DCU’s Batman Might Be Broke if This Absolute Universe Nod Means What We Think it Does

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Batman is famous for both his detective skills and his vast wealth, which funds his crime-fighting gadgets. While Bruce Wayne could still be a hero without his fortune, it would severely limit his resources. Interestingly, a set photo from the upcoming Clayface scenes suggests that the Batman in the DC Universe might be operating with fewer financial means, similar to how he’s portrayed in the Absolute Universe and DC All-In comic books.

A photo from the set of ‘The Clayface’ was shared on X (formerly Twitter) by DC Film News. It depicts the Wayne Community Center looking rundown and neglected. This is surprising, as Bruce Wayne is typically portrayed as a generous benefactor who actively supports his community. His philanthropy isn’t just about kindness; it also helps prevent crime by giving people opportunities and support, meaning fewer villains for Batman to fight later on.

It’s hard to believe Bruce Wayne would let any charity he supports be underfunded. This suggests he’s no longer able to financially support them, meaning he’s either recently lost his wealth or the Wayne family isn’t as rich as people think. Interestingly, recent Batman comics and the Absolute Batman series actually support both of these ideas.

Absolute Universe features a working-class Batman

Darkseid created the Absolute Universe as an experiment – to see how heroes would behave if pushed to their limits in a bleak world. It features alternate versions of Earth’s heroes, but with significant changes to their backgrounds. For example, in this universe, Bruce Wayne-the Absolute Batman-didn’t grow up with wealth. Only his father, Thomas, died when he was young. Thomas was a teacher and Martha a social worker, and Bruce eventually became a civil engineer.

The Absolute Batman is just as creative and resourceful as the main Batman we know. But instead of relying on Wayne Enterprises technology, he builds his gadgets from things found around the city. He doesn’t have a Batcave either – he uses whatever abandoned buildings or construction sites are nearby for his operations. While it’s unlikely the main DC Universe Batman will become exactly like his Absolute Universe version, the community center could be a subtle reference to this more improvisational hero.

DC All-In Batman also working on a budget

Currently, in the DC All-In comics, Batman isn’t operating with his usual resources. Following the 2020 “Joker War” storyline, Bruce Wayne lost control of his company, charities, and most of his wealth. As a result, he’s been working out of smaller, less opulent bases – like a series of small caves and a brownstone – instead of the traditional Wayne Manor.

Although still wealthy, Batman is facing some new difficulties. One major change is having to live near other people, which is unusual for him. He’s also spending more time and money fixing his gadgets instead of simply replacing them. It’s likely this version of Batman has less funding overall and may no longer be in charge of the Wayne Foundation.

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2025-09-19 19:27