The absolute DC Comics version of Clown may have a shocking connection to Arkham Asylum in the fledgling continuity, further redefining the legendary villain in sharp contrast to the Clown Prince of Crime readers recognize. With a subtle revelation, Absolute Batman turns one of the oldest criticisms of Batman stories on its head, instead applying it to one of his greatest villains, while also giving the Asylum a new and terrifying purpose.
Absolute Batman #3 – written by Scott Snyder, with art by Nick Draggotta – reveals details about the "Ark-M Fund”, which Bruce Wayne discovered in the previous issue. Ark-M is revealed to be a large secret prison to be built in Gotham City.
When Bruce asked Harvey Dent to look into the matter, it was revealed that the fund was being paid by a company called JK Holdings, which specialized in building private prisons. With the name “Ark-M”, it is clear that this is Arkham Asylum from the Absolute Universe, and JK is a clear reference to the Joker.
In DC's absolute new canon, the Joker doesn't just rule Arkham Asylum - he runs it
Absolute Batman #3 – Written by Scott Snyder; Art by Nick Draggotta; Color by Frank Martin; Clayton Cowles lyrics
Although there is no concrete evidence, it is reasonable to assume that JK Holdings is owned by the Absolute Universe's version of the Joker. Joker has already established himself as a billionaire in the Absolute Universe, which gives him the resources to own JK Holdings. Furthermore, his appearance at the end of Absolute Batman #1 showed him visiting an Ark-M-like facility in Manila. “JK,” of course, is often an abbreviation for “just kidding,” making the connection apparent, though this Joker is decidedly less funny than other iterations of the character.
The Joker's new billionaire status also contributes to the tone of the Absolute Universe. Darkseid created the Absolute Universe as a place where evil has the upper hand while good is constantly up against the ropes. Turning the Joker into a billionaire, while getting rid of Batman's wealth, perfectly illustrates this aspect of the Absolute Universe, giving the villain enough resources to be untouchable, while Batman is forced to fight from the bottom of society. Giving the Joker his own private prison helps show the disparity between the two, as well as their different natures.
Arkham Asylum always created supervillains by accident – now it does so intentionally
Absolute Batman Continues to subvert expectations
Arkham Asylum has always had a reputation for being a villain factory. The institution has historically been of little help to its patients since it was introduced in 1974. It has even gotten to the point where Arkham creates more supervillains than it contains, including characters like Harley Quinn and the Great White Shark; In some continuities, Arkham plays a direct role in Jonathan Crane's transformation into the Scarecrow. Absolute Batman recognizes this fact, but turns it completely upside down; Now, Joker is apparently using his "black website" facilities for intentionally creating supervillains.
The Joker may very well be responsible for the eventual emergence of costumed supervillains in Absolute Batman.
Assuming the Joker is running the Ark-M, now reimagined as a private prison, then the facility becomes his greatest weapon, allowing him to create villain after villain to send to Batman. With his wealth, skills and resources in the Absolute Universe, Joker is uniquely equipped to finance a new type of criminal in Gotham. In fact, the Joker may very well be responsible for the eventual emergence of costumed supervillains in Absolute Batmanusing Ark-M to make Gotham's worst individuals even worse, rather than trying to rehabilitate them.
The Joker is still the “absolute” worst of Batman's villains, but in a whole new way
A new angle on a classic dynamic
This new twist on Arkham, as established in Absolute Batman #3 also addresses a common criticism of Batman: that he creates his own villains. The argument is that Batman's actions inspire others to take up arms against him, leading to an endless series of conflicts because Batman and his enemies are trapped in an endless cycle. Escalation – which, according to this argument, Batman invites to Gotham – creates his iconic enemies and therefore no positive change can be achieved. Absolute Batman makes this an active force that Batman must work against.
While only time will tell what the future holds, Ark-M promises something dark to come. Absolute Batman.
The Absolute Universe has the chance to turn this argument on its head, establishing a world where the Joker – due to funding from Ark-M – creates the villains that Batman will have to face. They then become the product of an apathetic society and a broken justice system, which the Joker only worsens in the Absolute Universe by financing much of the broken system. It creates a new commentary on the inherent escalation of Batman's activities in Gotham City, regardless of continuity.
The Joker may have been given Arkham Asylum in the pages of Absolute Batmanand Ark-M could become its greatest weapon. With this, he will essentially have the keys to the conditions that create Batman's villains, before sending them to Gotham. While only time will tell what the future holds, Ark-M promises something dark to come. Absolute Batman. Longtime Batman Fans vs. Clown rivalry should check out the new series now, as a unique take on their perennial conflict is being established in the book's first few issues.
Absolute Batman #3 is now available from DC Comics.