The Absolute Universe, launched by DC Comics, has quickly become a sensation for its audacious re-imaginings of classic characters. In this dark continuity, heroes are stripped of their usual advantages and often occupy marginalized positions, while villains frequently wield immense power. For instance, this universe features a working-class Batman and a Wonder Woman raised in the depths of Hell by Circe. The imprint has already shocked fans by portraying Green Arrow as a serial killer targeting the wealthy, and now, it's Wildcat's turn to embrace the shadows.
The reveal comes via DC's January solicitations for Absolute Black Canary #1, a one-shot penned by Pornsak Pichetshote with art by Belen Ortega. The solicitation teases a perilous journey for Dinah Lance, stating she will find herself "placing her in the murderous crosshairs of the new Absolute Wildcat, as Dinah stumbles onto another mystery." This confrontation is poised to be a pivotal moment, intertwining with a larger mystery at the core of the Absolute Universe's history, tracing back to Absolute Evil #1.
Wildcat, whose real name is traditionally Ted Grant, first appeared in 1942's Sensation Comics #1. Known as one of the DC Universe's most skilled hand-to-hand combatants, he has famously trained numerous younger heroes, including Black Canary herself. The introduction of a villainous Wildcat raises immediate questions about his identity in this new continuity. Could it be the original Ted Grant, corrupted by the Absolute Universe's bleakness? Or might it be a successor, perhaps Yolanda Montez, who briefly took up the mantle in the mainstream DC continuity? The solicitation's ambiguous phrasing about "the new Absolute Wildcat" leaves room for speculation, hinting at a potential twist on the character's legacy.
Regardless of who is behind the mask, a clash between Black Canary and Wildcat promises to be an intensely brutal affair. Both characters are renowned for their martial arts prowess, suggesting a fight to the death is a real possibility in this unforgiving universe. Given the Absolute imprint's dark tone, it's highly likely this Wildcat will be a merciless killer, posing an unprecedented threat to Dinah Lance.
This development also casts a darker shadow over the Absolute Universe's version of the Justice Society of America. It has been previously revealed that Hawkman, a long-time comrade of Wildcat's, betrayed the team to the government. If Ted Grant is indeed the villainous Absolute Wildcat, it would mark the second Justice Society member to turn rogue, implying a far bleaker fate for the entire team than fans might have anticipated. The Absolute Universe continues to redefine iconic heroes in ways that are both shocking and compelling, leaving readers eager to see how these dark narratives unfold.
Absolute Black Canary #1 is slated for release on January 20 from DC Comics.
