (Inart and LPZZ toys previewed at Wonderfest in Shanghai), and the comic itself is lining up a Snyder/Jock tag-team issue with a giant Joker. And yes, Dragotta is openly campaigning for the Studio Trigger version. I cannot blame him.
First reported by Brandon Schreur at SuperHeroHype.