Iconic Outsiders & Suicide Squad Member Gets Major DC Redesign
An experienced Editor representing Canada via ScreenRant's Team Anime, J.R. has been reading manga since the first printing of Shonen Jump in North America. This passion drove him to write about anime, manga, and manhwa since 2022, having recently served as Lead Anime Editor for ComicBook.com.
His favorite moments in media coverage include reviewing the series premieres of Zom 100 and Bleach: TYBW Part 2 back-to-back and briefly meeting Junji Ito at a VIZ gallery event in 2023.
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Despite a disappointing cinematic introduction in 2016's Suicide Squad and the Arrowverse, Tatsu Yamashiro's story as Katana long predates DC's supervillain outing as a far more iconic member of the Outsiders. Part of the group founded by Batman as a less conventional spin on the Justice League, Katana featured as one of the founding members alongside other memorable characters like Black Lightning and Metamorpho. Initially introduced in 1983 with The Brave and the Bold #200, Katana's taken on multiple memorable DC villains with the help of her incredible swordsmanship and Soultaker Sword.
In the typical spirit of DC Comics, Katana has undergone plenty of redesigns herself, many of which bearing varying levels of Japanese iconography with occasionally heavier samurai-style accents. But in joining DC's Absolute Universe, Katana gets one of her most radical redesigns yet, sporting a wild new look as she spent years in hiding from the demonic Joker whose actions decimated the League of Assassins as told in Absolute Cassandra Cain: The Shadow's Hand #1. But in reassembling a shattered League, Cassandra's daring rescue of an asset deemed by Shiva to be a lost cause instead recovers the most battle-hardened one of them all, and steels her resolve for good.
DC's Absolute Cassandra Cain Unveils Badass Katana Redesign
Sporting a more heavily-armored tactical samurai outfit and significantly longer hair, Katana is shown to have been forced into survival mode for 443 days and counting in captivity at the Ark D site. Katana, still only referred to as Tatsu at this point, was captured by the "demon" (Joker) and faced a far more perilous potential fate just by being brave enough to do so, now being forced to stave off hordes of undead with her iconic Soultaker. Scarred and more heavily muscled, this is certainly a Katana in rougher shape than usual, bearing white and red warpaint to mimic her usual costume's mask iconography of Japan's flag, namely with the Hinomaru at the center.
The look is hardly decorative, either, as Katana shows positively lethal fighting IQ and stamina, but it's an equally crucial proving ground for Cassandra, whose mission to seek out Katana is a direct act of defiance against her mother. Cassandra's particular showcase in helping Katana fight back and stage their extraction is positively mesmerizing, leaving mounds of dead flesh while an astonished Katana stares on. This moment earns her new ally's trust and her mother's disdain, pushing Cassandra to stand up for herself once and for all to seek understanding from her mother. Thus begins the new era for the League of Assassins' survivors, now dubbed the League of Shadows.
The League Of Shadows Emerges From Joker's Massacre With Main Roster In Writing
Shiva was reluctant to seek out Katana who, like herself and the Cains, was at risk of being experimented on and exterminated by the same demon who wanted the League as his own. But in doing so, she also kept a small resistance alive long enough to train an incredibly worthy successor in Cassandra, while other colleagues in hiding were recruited for the cause.
Michael Summers, also known as Alpha in the usual DC continuity, excels at killing in absolute darkness without a need for guns or blades. Benjamin Turner, aka the Bronze Tiger, was rescued from a death cult at a young age, only to be trained by the League, trying to vanish once again after the Joker's actions. Ebenezer Darrk, meanwhile, is the group's engineer with trap expertise, whose reluctance to rejoin provoked a vicious response by Shiva, and Scandal Savage witnessed Shiva's same fire, but in Cassandra's eyes, only to be won over by Cassandra's compassion. Scandal's also ultimately the one who pursues Cassandra to rescue Tatsu, and to finally seize her agency.
Bold Reimagining · Alternate DC Universe
Test Your DC Comics
Absolute Universe Knowledge
♆️SupermanReimagined
🦇BatmanNo billions
⚔️Wonder WomanReforged
⚡FlashSpeed
🌐UniverseAbsolute
01
DC’s Absolute Universe is a new line of comics launched in late 2024 that reimagines iconic DC heroes in a world without the legacy advantages they traditionally have. Which DC event/storyline set up the creation of the Absolute Universe?
✓ Correct! The Absolute Universe was born from Darkseid rewriting reality in the current DC continuity. This cosmic act of villainy created a parallel world where DC’s greatest heroes exist without the advantages and support systems they traditionally rely on.
✗ That answer didn’t make it through the Absolute reboot! The answer is Darkseid’s rewriting of the DC Multiverse. While Dark Crisis, Infinite Frontier, and Flashpoint Beyond are all significant DC events, it was Darkseid’s manipulation of reality that gave birth to the Absolute Universe.
02
In Absolute Superman, Kal-El’s origin is dramatically different from the main universe. Instead of being raised by the Kents in Smallville, how does Absolute Superman grow up?
✓ Correct! In the Absolute Universe, Kal-El lands not with the Kents but in an immigrant community, growing up without wealth or privilege. This reimagining strips away Superman’s traditional support system while keeping his core values of hope and justice intact.
✗ That answer didn’t make it through the Absolute reboot! The answer is that he’s raised in an immigrant community with no wealth or privilege. The Absolute line is built on the concept of heroes without their traditional advantages, and Superman’s new upbringing reflects this perfectly.
03
Absolute Batman reimagines Bruce Wayne without his billionaire status. In this version, Bruce Wayne has a very different civilian occupation. What is Absolute Batman’s day job?
✓ Correct! In the Absolute Universe, Bruce Wayne works as an engineer and construction worker. Without the Wayne fortune or Wayne Enterprises, this Bruce builds his gear and gadgets with his own hands and working-class ingenuity, making him a truly self-made Batman.
✗ That answer didn’t make it through the Absolute reboot! The answer is engineer / construction worker. Absolute Batman strips Bruce Wayne of his billionaire status entirely. This Bruce is a massive, imposing figure who uses his engineering skills and physical labor background to craft his own Batman arsenal.
04
Absolute Batman’s costume and physique are dramatically different from the traditional Batman. This version of Bruce Wayne is much larger and more imposing. Who is the writer of Absolute Batman?
✓ Correct! Scott Snyder, who previously wrote the acclaimed New 52 Batman run, is the writer of Absolute Batman. His bold reimagining of Bruce Wayne as a working-class hero without billions has been one of the breakout hits of the Absolute Universe line.
✗ That answer didn’t make it through the Absolute reboot! The answer is Scott Snyder. Known for his legendary Batman run featuring the Court of Owls and other iconic storylines, Snyder returned to the Dark Knight with Absolute Batman, completely reinventing Bruce Wayne for this new universe.
05
Absolute Wonder Woman reimagines Diana in a significantly different setting. In this version, the character’s mythology and origin pull from different cultural influences. Who is the writer of Absolute Wonder Woman?
✓ Correct! Kelly Thompson writes Absolute Wonder Woman, bringing a fresh take on Diana’s mythology and origin. This version reimagines Wonder Woman’s world with different cultural influences while maintaining the warrior spirit at the core of the character.
✗ That answer didn’t make it through the Absolute reboot! The answer is Kelly Thompson. While all four writers are acclaimed in the comics industry, it’s Thompson who helms Absolute Wonder Woman, crafting a bold new vision for Diana in the Absolute Universe.
06
The Absolute Universe was created as a result of Darkseid altering reality. A key difference is that in this universe, heroes don’t have the traditional advantages and support systems. What concept describes this — that these heroes exist without their usual “safety nets”?
✓ Correct! “Heroes without legacy” is the core concept of the Absolute Universe. These versions of DC’s iconic characters exist without the inherited advantages, mentors, wealth, and support networks that traditionally define them — forcing them to become heroes purely on their own terms.
✗ That answer didn’t make it through the Absolute reboot! The answer is “Heroes without legacy.” The Absolute Universe is built on the idea that Darkseid stripped these heroes of their legacies — Batman has no fortune, Superman has no Kents, Wonder Woman has no Themyscira as we know it.
07
Absolute Flash reimagines Wally West in the Absolute Universe. In this version, the Flash’s connection to the Speed Force is portrayed differently. Who is the writer of Absolute Flash?
✓ Correct! Jeff Lemire, known for his deeply human storytelling in titles like Sweet Tooth and Animal Man, writes Absolute Flash. His take on Wally West reimagines the speedster’s relationship with the Speed Force in the context of the Absolute Universe’s stripped-down heroic landscape.
✗ That answer didn’t make it through the Absolute reboot! The answer is Jeff Lemire. While Williamson, Waid, and Adams have all written excellent Flash stories in the main continuity, it’s Lemire who brings his unique storytelling vision to Absolute Flash.
08
Absolute Superman is written and drawn by a critically acclaimed creator who handles both the writing and art duties on the series. Who is this creator?
✓ Correct! Absolute Superman is written by Jason Aaron with art by Rafa Sandoval. Together they’ve crafted a powerful reimagining of Kal-El, placing him in an immigrant community without the Kent family’s support, creating one of the most compelling new takes on the character in years.
✗ That answer didn’t make it through the Absolute reboot! The answer is Jason Aaron (writer) with Rafa Sandoval (art). While Jim Lee, Grant Morrison, and Jorge Jiménez are all legendary DC creators, it’s the Aaron and Sandoval team that brings Absolute Superman to life.
Analysis Complete Your Absolute Knowledge
/ 8
Are you an Absolute expert — or still in the main continuity?
Absolute Cassandra Cain: The Shadow's Hand #1 is a positively loaded issue full of action, additional tidbits about the Absolute Joker's lore, and ultimately sets it self to tie back in for Absolute Catwoman #4 which is due to release on October 14. But fans wanting to take Cassandra's fantastic issue featuring the work of writer Che Grayson, artist Matías Bergara, and colorist Mike Spicer should absolutely check their local comic book retailer, out now as of September 16, 2026.
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- First Film
- Batman
- Latest Film
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The Suicide Squad team is made up of villains, captured and kept in a secret prison, and offered reduced sentences if they participate in dangerous missions. In the tradition of continuity within DCEU films, the event comes in the wake of Superman's death and the seclusion of Batman after the events that occurred in Batman V Superman. Agency head Amanda Waller, played by award-winning actress Viola Davis, is the one striking deals with the inmates of Belle Reve Prison. Heading “Task Force X” is Joel Kinnaman’s Rick Flag, alongside Will Smith’s Deadshot, Margot Robbie’s Harley Quinn, Jai Courtney’s Captain Boomerang, Jay Hernandez’s El Diablo, Adewale Akinnuoye’s Killer Croc, and Adam Beach’s Slipknot. Karen Fukuhara’s Katana also joins the mission to keep Rick safe from the villains. Jared Leto (Joker) and Ben Affleck (Batman) have smaller roles in David Ayer’s Suicide Squad, as does Cara Delevingne’s Enchantress.
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