Absolute Batman writer Scott Snyder pulled back the curtain more about the design input for the Absolute versions of Penguin and Two-Face.
In an exchange with AIPT, Snyder teased how there is more to the villains’ looks beyond the initial images.
“These are two of my favorites. Penguin still has some surprises to them. We haven’t revealed yet, different crutches, more style, and jewelry and such.”
Scott Snyder on Absolute Penguin
In another presentation at MegaCon, Snyder said that this is far from the Penguin’s final look. Depending on the story or situation, he will evolve and add to his outfits.
“The fun thing about that is those are Nick’s two favorite designs actually. He did them really early in the run, and he’s been waiting to get to them. Penguin’s design is going to evolve. That’s kind of the way he looks with no gear. He’s going to beef up everything he has. The crutches, they’re going to be like gold with the guns, and they have all kinds of gadgets and the umbrella stuff and everything. And he’s going to have rings and all of this, like he wants to prove he’s not just a small guy. That he’s big time. He’s going to become flashier and flashier.”
The crutches make sense since he was an able-bodied man when we first met him at the beginning of the series. However, an extremely traumatic encounter with Bane changed all of that. Absolute Batman #12 depicted Bane beating Oswald literally every inch of his body- breaking all of his bones in the process. This left him permanently disfigured, hence the need for his crutches.
However, eagle-eyed readers may notice that the Penguin’s crutches are also machine guns. The concept art also seems to point to the crutches having extendable spider-legs. This will make the Penguin a more physically formidable villain for Batman.
Absolute Two-Face’s Hair and Coin
For Two-Face, fans will definitely recognize the inspiration from Two-Face’s look in Batman: The Animated Series. The teal face, white, hair, and black and white suit combo is very reminiscent of the villain’s cartoon outfit. The biggest differences are that Harvey seems to carry a poker chip- not a silver dollar coin- and his long white hair.
Snyder says that the flowing white locks will be used as a visual metaphor for the character’s current thoughts.
“And Harvey, what I love about him is he evokes the animated series version, which is one of my very favorite designs ever, but he’s also very much ours. [Series artist Nick [Dragotta] came up with the long hair both to mimic an antique judge, and so he can use it to hide the side of his face that’s not in control.”
The poker chip has already been seen in Absolute Batman. Since Harvey and Oswald started out as friends of Bruce Wayne, we’ve seen them playing poker. The poker chip seems to be a symbol of Harvey’s feelings of betrayal towards Bruce for not protecting him from Bane.
All in all, we can’t wait for these two to debut soon! Absolute Batman #21 hits comic book shops on June 10th.
Source: AIPTcomics.com
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