Scott Snyder on Absolute Batman, Comics Storytelling, and the Future of DC

This week on the AIPT Comics Podcast, we're joined by Scott Snyder for one of our favorite conversations of the year. We dive deep into Absolute Batman, the newly announced animated series, why he believes monthly comics need to embrace what makes the medium unique, and the creative philosophy driving one of comics' biggest successes. It's a candid, wide-ranging discussion on storytelling, the future of superhero comics, and why taking big swings matters more than ever. Visit our Patreon page to see the various tiers you can sign up for today to get in on the ground floor of AIPT Patreon. We hope to see you chatting with us on our Discord soon! NEWS Judge Dredd and Biker Mice From Mars collide in new comic crossover and collectibles partnership Daniel Warren Johnson reveals new project 'Chainkata' for November 2026 Details Michael Walsh's 'Universal Monsters: Frankenstein' returns in remastered black-and-white edition Tradd Moore's first creator-owned solo comic, 'Touch Me Someplace Nowhere' announced Mike Mignola's new art book 'Circus of Bones' showcases over 145 original works Lara Croft joins G.I. Joe in first-ever 'G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero' crossover Rocketship Entertainment partners with Moulin Rouge for graphic novels, manga, and tabletop games Meet the players of ‘Zero Instance’ where a video game boss invades the real world DC reveals packed San Diego Comic-Con 2026 lineup Skybound unveils San Diego Comic-Con 2026 plans and exclusive collectibles Marvel reveals full San Diego Comic-Con 2026 plans with Hall H, Midnight Universe, and X-Men '97 panels Our Top Books of the Week: Dave: Witness Point #1 (Nathan Fillion, Heath Corson, Soo Lee) Clayface: Celebrity Dirt #1 (Jude Ellison S. Doyle, Fran Galán) Chris:​​ Twilight Zone #9 (Juni Ba) Dispatched #1  (B. Clay Moore, Daniel Gete) Standout KAPOW moment of the week: Chris: Did You Hear About Mimi Green? #2 (Connor Goldsmith, Josh Cornillon) Dave: Operation: Iron Coffin #1 (Kenny Porter, Tyrell Cannon) TOP BOOKS FOR NEXT WEEK Chris: Minotaur #1 (Si Spurrier, Michael Dowling) Dave: Sonic the Hedgehog x Godzilla #1 (Nick Marino, Jack Lawrence) JUDGING BY THE COVER JR. Dave: A Mischief of Magpies #1 (Bilquis Evely) Chris: Nightwing #140 (Jorge Fornes Main) Interview: Interview: Scott Snyder 1. Manga storytelling influence Joe Kelly recently mentioned how manga like One Piece can devote entire chapters to a single action sequence, something that's harder to replicate in American comics because of page counts and production realities. Is manga storytelling an influence on your work, and do you find yourself thinking about how to capture that same sense of scale and rhythm within Western comics? 2. Marvel and DC I recently spoke with Josh Williamson about writing Iron Man, and it was fascinating hearing how he's consulting on DC projects while also becoming part of Marvel's plans. Seeing creators move more freely between publishers these days, does that ever make you want to jump back into Marvel for another major project? 3. Harley Quinn and Joker The revelation that Joker is Harley's father completely reframes both characters. What made that the right relationship for the Absolute Universe, and what storytelling opportunities does it create that couldn't exist with their traditional dynamic 4. Designing Gotham's monsters Body horror and transformation have become defining visual elements of Absolute Batman. What are your guiding principles when reinventing characters like Poison Ivy, Clayface, and others while still making them instantly recognizable? 8. Absolute Batman animated series You're serving as showrunner on the newly announced Absolute Batman animated series. How does that creative role differ from making comics, and what has surprised you most about translating this version of Batman to animation? 10. Court of Owls Finally, the Court of Owls has entered the picture. Without spoiling anything, what can readers expect from your take on one of the most important Batman concepts you've ever created?