Absolute Batman has been the buzziest DC release in years, and now its artist, Nick Dragotta, is openly dreaming about an anime adaptation—specifically one made by the powerhouse Japanese studio behind Cyberpunk: Edgerunners.
During an AMA on the League of Comic Geeks forum, Dragotta was asked whether he’d had any conversations with DC Studios co-chief James Gunn about bringing the hit series to screens. While the artist made it clear he’s not privy to any behind-the-scenes plans, he didn’t hesitate to champion his preferred version.
“I’m not in the know, but I know DC makes and licenses quality stuff so I’m excited to see what comes,” Dragotta said. “Personally, I’d love to see a Studio Trigger anime of Ab Bat.”
For fans of both DC Comics and modern anime, Dragotta’s wish immediately sparks the imagination. Studio Trigger—known for its explosive visual style, expressive character animation, and bold storytelling—has developed a passionate global fanbase through shows like Delicious in Dungeon, their standout contributions to Star Wars: Visions, and most famously, the critically acclaimed Cyberpunk: Edgerunners. The idea of that same creative energy applied to Gotham City is enough to send speculation soaring.
The timing for such a dream isn’t entirely far-fetched, either. Absolute Batman has been one of DC’s biggest publishing success stories in decades. Written by Scott Snyder and illustrated by Dragotta, the series reimagines Bruce Wayne not as a billionaire playboy but as a young blue-collar civil engineer in his early twenties. By night, however, he begins a raw and rough early phase of his vigilante life. In another twist on the mythos, Alfred Pennyworth is reinterpreted as an MI6 agent who monitors Bruce rather than serves as his loyal confidant.
That fresh approach struck a chord with readers. The debut issue, which launched in October 2024 as part of DC’s new Absolute Universe imprint, became the bestselling comic of the year and even broke through to mainstream success, hitting number five on the New York Times bestseller list. With momentum like that, fans are already guessing where the property might go next.
While there are currently no confirmed plans for an Absolute Batman adaptation, the DC Universe continues to expand. The next major project, Lanterns, arrives on HBO in early 2026, starring Kyle Chandler and Aaron Pierre as Hal Jordan and John Stewart in a grounded, investigative spin on the Green Lantern Corps.
As DC Studios moves deeper into Chapter One of its revamped slate—with titles like Supergirl, Man of Tomorrow, and more on the horizon—there’s plenty of room for new interpretations of iconic heroes. And if Dragotta gets his wish, perhaps one day fans will see a kinetic, neon-soaked anime take on Gotham from the minds at Studio Trigger.
