New ‘Absolute Batman’ Clayface Variant Channels ‘The Thing’ and ‘House of Wax’ Body Horror
One of the biggest moments in Absolute Batman arrives next month with the first full appearance of Clayface, and now acclaimed artist Mark Brooks has revealed a terrifying new retailer-exclusive variant inspired by two of horror’s greatest body horror classics.
Available in both blue foil and red foil editions, Brooks’ cover transforms Clayface into a grotesque nightmare, drawing clear inspiration from John Carpenter‘s The Thing and House of Wax.
Explaining the artwork, Brooks said:
“Issue 23 features the first appearance of Clayface, which is one of my favorite Batman villains. As a massive horror film fan, I wanted to bring the gory idea of body horror, mixing influences from John Carpenter’s The Thing and House of Wax into an unsettling vision of Absolute Batman’s newest foe.”
As someone who’s been saying for months that Absolute Batman has become one of the best ongoing horror comics on the stands, this feels like the perfect direction for Clayface. Even before his debut, Nick Dragotta‘s early design hinted that this wasn’t going to be the version longtime Batman fans were expecting. If Brooks’ cover is any indication, we’re in for something much more grotesque.
The exclusive cover is available in two editions:
- Blue Foil Edition — Limited to 800 copies ($50)
- Red Foil Edition — Limited to 700 copies ($65)
Collectors can purchase each edition individually or save $5 through bundle options. Signed editions, books signed by both Mark Brooks and Scott Snyder, remarque sketches, and CGC-graded copies are also available. Every book includes a certificate of authenticity.
There’s another surprise for collectors, too.
According to the official product announcement, 20 randomly selected signed orders will receive a special Kanji signature edition that also includes an exclusive Scott Snyder “Notes from Gotham” blurb, making those copies among the rarest versions of the release.
Absolute Batman #23 arrives next month and marks the long-awaited first appearance of Clayface, continuing what’s become one of the hottest comic book runs in recent memory. As I’ve said before, if this series has proven anything, it’s that every major first appearance has become an event—and I have a feeling Clayface is about to be another one.
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