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DC’s breakout “Absolute” take on the Dark Knight is leaving the page. For the first time, the newly launched Absolute Batman and Absolute Catwoman will appear in a playable form inside a major video game — a clear sign that DC’s comic reboot is expanding rapidly across media and merchandise.
Comic phenomenon shifts into gaming
Players will be able to select the Absolute versions of Batman and Catwoman in Lego Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight, a new open-world action-adventure from TT Games and Warner Bros. Games. The title opens in early access on May 19, with the full release scheduled for May 22.
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The inclusion is notable because the Absolute line only debuted in late 2024; its rapid rise — nearly 12 million Absolute-branded comics sold so far, with the Batman volume representing roughly a third of that total — has helped push DC ahead of Marvel in market share for the first time this century. That commercial momentum appears to be fueling more than print editions: apparel, pre-orderable action figures and now in-game skins suggest a coordinated multimedia push.
What the Lego game offers
Lego Batman combines decades of Batman on-screen and in print with the studio’s trademark humor. The game bills itself as Bruce Wayne’s origin to becoming Gotham’s protector, and it comes with a broad roster of suits and toys-to-life-style gadgets.
- Release windows: Early access May 19; wide launch May 22.
- Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC (Steam and Epic Games Store), with a Nintendo Switch 2 release planned later.
- Playable content: Multiple Batman and Catwoman skins from across the character’s media history — now including the Absolute designs.
- Combat and tools: Fluid attack combos, cinematic takedowns and a suite of gadgets such as Batarangs, the Batclaw, grapple launchers and the Batglider; vehicles include several Batmobiles and Batcycles.
- Character-specific gear: Jim Gordon’s foam sprayer, Robin’s cable launcher, Nightwing’s staff, Batgirl’s hackarang and Catwoman’s whip.
- Environments: An open Gotham with landmarks like Ace Chemicals, Gotham Botanical Gardens, Wayne Tower, Arkham Asylum and the Batcave (where players can display trophies).
- Rating: E10+ (Everyone 10 and older).
Creators and reactions
Scott Snyder, who helped create the Absolute Batman iteration, said he’s pleased to see the characters rendered in Lego’s interactive style, noting his longtime affection for the Lego game series and expressing excitement that the new designs are reaching players in a different medium. Artist Nick Dragotta echoed that enthusiasm, celebrating the characters’ move from panels into the broader “Lego Batman” legacy.
Warner Bros. Games has released short teasers demonstrating the game’s suit-selection system and posted a clip of Snyder playing and reacting to a demo, giving fans an early look at how the Absolute costumes will appear and function in gameplay.
The presentation mixes playful touches — a Catwoman suit selector preview has already circulated — with more substantive gameplay footage, underscoring that the inclusion is both a marketing win for the Absolute brand and a practical addition to the title’s customization options.
Why this matters now
The move is an example of how successful comic initiatives are being leveraged to accelerate cross-platform visibility. For readers and gamers it means more ways to experience new interpretations of legacy characters; for DC it represents a strategic expansion that ties comic sales, merchandise and interactive entertainment together.
Expect the Absolute versions to appear in further licensed products if the game’s exposure follows the comics’ sales trajectory — a pattern familiar to modern franchise-building in comics, TV and gaming.
Early access for Lego Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight begins May 19, with the full launch on May 22. Platforms at launch include PS5, Xbox Series X|S and PC, with a Switch 2 edition slated for a later date.
