10 Classic Batman Villains Who Need Reimaginings in the Absolute Universe

DC Comics recently released a new limited line titled Absolute Universe. It’s a self-contained universe that creates new opportunities for origin stories and twisted takes on fan-favorite heroes and villains. The first hero to get a new origin story was Batman. This young hero is very different from the one fans are familiar with – he’s inexperienced and young and doesn’t have access to the Wayne fortune. With Batman’s new take, fans wonder which villains will grace his series and how they’ll be different.

Dozens of villains deserve a good reimagining in Absolute Universe and only so much time to work with. The good news is that some favorites have already been teased, though there are still questions about what has changed in their lives.

10 Punchline’s Origin Story Could Be Terrifying

Imagine Punchline With More Ambition

First appearance in Batman #89 (2020) Her real name is Alexis Kaye Leader of Gotham’s Royal Flush Gang

Punchline is one of the newest Batman villains, appearing only four years ago. Yet she’s already successfully left her mark on the hero and Gotham. She’s talented at hand-to-hand combat and, much like similarly themed villains, has an affinity and potential protection from certain toxins. She first appears at the side of the Joker during the Joker War arc. Right from the start, Punchline was intent on causing havoc and damage alongside the infamous villain. Now, she runs the Royal Flush Gang, a group of criminals themed around playing cards.

While Punchline is a newer villain, she deserves a new origin story complete with background changes. Punchline would be an interesting new threat to Batman. However, changes to her character could help to up the ante, proving that she’s a villain in her own right, regardless of who she does or doesn’t choose to work with.

9 The Penguin’s Latest Business Venture Could Turn Allies Into Enemies

The Penguin is Primed for a New Partnership with Killer Croc

First appeared in Detective Comics #58 (1941) His real name is Oswald Chesterfield Cobblepot Known criminal, fixer of problems, and stock trader

Oswald Cobblepot, The Penguin, is an infamous villain with deep roots in Gotham’s underworld. He’s known for getting access to what he wants/needs, leading organizations, and fixing problems. In other words, he’s a talented villain who usually tries to stay under the radar. Not that he always succeeds, given his numerous battles with Batman. The Penguin is the personification of a classic Batman villain,surrounded by wealth and all his henchmen.

The Penguin is one of several villains who have already been mentioned in Absolute Batman. In Absolute Batman #1, Bruce Wayne is reminded of a weekly poker night. This doesn’t sound all that strange until the names of the other players come up – Eddie, Harvey, Oz, Selina, and Waylon. Oz clearly refers to Oswald, meaning the Penguin already exists in this universe – and his alter-ego is friendly with Bruce. Worse, he seems primed for a team-up with Waylon, aka Killer Croc.

8 The Riddler Is Always Up to Something Sneaky

It’s Always Safer to Assume the Ridder Has Alternate Motives

First appearance in Detective Comics #140 (1948) His real name is Edward Nygma Always loves a good riddle, even when nobody wants to hear it

Nobody loves a good puzzle or riddle more than Edward Nygma. His villain name is The Riddler, and with good reason. He loves creating complicated (usually lethal) puzzles for the hero to work through. The Riddler enjoys out-thinking everyone around him but enjoys the challenge of battling the likes of Batman if their frequent clashes are anything to go by.

The Riddler has always been a unique problem for Batman, as frequently his riddles come with high stakes and a significant time crunch. A hero with limited resources may struggle to get things done as quickly. It’s worth noting that the Riddler is another villain mentioned in Absolute Batman #1, implying he’s one of the people attending weekly poker games. It’s uncertain what this means for the villain other than proving his existence in the Absolute Universe.

Batman Usually Has More Resources When Facing Off Against Scarecrow

First appeared in World’s Finest #3 (1941) His real name is Jonathan Crane Was experimented on as a child, now he experiments on others

Jonathan Crane is one of many villains with a tragic backstory. When he was younger, he was experimented on, forcing him to grow up in fear. Crane grew to embrace this fear, casting it outward onto the world around him. Over time, this developed into the villain known as The Scarecrow. He uses a hallucinogenic fear toxin to bring out fear in others, causing chaos at best and pure disaster at worst.

Every version of the Scarecrow has established a clear threat to Batman. In multiple instances, the hero had to lean on the resourcefulness of others to create an anti-toxin in time. Without that assistance, this newer and younger version of Batman may be in danger. Only time will tell, especially as readers have yet to learn what changes The Scarecrow will receive for his appearance in the Absolute Universe.

6 The New Batman Isn’t Prepared for Ra’s Al Ghul

Ra’s al Ghul is One of Batman’s Most Cunning Villains

First appeared in Batman #232 (1971) Leader of the League of Assassins Has access to the Lazarus Pit

Ra’s al Ghul is an intelligent villain with a long and complicated history with Batman. Most versions portray him as wealthy, determined, and the leader of the League of Assassins. With access to the Lazarus Pit, Ra’s al Ghul has effectively made himself immortal, and thus a thorn in the side of many heroes, especially Batman. The ties between Batman and Ra’s al Ghul go deeper and become quite personal. Ra’s al Ghul is Talia al Ghul’s father and Damian Wayne’s grandfather.

What makes Ra’s al Ghul a unique antagonist to Batman isn’t just that he’s trying to beat the hero—he wants to convert him. In more than one instance, Ra’s has tried to force Bruce Wayne to take up the mantle as ruler of the League of Assassins. What would happen if this same offer were made to the newer Batman? Would he resist or take the opportunity to learn and gain resources?

5 There is Limitless Potential in the Batman Who Laughs

The Batman Who Laughs Could Be More Terrifying Than Ever

First appeared in Dark Nights: Metal Bruce Wayne from Earth -22 This version successfully killed the Joker, which turned out to be his curse

The Batman Who Laughs is traditionally a hero-turned-villain who originates from another universe (Earth -22). He started out as Batman, but successfully killing the Joker changed the man for good. That’s not just a symbolic statement, as the Joker had left a trap in his heart, which released a toxin that deeply affected Batman. This put him on the path to becoming the Batman Who Laughs.

This villain first appeared in Dark Nights: Metal, where The Batman Who Laughs caused all sorts of merry mayhem and danger to the heroes. While this villain does traditionally originate from another universe, it would be fascinating to see how creators would alter his story to fit him into the Absolute Universe. Likewise, pitting such a chaotic force against a younger hero would have unpredictable outcomes.

4 Mr. Freeze Will Stop at Nothing

Victor Freeze Always Has a Goal

First appeared in Batman #121 (1959) His real name is Victor Fries Traditionally, he is trying to protect and save Nora

No matter how drastically his origin story changes, Mr. Freeze is a terrifying fan favorite. His character has survived many reboots and alterations, yet a few key facts have stayed consistent. For one thing, Mr. Freeze’s story is one of tragedy, loss, and love. This makes his character more complex and sympathetic than many others, even while he’s making relentless and brutal moves forward.

If Mr. Freeze were to appear in the Absolute Universe, things likely would not go well for the inexperienced Batman. While the younger hero has already proven his ability to fight and plan ahead, he doesn’t have years of experience to help him against the more dangerous villains lurking in the shadows. However, seeing a less morally conflicted version of Batman face off against any version of Mr. Freeze would be interesting.

3 Bane is One of Batman’s Most Dangerous Enemies

Bane Succeeded Where Many Others Failed

First appeared in Batman: Vengeance of Bane #1 (1993) Born and raised in a prison in the Caribbean islands Superhuman strength, durability, and skilled fighter

Bane is, without a doubt, one of the most iconic Batman villains of all time. Thanks to his access to Venom toxin, he’s a villain of incredible strength. However, he’s more than a brute, as he’s perfectly capable of plotting and leading a revolution when the occasion calls for it. Bane’s presence in DC Comics led to one of the most memorable Batman fights of all time, in which Bane beat Batman and broke his back in the process.

Over the years, Bane has received a few reboots and alterations to his character. However, he deserves a whole new origin story in Absolute Universe. Bane’s potential in this new universe is limitless. He could become a bigger threat or transform into an antihero, depending on the circumstances. No matter how Bane enters the fray, one thing is certain: he’ll likely wind up fighting the new Batman.

2 Villains Such as Two-Face Are Poised to Strike

Two-Face is Already Close to the Young Hero

First appeared in Detective Comics #66 (1942) His real name is Harvey Dent Originally a District Attorney, he grew corrupt

Harvey Dent is a tragic yet iconic character in Batman’s stories. He started on the side of good before eventually falling into corruption. Now, Harvey is more commonly known as Two-Face, a villain who arguably knows the laws better than anyone else. Worse, he loves playing with a twisted version of chance, credit to a coin toss.

There’s no denying that Two-Face has always found a way to challenge Batman, regardless of how their stories have changed. The same would be true in the Absolute Universe. As with Edward Nygma and Oswald Cobblepot, Harvey Dent has already been confirmed in this universe. So far, his cameo hasn’t mentioned anything about his villainous side, but given how his story starts, this feels like an ominous inclusion in the series. Will the young hero soon see a friend fall to the opposing side?

1 The Joker Always Finds His Way Into Batman’s Life

Absolute Batman Has Already Teased This Villain

First appeared in Batman #1 (1940) His real name and origin are unknown, though there are theories Enjoys using toxic laughing gas and other weapons to cause havoc

The man known as the Joker has created some of DC Comics’ most enduring moments, from The Killing Joke to The Joker War. This villain is thoroughly obsessed with Batman, and it’s safe to say the obsession goes both ways. The Joker consistently finds his way under Batman’s skin, and he doesn’t care who he hurts in the way. Thus, The Joker frequently makes himself the most dangerous threat to Gotham City and Batman.

The Joker is a dangerous villain, partly because one can never trust his words. His origins are shrouded in myths and lies. The same could hold true for the Absolute Universe version. The Joker has already been teased in Absolute Batman. However, the changes in his story aren’t fully known yet. All readers know is that the nickname seems ironic because he’s not known for his humor – but for his lack of laughter.