{"id":378096,"date":"2026-04-13T23:55:14","date_gmt":"2026-04-13T23:55:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/378096\/"},"modified":"2026-04-13T23:55:14","modified_gmt":"2026-04-13T23:55:14","slug":"scarecrow-reboot-unleashes-his-darkest-moment-since-batman-begins","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/378096\/","title":{"rendered":"Scarecrow Reboot Unleashes His Darkest Moment Since Batman Begins"},"content":{"rendered":"

Cillian Murphy\u2019s Scarecrow<\/a> in Christopher Nolan\u2019s The Dark Knight trilogy remains one of the most iconic portrayals of the Batman<\/a> villain. Beyond the distinction of being one of the only antagonists to appear across all three films, his version of the character delivered some of the franchise\u2019s most unsettling and psychologically disturbing moments on screen. However, DC\u2019s reboot of Scarecrow has now introduced what may be the darkest iteration of the character yet.<\/p>\n

Scott Snyder, Nick Dragotta, and Frank Martin\u2019s upcoming April 15 release of Absolute Batman #19 is nearly here, but until then, DC is tiding fans over with a five-page preview. This issue notably launches a new story arc, introducing the Absolute Universe version of Scarecrow<\/a> in its opening pages. The villain is nothing short of pure nightmare fuel, marking not only an unsettling new redesign but a murderous legacy that is outright chilling in a way that not even Cillian Murphy\u2019s legendary portrayal can match in terms of sheer disturbance.<\/p>\n

DC’s New Scarecrow Debuts With a Triple Homicide (& It’s Beyond Chilling)<\/p>\n

Comic Pages Come from Scott Snyder’s Absolute Batman #18 (2026) – Art by Nick Dragotta & Frank Martin<\/p>\n

The opening pages of Absolute Batman #19 show a character who is very clearly Scarecrow<\/a> walking barefoot through a farmer\u2019s recently plowed field. The farmer and his friend approach him, immediately taking in his disturbing appearance, featuring a mouth loosely stitched together with red string, green button eyes, and a slit throat that has been stitched back together.<\/p>\n

The look is so unsettling that the farmers initially assume it\u2019s just a mask, a notion Scarecrow doesn’t bother to correct. The duo quickly became hostile, demanding to know what he was doing loitering on their land. Scarecrow then puffs smoke from the cigarette he is smoking into their faces and reveals that one of the men is sleeping with the other\u2019s wife.<\/p>\n

\"Absolute
\n Absolute Batman Scarecrow #18 variant cover<\/p>\n

The scorned man then gets a ding on his phone, supposedly providing him with evidence of the affair. He immediately punches his friend, then climbs back into his plow machine before running him over and turning him into pulp. Almost instantly, he regrets his actions, sobbing that he was simply too irrationally angry in the moment.<\/p>\n

However, Scarecrow then corrects him, telling him he wasn\u2019t angry but rather scared. While the man is still trying to process the situation, a crop-dusting plane is suddenly swarmed by a murder of crows and begins falling from the sky, crashing into the farmer and the plow and killing both the man and the pilot, marking one of the most disturbing Scarecrow scenes in the character\u2019s history.<\/p>\n

\"Jason<\/p>\n

Related<\/p>\n

\t\t
\n\t\t\tDC Officially Reveals Lobo’s Most Radical Redesign Ever Ahead Of Jason Momoa’s Supergirl Appearance
\n\t\t<\/a><\/p>\n

Jason Momoa’s Lobo is perfection; that’s why it is so surprising that DC Comics has decided to give the Main Man a complete redesign. <\/p>\n

At first, it would be easy to assume Scarecrow dosed the men with fear toxin by blowing smoke into their faces, but this doesn’t fully explain some of the more unusual elements of the scene. For example, a fear-toxin-laced cigarette would not explain the man receiving a notification on his phone or the plane’s crash.<\/p>\n

Because of this, it is likely that some other supernatural element is at play that goes beyond the character\u2019s traditional fear toxin. In the case of the plane, the swarm of crows appears to be connected to Scarecrow\u2019s influence in some way. This suggests that this version of Scarecrow may be able to control crows, which, if true, would represent an epic and horrifying evolution of the Batman villain.<\/p>\n

Bold Reimagining \u00b7 Alternate DC Universe
\n Test Your DC Comics
Absolute Universe Knowledge<\/p>\n

\u2646\ufe0fSupermanReimagined<\/p>\n

\ud83e\udd87BatmanNo billions<\/p>\n

\u2694\ufe0fWonder WomanReforged<\/p>\n

\u26a1FlashSpeed<\/p>\n

\ud83c\udf10UniverseAbsolute<\/p>\n

ENTER THE ABSOLUTE UNIVERSE \u2192<\/p>\n

01<\/p>\n

DC\u2019s Absolute Universe is a new line of comics launched in late 2024 that reimagines iconic DC heroes in a world without the legacy advantages they traditionally have. Which DC event\/storyline set up the creation of the Absolute Universe?<\/p>\n

\n ADark Crisis
\n BInfinite Frontier
\n CDarkseid\u2019s rewriting of the DC Multiverse in the current continuity
\n DFlashpoint Beyond\n <\/p>\n

\u2713 Correct! The Absolute Universe was born from Darkseid rewriting reality in the current DC continuity. This cosmic act of villainy created a parallel world where DC\u2019s greatest heroes exist without the advantages and support systems they traditionally rely on.<\/p>\n

\u2717 That answer didn\u2019t make it through the Absolute reboot! The answer is Darkseid\u2019s rewriting of the DC Multiverse. While Dark Crisis, Infinite Frontier, and Flashpoint Beyond are all significant DC events, it was Darkseid\u2019s manipulation of reality that gave birth to the Absolute Universe.<\/p>\n

NEXT \u2192<\/p>\n

02<\/p>\n

In Absolute Superman, Kal-El\u2019s origin is dramatically different from the main universe. Instead of being raised by the Kents in Smallville, how does Absolute Superman grow up?<\/p>\n

\n AHe is raised by the government
\n BHe grows up on Krypton
\n CHe is raised in an immigrant community with no wealth or privilege
\n DHe is raised by Lex Luthor\n <\/p>\n

\u2713 Correct! In the Absolute Universe, Kal-El lands not with the Kents but in an immigrant community, growing up without wealth or privilege. This reimagining strips away Superman\u2019s traditional support system while keeping his core values of hope and justice intact.<\/p>\n

\u2717 That answer didn\u2019t make it through the Absolute reboot! The answer is that he\u2019s raised in an immigrant community with no wealth or privilege. The Absolute line is built on the concept of heroes without their traditional advantages, and Superman\u2019s new upbringing reflects this perfectly.<\/p>\n

NEXT \u2192<\/p>\n

03<\/p>\n

Absolute Batman reimagines Bruce Wayne without his billionaire status. In this version, Bruce Wayne has a very different civilian occupation. What is Absolute Batman\u2019s day job?<\/p>\n

\n APolice officer
\n BEngineer \/ construction worker
\n CTeacher
\n DJournalist\n <\/p>\n

\u2713 Correct! In the Absolute Universe, Bruce Wayne works as an engineer and construction worker. Without the Wayne fortune or Wayne Enterprises, this Bruce builds his gear and gadgets with his own hands and working-class ingenuity, making him a truly self-made Batman.<\/p>\n

\u2717 That answer didn\u2019t make it through the Absolute reboot! The answer is engineer \/ construction worker. Absolute Batman strips Bruce Wayne of his billionaire status entirely. This Bruce is a massive, imposing figure who uses his engineering skills and physical labor background to craft his own Batman arsenal.<\/p>\n

NEXT \u2192<\/p>\n

04<\/p>\n

Absolute Batman\u2019s costume and physique are dramatically different from the traditional Batman. This version of Bruce Wayne is much larger and more imposing. Who is the writer of Absolute Batman?<\/p>\n

\n ATom King
\n BJames Tynion IV
\n CScott Snyder
\n DChip Zdarsky\n <\/p>\n

\u2713 Correct! Scott Snyder, who previously wrote the acclaimed New 52 Batman run, is the writer of Absolute Batman. His bold reimagining of Bruce Wayne as a working-class hero without billions has been one of the breakout hits of the Absolute Universe line.<\/p>\n

\u2717 That answer didn\u2019t make it through the Absolute reboot! The answer is Scott Snyder. Known for his legendary Batman run featuring the Court of Owls and other iconic storylines, Snyder returned to the Dark Knight with Absolute Batman, completely reinventing Bruce Wayne for this new universe.<\/p>\n

NEXT \u2192<\/p>\n

05<\/p>\n

Absolute Wonder Woman reimagines Diana in a significantly different setting. In this version, the character\u2019s mythology and origin pull from different cultural influences. Who is the writer of Absolute Wonder Woman?<\/p>\n

\n AG. Willow Wilson
\n BKelly Thompson
\n CBecky Cloonan
\n DMariko Tamaki\n <\/p>\n

\u2713 Correct! Kelly Thompson writes Absolute Wonder Woman, bringing a fresh take on Diana\u2019s mythology and origin. This version reimagines Wonder Woman\u2019s world with different cultural influences while maintaining the warrior spirit at the core of the character.<\/p>\n

\u2717 That answer didn\u2019t make it through the Absolute reboot! The answer is Kelly Thompson. While all four writers are acclaimed in the comics industry, it\u2019s Thompson who helms Absolute Wonder Woman, crafting a bold new vision for Diana in the Absolute Universe.<\/p>\n

NEXT \u2192<\/p>\n

06<\/p>\n

The Absolute Universe was created as a result of Darkseid altering reality. A key difference is that in this universe, heroes don\u2019t have the traditional advantages and support systems. What concept describes this \u2014 that these heroes exist without their usual \u201csafety nets\u201d?<\/p>\n

\n AHeroes without legacy
\n BHeroes without hope
\n CHeroes without privilege
\n DGrounded heroes\n <\/p>\n

\u2713 Correct! \u201cHeroes without legacy\u201d is the core concept of the Absolute Universe. These versions of DC\u2019s iconic characters exist without the inherited advantages, mentors, wealth, and support networks that traditionally define them \u2014 forcing them to become heroes purely on their own terms.<\/p>\n

\u2717 That answer didn\u2019t make it through the Absolute reboot! The answer is \u201cHeroes without legacy.\u201d The Absolute Universe is built on the idea that Darkseid stripped these heroes of their legacies \u2014 Batman has no fortune, Superman has no Kents, Wonder Woman has no Themyscira as we know it.<\/p>\n

NEXT \u2192<\/p>\n

07<\/p>\n

Absolute Flash reimagines Wally West in the Absolute Universe. In this version, the Flash\u2019s connection to the Speed Force is portrayed differently. Who is the writer of Absolute Flash?<\/p>\n

\n AJeff Lemire
\n BJoshua Williamson
\n CMark Waid
\n DJeremy Adams\n <\/p>\n

\u2713 Correct! Jeff Lemire, known for his deeply human storytelling in titles like Sweet Tooth and Animal Man, writes Absolute Flash. His take on Wally West reimagines the speedster\u2019s relationship with the Speed Force in the context of the Absolute Universe\u2019s stripped-down heroic landscape.<\/p>\n

\u2717 That answer didn\u2019t make it through the Absolute reboot! The answer is Jeff Lemire. While Williamson, Waid, and Adams have all written excellent Flash stories in the main continuity, it\u2019s Lemire who brings his unique storytelling vision to Absolute Flash.<\/p>\n

NEXT \u2192<\/p>\n

08<\/p>\n

Absolute Superman is written and drawn by a critically acclaimed creator who handles both the writing and art duties on the series. Who is this creator?<\/p>\n

\n AJim Lee
\n BJason Aaron (writer) with Rafa Sandoval (art)
\n CGrant Morrison
\n DJorge Jim\u00e9nez\n <\/p>\n

\u2713 Correct! Absolute Superman is written by Jason Aaron with art by Rafa Sandoval. Together they\u2019ve crafted a powerful reimagining of Kal-El, placing him in an immigrant community without the Kent family\u2019s support, creating one of the most compelling new takes on the character in years.<\/p>\n

\u2717 That answer didn\u2019t make it through the Absolute reboot! The answer is Jason Aaron (writer) with Rafa Sandoval (art). While Jim Lee, Grant Morrison, and Jorge Jim\u00e9nez are all legendary DC creators, it\u2019s the Aaron and Sandoval team that brings Absolute Superman to life.<\/p>\n

REVEAL MY SCORE \u2192<\/p>\n

\n Analysis Complete
\n Your Absolute Knowledge\n <\/p>\n

\n \/ 8\n <\/p>\n

Are you an Absolute expert \u2014 or still in the main continuity?<\/p>\n

\u21bb TRY AGAIN<\/p>\n

Absolute Batman #19 from DC Comics is available to read on April 15, 2026!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Cillian Murphy\u2019s Scarecrow in Christopher Nolan\u2019s The Dark Knight trilogy remains one of the most iconic portrayals of…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":378097,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[27],"tags":[156,409,111,139,69],"class_list":{"0":"post-378096","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-movies","8":"tag-entertainment","9":"tag-movies","10":"tag-new-zealand","11":"tag-newzealand","12":"tag-nz"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/378096","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=378096"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/378096\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/378097"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=378096"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=378096"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=378096"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}