Jeffrey Epstein Stand-in Is DC’s Newest Villain

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From the very beginning with Superman, DC Comics has used its superheroes to explore relevant social issues. This practice continues in the new Absolute Universe, where classic heroes have been reimagined to examine modern life. But the new Absolute Evil special takes things even further by directly addressing current events. It does so by introducing a villain who is unmistakably based on Jeffrey Epstein.

Written by Al Ewing and illustrated by Giuseppe Camuncoli, Absolute Evil brings both Hawkman and Green Arrow into DC’s Absolute Universe. The story opens with Green Arrow – Oliver Queen – explaining his motivation for acting like “the Robin Hood bit.” He reveals that his inspiration for becoming a hero is a man named Jubal Slade, a wealthy individual with a private island who has engaged in unethical activities involving children. This is widely seen as a direct allusion to Jeffrey Epstein, who was arrested in 2019 on charges of trafficking minors to his private island.

The main cover and first seven pages of Absolute Evil #1 may be viewed below.

Absolute Evil premiere continues DC tradition with Jeffrey Epstein villain

As a long-time comics fan, the name Jubal Slade rings a bell. He’s a villain some of us remember from when DC really tried to update Green Arrow back in 1970, turning him into a kind of modern Robin Hood. But it’s important to remember the original version of the character. In that first story, Slade wasn’t the horrific child molester and trafficker he’s unfortunately become known as; he was simply a corrupt landlord. It’s a significant difference from later portrayals.

Aside from the updated look and the mention of Jeffrey Epstein, this presents a fresh take on how Green Arrow first became a hero. Traditionally, Oliver Queen found inspiration to fight crime after being stranded on an island. In DC’s Absolute Universe, an island remains a key part of Green Arrow’s beginnings. However, the reasons why that journey proved so impactful are now entirely new and different.

The Green Arrow comics from the 1970s and 1980s were well-known for addressing real-world issues. With Absolute Evil, DC is carrying on this practice by directly referencing current events – specifically, drawing parallels to Jeffrey Epstein. This approach also gives the Absolute Green Arrow a backstory that resonates strongly with today’s readers.

Absolute Evil #1 arrives in comic shops everywhere on October 1, 2025.

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2025-09-29 23:10