Batman’s True Opposite ISN’T Joker, & This Chilling New Art Proves It

In the vast landscape of the DC Universe, Joker and even Superman have often been cast as Batman’s antitheses. Yet, the unveiling of a variant cover for DC’s highly anticipated summer event, Absolute Power, has shed light on who the true counterpart to the Dark Knight might be—Amanda Waller.

Arriving on July 24, 2024, Absolute Power: Origins #1 by John Ridley and Alitha Martinez offers a glimpse into Amanda Waller’s deep-seated vendetta against metahumans and the events that propelled her onto her current path in Absolute Power. This issue is poised to provide much-needed depth to Waller’s character.

ABSOLUTE POWER: ORIGINS #1 (2024)
Release Date:	July 24, 2024
Writers:	John Ridley
Artists:	Alitha Martinez
Cover Artist:	Irvin Rodriguez
Variant Covers:	Dave Wilkins, Alitha Martinez, and Danny Miki
Amanda Waller has been the driving force behind Absolute Power and has long had a serious axe to grind against metahumans. Find out what has led her to this place in a tale of how Waller suffered a catastrophic loss, and how she forged her powerlessness into a path to vengeance, fueled by two words that changed her life, and the lives of everyone in the DC Universe: NEVER AGAIN.

However, thanks to Dave Wilkins’ variant cover for the issue, intriguing revelations have surfaced regarding Batman as well. The juxtaposition of the Dark Knight and Waller in the artwork suggests that they are each other’s true opposites, a notion that gains traction upon closer examination of their respective character arcs.

Variant Cover Art for Absolute Power: Origins Proves Amanda Waller is Batman’s TRUE Villain Opposite

Upon delving into the individual personas of Batman and Waller, it becomes apparent that they are two sides of the same coin. Both figures are renowned for their meticulous contingency planning and strategic foresight within the DC Universe, placing significant emphasis on preparation and gathering intelligence to outmaneuver their adversaries. Furthermore, they command a considerable degree of respect or fear, depending on who their audience is. Thus, it is the juxtaposition of these shared traits alongside their markedly divergent moral compasses that solidifies them as true opposites of each other.

The visual representation of how Bruce and Waller are two opposing forces despite their similarities is strikingly portrayed in Wilkins’ variant cover art. Split down the middle, one side features Batman’s visage, while the other showcases Waller’s. This contrast is emphasized by Batman’s cool-toned color palette juxtaposed with Waller’s warm tones, creating a visually distinct effect. Behind each character, monitors display them monitoring each other, underscoring their constant vigilance and strategic awareness. Wilkins adeptly captures the essence of these two iconic figures, illustrating their similarities and differences with precision.

Will Amanda Waller’s Absolute Power: Origins Story Be a Reflection of Snyder’s Batman v Superman?

The synopsis for Absolute Power: Origins #1 hints at the origin of Waller’s vendetta against metahumans, suggesting it stems from a profound loss that led her to view powered individuals as imminent threats needing preemptive handling to prevent further tragedy. For fans of Batman v Superman, this narrative may evoke déjà vu, echoing Bruce’s motivation to eliminate Clark in the Snyder film. If DC is indeed aligning Amanda Waller’s backstory with this theme, it seemingly adds another layer of similarity between her and Batman.

Absolute Power: Origins #1 will be released on July 24, 2024, from DC Comics!