DC’s upcoming Absolute Batman #18 is already generating buzz online after a variant cover surfaced that unmistakably channels the look and energy of Chainsaw Man. The artwork pays direct homage to Chainsaw Man #1, recreating its bold composition with a Gotham twist.
New Absolute Batman #18 cover pays tribute to Chainsaw Man
A comparison photo circulating online places the Absolute Batman 18 variant beside Chainsaw Man #1, making the homage unmistakable. In the original manga cover by Tatsuki Fujimoto, Denji lunges forward with chainsaws protruding from his head and arms, framed by a vivid orange background and splashes of neon green.
The Absolute Batman #18 variant mirrors that exact intensity. Batman crouches in a forward-driving pose, gripping oversized chainsaws as green splatter cuts across the page. The orange backdrop and dynamic framing closely echo the manga’s visual identity, transforming the Dark Knight into a brutal, high-energy figure that feels pulled straight from Fujimoto’s world.
A second full-cover confirms the variant is illustrated by Clay Mann. The artwork shows a heavily armored Batman tearing through enemies beneath him, chainsaws extended mid-swing. The white “ABSOLUTE BATMAN” masthead contrasts sharply against the orange-and-green palette, amplifying the kinetic feel of the tribute.
While the homage has grabbed the internet’s attention, the issue itself carries significant story weight. Absolute Batman #18 concludes “The Seventh Kingdom,” a two-issue arc (issues #17-18) written by Scott Snyder and drawn by guest artist Eric Canete.
The story centers on Poison Ivy, who was teased earlier in issue #10 and the Absolute Batman: Ark M Special. In this continuity, Ivy emerges from the mad science labyrinth Ark M, and the Joker unleashes her on Gotham as Batman’s latest threat.
However, spoilers for issue #18 suggest another danger looms. The cover also reveals the arrival of the Court of Owls in the Absolute Universe. Traditionally depicted as Gotham’s secret aristocratic puppet masters, this version appears radically reimagined.
All in all, with its explosive Chainsaw Man homage and major story implications, Absolute Batman #18 is gearing up to release on March 11.
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