DC Comics’ latest release, Absolute Batman, has captured significant attention and acclaim in the comic book world. This reinterpretation of the iconic character showcases Bruce Wayne as a skilled engineer navigating Gotham City without his usual wealth or the support of his Bat-Family allies. The popularity of Absolute Batman is underscored by its repeated sell-outs and astonishing five reprints, marking it as a true phenomenon in the industry.
Recently, acclaimed writer for the UK children’s comic The Beano, Ned Hartley, announced an upcoming issue featuring a humorous take on this trend: ‘Absolute Bananaman’. This comedic twist on the DC series presents an over-the-top parody of the new Batman lore.
In the Beano this week meet… Absolute Bananaman!
— Ned Hartley (@nedhartley.com) 2025-04-02T06:35:25.450Z
The Beano, a beloved comic since 1938, features a mix of characters including Dennis the Menace and the Bash Street Kids. Bananaman, who originally appeared in publications like The Dandy and Nutty, is an endearing parody of superhero tales, gaining his powers by consuming bananas which endow him with “the muscles of 20 big men and the brains of 20 mussels.”
Bananaman’s ‘Absolute Batman’ Parody Highlights DC’s Influence
Children Quickly Recognize DC’s New Dark Knight
The emergence of Bananaman as a parody of Absolute Batman illustrates the tremendous impact this new comic has had on popular culture. First released in October 2024, fans have rapidly adapted to this fresh iteration of the Dark Knight, masterminded by Scott Snyder and Nick Dragotta. It is a testament to the originality of Absolute Batman that it has garnered enough recognition among audiences for parodists to creatively reference it in a lighthearted manner.
A notable aspect contributing to this rapid recognition is the reimagined physique of the new Batman. This version emphasizes Bruce as a heavily muscled superhero, equipped with rigorous fighting skills developed without his traditional arsenal of gadgets and resources. As polarizing as this choice might be among die-hard fans, it undeniably provides Absolute Batman with an unmistakable visual identity that enhances its appeal and makes it ripe for parody. As a result, ‘Absolute Bananaman’ features a similarly exaggerated muscularity alongside his quirky arsenal of bananas.
Set in a distinct reality crafted by the arch-villain Darkseid, Absolute Batman resides in a world where evil dominates, making heroism a perpetual struggle.
While The Beano might not be widely recognized in the US, it signifies how far-reaching the influence of Absolute Batman has become. The new design and premise are becoming familiar to anyone with even a casual interest in superhero lore. The playful premise of a Bananaman parody serves not only as entertainment but also as evidence of DC’s significant achievement with Absolute Batman.
Absolute Batman is currently available at retailers through DC Comics.
For further insights, visit Ned Hartley’s post.