Absolute Batman 18’s Chainsaw Man Reference Is Undeniable

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‘s Bruce Wayne and Chainsaw Man‘s Denji may not be as different after all.

A variant cover for Absolute Batman #18 by Clay Mann is generating buzz online due to its strong similarities to the manga Chainsaw Man. Fans have pointed out the cover’s color scheme, composition, and Batman’s use of a chainsaw as clear references to the popular series. A post sharing Mann’s cover on X (formerly Twitter) by @dcuworld quickly attracted attention from Chainsaw Man fans.

Before the recent buzz around Mann’s cover art, some DC Comics fans noticed a possible connection between the Absolute Batman collection and the popular anime Chainsaw Man. One fan even joked that the series should have been called Ab-saw-lute Batman. This isn’t the first time Batman comics have drawn inspiration from anime and manga, with previous issues referencing titles like Akira and Kagurabachi in their artwork.

DC Comics has increasingly drawn inspiration from anime and manga. Jim Lee, President and Chief Creative Officer of DC, recently discussed manga’s significant influence on the entertainment world. He noted the compelling storytelling found in Japanese manga and anime and questioned why Western comics haven’t reached the same level of popularity. Lee explained to Nikkei XTrend that a large portion of DC’s success and readership comes from stories centered around superheroes.

Lee explained that in Japan, manga is considered a mainstream form of literature, enjoyed by a wide audience and covering diverse topics – not just superhero adventures, but also stories about everyday life like cooking and sports. He expressed excitement about the manga’s success, seeing it as a positive benchmark for their own work. He believes they can learn a lot from manga’s popularity, especially considering the manga market is much larger than their industry.

Bruce Wayne and Denji Aren’t Drastically Different Characters After All

Though they appear very different, Denji and Bruce Wayne share a surprising connection: both are deeply shaped by childhood trauma. Like Batman, who is haunted by the loss of his parents, Denji experienced a difficult childhood as an orphan – but Denji started with even less. For both characters, pain isn’t just a temporary feeling; it’s a core part of who they are and drives their actions.

Both Batman and Chainsaw Man resonate with audiences as powerful symbols. Despite existing in very different worlds – one defined by stealth and darkness, the other by raw chaos – both characters grapple with separating their heroic personas from their true selves. This struggle leads to a shared experience of profound isolation, connecting Bruce Wayne and Denji on a deeply human level. While Bruce chooses to isolate himself, Denji has had isolation forced upon him.

The recent Absolute Batman #18 highlights surprising connections between Chainsaw Man and Batman, suggesting these two popular characters have more in common than you might initially expect. Absolute Batman #18 will be released on March 11, 2026.

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2026-02-18 20:08