DC has just released new, first-look images of the Absolute Universe’s Joker, and they are as horrifying as they are mesmerizing. The Clown Prince of Crime fully embraces a R-rated, monstrous aesthetic, making it clear that DC is ushering in a new era for Joker, one that thrives in pure horror.
DC’s Darkseid-created Absolute Universe has dramatically reshaped the publisher’s characters, casting them in a darker, more sinister light. Even though the Joker was already exceptionally sinister in the main universe, Absolute Batman writer Scott Snyder and artist Nick Dragotta have pushed him to even more horrifying extremes.
Now, new variant covers by Jock, Ben Oliver, and Brian Bolland reveal just how far DC has taken the Joker’s design into R-rated territory, and the results are nothing short of nightmarish. Fans can view these new art drops above and below.
After 85 Years of Comic History, The Joker Debuts His Most Disturbing Look
Cover C Ben Oliver Variant for Absolute Batman #15 (2025)
In order of appearance in this article are three variant covers by Jock, Ben Oliver, and Brian Bolland for Snyder and Jock’s upcoming Absolute Batman #15, set for release on December 10. These variants tease Joker taking a more active role in the storyline, confirmed by the synopsis: “Alfred reveals to Bruce the story of the man he’s been chasing for years. Enter: Joker!”
Those following the Absolute Batman narrative know Joker technically debuted in issue #1 and has appeared several times since, including in the Absolute Evil #1 one-shot. However, in these appearances, he has been portrayed in a very human and unremarkable form. The main cover by Nick Dragotta and the variant covers hint that this is all about to change.
Gone is the unassuming, plain-looking Joker fans have seen thus far. The art for Absolute Batman #15 teases a truly monstrous form, appearing more reptilian and demonic than human. In his 85-year comic history, Joker has undergone numerous redesigns, but nothing has ever reached this extreme level of horror and grotesque transformation.
How Did Joker Become a Demonic, Reptile-Like Creature in Absolute Batman?
Cover D Brian Bolland Variant for Absolute Batman #15 (2025)
Fans may wonder how Joker will go from a plain-looking human to this monstrous creature. Snyder may have already offered a hint. In issue #6, Joker was briefly shown undergoing a mysterious medical treatment or procedure, sitting in a chair hooked up to various IVs with the bloodied bodies of babies strapped to him.
It appears Joker is performing rituals or scientific experiments on himself involving the blood of infants, likely leading to his monstrous transformation. However, readers will not know the full explanation behind this extreme change until the new form makes its in-narrative debut, leaving fans eager to see this horrifying Joker evolution unfold.
ABSOLUTE BATMAN #15 is available December 10, 2025, from DC Comics!