It’s no stretch to say that one of the reasons DC’s Absolute Universe line has resonated with such a wide audience is that these books draw a lot of inspiration from the world of manga. That’s especially true for Absolute Batman, a series that reimagines Bruce Wayne as a hulking terrorist in a Gotham City ruled by wealthy elite like the Joker. Never has that manga influence been more apparent than in Absolute Batman #18, a book that pays direct homage to Tatsuki Fujimoto’s Chainsaw Man.
For proof, look no further than artists Clay and Seth Mann’s wraparound cover to Absolute Batman #18:
For reference, here’s the cover to the Chainsaw Man Vol. 1 manga collection:
From Batman dual-wielding chainsaws on his arms to the green and red backdrop color, it’s clear DC isn’t trying to hide the Chainsaw Man influence here. And there are obvious comparisons to be drawn between Absolute Bruce Wayne, a blue collar everyman who becomes a terrifying vigilante force of nature by night, and Chainsaw Man’s transforming protagonist Denji.
Nor is this homage confined just to the cover art. Batman does indeed wield two chainsaws on his arms as he battles Poison Ivy in this issue. And as you can see from the art below, Ivy herself has a decidedly manga-esque vibe in this twisted universe:
Chainsaw Man isn’t the only manga that has clearly influenced Absolute Batman. Many fans have pointed out the similarities between the series and Kentaro Miura’s Berserk, particularly during the series’ second arc, “Abomination,” which pits Batman against a terrifying version of Bane.
What are your thoughts on this Chainsaw Man homage? Do you think Absolute Batman should continue to lean into its manga influences? Let us know in the comments below.
