Joker's Batcave Officially Revealed, And 1 Detail Will Shock Fans

2 weeks ago 15

Published May 11, 2026, 11:53 AM EDT

TJ Mills is an editor on ScreenRant's Comic team, where she combines her lifelong passion for DC with her analytical background as a former Intelligence Analyst. Since joining ScreenRant in 2023, she has specialized in covering major DC storylines, character evolutions, and industry developments.

The Joker has officially claimed the Batcave, and we mean that literally. This new secret base isn't just a generic, Joker-themed headquarters. Instead, it's the Batcave of the Absolute Universe, marking the latest twist as DC Comics continues to invert the roles of Batman and the Clown Prince of Crime in the comic publisher’s best-selling Absolute Batman series. However, one key detail about the newly debuted Absolute Batcave may leave fans scratching their heads.

DC has officially released the five-page preview for Absolute Batman #20, the upcoming May 13, 2026, issue from Scott Snyder, Nick Dragotta, and Frank Martin. The official synopsis teases: “As the dust settles in the city of Gotham after the loss of [redacted], Robins enter the scene ready to hunt, and more than one secret will be revealed in this seminal issue.”

Fans who have been following the series already know who this “tragic loss” is referring to. As a result, when it comes to the revelations in the preview, the most notable moment is the first look at Jack “Joker” Grimm’s Batcave. In this Darkseid-created Absolute Universe, it is Joker who lives as a billionaire in his family manor and uses a repurposed Batcave as his secret base of operations.

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Comic Pages Come from Scott Snyder's Absolute Batman #20 (2026) - Art by Nick Dragotta

As a quick recap of the Absolute Batman series, and more specifically the backgrounds of Bruce Wayne and Jack “Joker” Grimm, Bruce in this universe is a working-class engineer and construction worker, while Joker is a multi-billionaire. This reversal reflects the core theme of the Absolute Universe titles, which strip DC’s heroes of their advantages in the main continuity while shifting power toward the villains.

Thus far, the narrative has presented Jack Grimm as a warped, evil reflection of the main universe’s Bruce Wayne. Jack lives in his family’s legacy manor, has a loyal butler, serves as the adoptive parent of the Robins, and, with Absolute Batman #20, it is now confirmed that he also has his own version of the Batcave.

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Calling it an exact replica is not much of an exaggeration, as there are several striking similarities between Absolute Joker’s Batcave and the one used by the main universe’s Batman. The similarities begin with the entrance, which features the iconic grandfather clock. Even the hand placement on the clock is identical, set to 10:47.

This detail is particularly unusual because, in the main DC Universe, Bruce Wayne set the clock to commemorate the moment his parents, Thomas Wayne and Martha Wayne, were murdered in Crime Alley. That moment has long symbolized the tragedy that gave rise to Batman, making its appearance in the Joker’s Batcave especially puzzling.

absolute batman 20 cover showing the robins in their mechs-1

The strange parallels don't end there. The preview also provides an interior look at the lair, which is arranged almost exactly like the main-universe Batcave. It even features some of Batman’s most recognizable trophies, including the giant dinosaur and the oversized penny.

Naturally, this raises several questions. How did Joker obtain these trophies, and what significance do they hold for him? Readers should remember that in the Absolute Universe, Grimm Manor actually belongs to Joker and was never commandeered from Batman, since Bruce is a middle-class worker who has never even set foot in the estate. Because of this, it will be especially interesting to see how DC eventually explains the eerie similarities between Absolute Joker’s Batcave and the one used by mainstream Batman.

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⚔️Wonder WomanReforged

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DC’s Absolute Universe is a new line of comics launched in late 2024 that reimagines iconic DC heroes in a world without the legacy advantages they traditionally have. Which DC event/storyline set up the creation of the Absolute Universe?

ADark Crisis BInfinite Frontier CDarkseid’s rewriting of the DC Multiverse in the current continuity DFlashpoint Beyond

✓ Correct! The Absolute Universe was born from Darkseid rewriting reality in the current DC continuity. This cosmic act of villainy created a parallel world where DC’s greatest heroes exist without the advantages and support systems they traditionally rely on.

✗ That answer didn’t make it through the Absolute reboot! The answer is Darkseid’s rewriting of the DC Multiverse. While Dark Crisis, Infinite Frontier, and Flashpoint Beyond are all significant DC events, it was Darkseid’s manipulation of reality that gave birth to the Absolute Universe.

In Absolute Superman, Kal-El’s origin is dramatically different from the main universe. Instead of being raised by the Kents in Smallville, how does Absolute Superman grow up?

AHe is raised by the government BHe grows up on Krypton CHe is raised in an immigrant community with no wealth or privilege DHe is raised by Lex Luthor

✓ Correct! In the Absolute Universe, Kal-El lands not with the Kents but in an immigrant community, growing up without wealth or privilege. This reimagining strips away Superman’s traditional support system while keeping his core values of hope and justice intact.

✗ That answer didn’t make it through the Absolute reboot! The answer is that he’s raised in an immigrant community with no wealth or privilege. The Absolute line is built on the concept of heroes without their traditional advantages, and Superman’s new upbringing reflects this perfectly.

Absolute Batman reimagines Bruce Wayne without his billionaire status. In this version, Bruce Wayne has a very different civilian occupation. What is Absolute Batman’s day job?

APolice officer BEngineer / construction worker CTeacher DJournalist

✓ Correct! In the Absolute Universe, Bruce Wayne works as an engineer and construction worker. Without the Wayne fortune or Wayne Enterprises, this Bruce builds his gear and gadgets with his own hands and working-class ingenuity, making him a truly self-made Batman.

✗ That answer didn’t make it through the Absolute reboot! The answer is engineer / construction worker. Absolute Batman strips Bruce Wayne of his billionaire status entirely. This Bruce is a massive, imposing figure who uses his engineering skills and physical labor background to craft his own Batman arsenal.

Absolute Batman’s costume and physique are dramatically different from the traditional Batman. This version of Bruce Wayne is much larger and more imposing. Who is the writer of Absolute Batman?

ATom King BJames Tynion IV CScott Snyder DChip Zdarsky

✓ Correct! Scott Snyder, who previously wrote the acclaimed New 52 Batman run, is the writer of Absolute Batman. His bold reimagining of Bruce Wayne as a working-class hero without billions has been one of the breakout hits of the Absolute Universe line.

✗ That answer didn’t make it through the Absolute reboot! The answer is Scott Snyder. Known for his legendary Batman run featuring the Court of Owls and other iconic storylines, Snyder returned to the Dark Knight with Absolute Batman, completely reinventing Bruce Wayne for this new universe.

Absolute Wonder Woman reimagines Diana in a significantly different setting. In this version, the character’s mythology and origin pull from different cultural influences. Who is the writer of Absolute Wonder Woman?

AG. Willow Wilson BKelly Thompson CBecky Cloonan DMariko Tamaki

✓ Correct! Kelly Thompson writes Absolute Wonder Woman, bringing a fresh take on Diana’s mythology and origin. This version reimagines Wonder Woman’s world with different cultural influences while maintaining the warrior spirit at the core of the character.

✗ That answer didn’t make it through the Absolute reboot! The answer is Kelly Thompson. While all four writers are acclaimed in the comics industry, it’s Thompson who helms Absolute Wonder Woman, crafting a bold new vision for Diana in the Absolute Universe.

The Absolute Universe was created as a result of Darkseid altering reality. A key difference is that in this universe, heroes don’t have the traditional advantages and support systems. What concept describes this — that these heroes exist without their usual “safety nets”?

AHeroes without legacy BHeroes without hope CHeroes without privilege DGrounded heroes

✓ Correct! “Heroes without legacy” is the core concept of the Absolute Universe. These versions of DC’s iconic characters exist without the inherited advantages, mentors, wealth, and support networks that traditionally define them — forcing them to become heroes purely on their own terms.

✗ That answer didn’t make it through the Absolute reboot! The answer is “Heroes without legacy.” The Absolute Universe is built on the idea that Darkseid stripped these heroes of their legacies — Batman has no fortune, Superman has no Kents, Wonder Woman has no Themyscira as we know it.

Absolute Flash reimagines Wally West in the Absolute Universe. In this version, the Flash’s connection to the Speed Force is portrayed differently. Who is the writer of Absolute Flash?

AJeff Lemire BJoshua Williamson CMark Waid DJeremy Adams

✓ Correct! Jeff Lemire, known for his deeply human storytelling in titles like Sweet Tooth and Animal Man, writes Absolute Flash. His take on Wally West reimagines the speedster’s relationship with the Speed Force in the context of the Absolute Universe’s stripped-down heroic landscape.

✗ That answer didn’t make it through the Absolute reboot! The answer is Jeff Lemire. While Williamson, Waid, and Adams have all written excellent Flash stories in the main continuity, it’s Lemire who brings his unique storytelling vision to Absolute Flash.

Absolute Superman is written and drawn by a critically acclaimed creator who handles both the writing and art duties on the series. Who is this creator?

AJim Lee BJason Aaron (writer) with Rafa Sandoval (art) CGrant Morrison DJorge Jiménez

✓ Correct! Absolute Superman is written by Jason Aaron with art by Rafa Sandoval. Together they’ve crafted a powerful reimagining of Kal-El, placing him in an immigrant community without the Kent family’s support, creating one of the most compelling new takes on the character in years.

✗ That answer didn’t make it through the Absolute reboot! The answer is Jason Aaron (writer) with Rafa Sandoval (art). While Jim Lee, Grant Morrison, and Jorge Jiménez are all legendary DC creators, it’s the Aaron and Sandoval team that brings Absolute Superman to life.

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Absolute Batman #20 from DC Comics is now available to read!

Created By Bill Finger, Bob Kane, Jerry Robinson

First Appearance Batman (1940)

Alias Red Hood, Clown Prince of Crime, Ace of Knaves

RELATIONSHIPS Batman (archenemy), Harley Quinn (former psychiatrist, on-and-off girlfriend), Penguin (frequent collaborator), Two-Face (frequent collaborator)

Alliance Injustice League, Legion of Doom, Injustice Gang

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