Warning! Minor spoilers for Absolute Batman #6 ahead!The DC Universe's newest Batman may be big, but compared to Absolute Bane, he's a downright shrimp. So far, Absolute Batman has done a hell of a job trying to keep Gotham safe, but a new threat is coming down the pipeline, and he may literally be the biggest threat Bruce has faced yet.

The Absolute Universe is only growing bigger and this summer, Absolute Batman is moving on into its second arc. Artist Nick Dragotta returns after a brief break to Scott Snyder as the story shifts towards Bruce's investigation of the mysterious Ark M project.

But as the bulky Absolute Batman.

Bane is Bigger and Badder Than Ever in Absolute Batman

Will He Break the Bat Here As Well?

In Darkseid's twisted world, things are more challenging for the heroes than ever. In Bruce's case, he lacks the funds of his Prime counterpart and had to take on more vicious criminals when he started out. But Absolute Batman is as determined as any Bruce, and he’s fought back against the forces of evil that are trying to tear his city apart. He fought back and defeated the Party Animals, as well as their leader, Black Mask. But unbeknownst to Bruce, Absolute Joker wants Gotham ruined by any means necessary and has just sent Bane to get the job done.

Absolute Batman writer Scott Snyder has been teasing Bane for quite some time now and the reveal was more than worth it. If this cover is accurate, this is possibly the biggest Bane fans have ever seen, and his mass far exceeds Absolute Batman (who many fans joked was already 'Bane-sized' himself in this universe). What's important to about the Absolute Universe is that while many things are indeed different, the core of characters is the same. So, while Absolute Bane is definitely bigger, it’s important to his real strength is the cunning he no doubt possesses.

Absolute Bane is Going to Be Absolute Batman's First Real Challenge

He's About to Face His Absolute Equal

The Absolute Batman has had a difficult journey, but Bane is going to be something else entirely. In the Prime Universe, this villain broke Batman's back and is one of Bruce's most calculating villains. Now these two are in a world skewed towards villainy, and this Bane is almost guaranteed to be stronger and possibly even more intelligent. As determined as this Batman is, he's facing a serious uphill battle when it comes to his version of Bane. If Absolute Batman wants to avoid being broken by this giant Bane, he's going to have to push himself harder than he ever has before.

Absolute Batman #9 is available on June 11th from DC Comics.