{"product_id":"absolute-batman-7-seventh-printing-2026-bn","title":"Absolute Batman # 7 Seventh Printing 2026 BN","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eAbsolute Batman #7\u003c\/b\u003e is the milestone issue that launches the series' second major story arc, titled \"Absolute Zero\" (collected as part of the Abomination trade paperback). Originally released on April 9, 2025, this issue serves as the formal Absolute Universe debut of Mr. Freeze and the Joker.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book is written by Scott Snyder but features a distinct, guest-art visual shift. It is illustrated by superstar artist Marcos Martín with colors by Muntsa Vicente, bringing a surreal, horror-tinged aesthetic to the newly established universe.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlot \u0026amp; Reimagined Lore\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStepping out of the shadow of \"The Zoo\" arc, the narrative plunges Bruce Wayne into a dark, corporate-scientific thriller under the shadow of a Gotham City sliding into an authoritarian police state.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe Death of Matches Malone: The issue opens with a somber gathering in a snowswept Crime Alley. Bruce's childhood friends—Harvey, Oswald, and Edward—eulogize their comrade Mitchell \"Matches\" Malone. Acting as Batman's street informant, Matches had successfully forged credentials to slip into Ark M, a terrifying, high-tech black-site prison authorized by Gotham's corrupt new mayor, Hamilton Hill. Tragically, Matches pays the ultimate price, dying a gruesome death from a weaponized ancient bacterial infection.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe Ark M Database: Before his death, Matches passes a vital piece of intelligence to Bruce: a roster of specialized minds globally \"recruited\" or held at Ark M. The list exposes a shadowy network of brilliant scientists being locked away for experimental research, including names like Langstrom (Man-Bat), Isley (Poison Ivy), and Strange (Hugo Strange).\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe Evolution of Victor Fries Jr.: Infiltrating the \"V Core\" level of the construction site, Batman discovers the facility is housing cryogenically frozen scientific bodies—including the founders of a premier cryogenics firm, Victor Sr. and Nora Fries.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe \"Slender Man\" Body Horror: The issue culminates in a horrific encounter with their son, Dr. Victor Fries Jr.. Cured of a rare childhood disease by his parents' glacier research, Victor has transformed into a terrifying, towering blue mutant monstrosity. Drawing physical power straight from extreme cold, this freakish new \"Mr. Freeze\" serves as a grotesque engine of body horror who immediately ambushes the Caped Crusader.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe Shadow Benefactor: The underlying science experiments and the Ark M black site are explicitly revealed to be tied to a grander corporate layout financed by a mysterious, smiling phantom pulling the strings from the dark—the Absolute Joker.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIssue Specifications\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePage Count: 32 pages\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAge Rating: Rated Teen Plus (15+)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: bold;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eKey Collector Note: Features the definitive 1st appearance of the Absolute Universe's Victor Fries Jr.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"BattleBuddyComics.com","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":67997590290532,"sku":"BN13 1","price":4.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0728\/7606\/4868\/files\/IMG_2026_11_07_22_07_09_435.jpg?v=1794111022","url":"https:\/\/battlebuddycomics.com\/products\/absolute-batman-7-seventh-printing-2026-bn","provider":"BattleBuddyComics.com","version":"1.0","type":"link"}