Warning! Contains Spoilers For Detective Comics #1085!

DC has radically upgraded one major Batman villain, as it has been revealed that Mr. Freeze cannot die. At times, Freeze has been downgraded to the status of one of the Caped Crusader’s lesser rogues, but now he has been revitalized as one of the DC Universe’s functionally immortal characters.

Detective Comics #1085 features a backup story – written by Alex Paknadel, with art by Christopher Mitten – in which readers are made privy to the fact that Mr. Freeze has apparently created a youth elixir, one that keeps him from aging, indefinitely extending his lifespan.

The details of the story have led fans to reconsider their understanding of Freeze, as well as causing some to question whether DC is setting him up for a more dramatic role in the near future.

Mr. Freeze Has Found A Way To Circumvent The Aging Process

A Major Revelation

The story in Detective Comics #1085 depicts Freeze meeting with a former friend, who attempts to pressure Mr. Freeze into sharing his anti-aging elixir with her. Surprisingly, Mr. Freeze doesn’t deny having such a concoction, or even act surprised at his insinuation. He simply gives her a fake recipe, disappointed in the fact she was using him for her own benefit. Still the fact this woman asked Mr. Freeze for this elixir means that it’s at least somewhat common knowledge that he is ageless.

Out of all of Batman’s villains, Mr. Freeze is one of the greatest scientists among them. He has a brilliant mind and is likely the world’s foremost cyro science expert. His study of cold has allowed him to create unbelievable machines, such as his iconic freeze gun. He’s also been able to to keep his wife Nora for years, without killing her. Given that Freeze’s primary motivation is usually given as seeking a cure for his wife’s medical condition, it makes sense that he would seek to inhibit his own aging, to prolong his quest.

Mr. Freeze Has Continued To Evolve As A Villain Over The Years

Plenty Of Time To Keep Growing

This isn’t the first time that DC has decided to toy with Mr. Freeze and his abilities. The New 52 gave Mr. Freeze a completely new origin, which removed his wife Nora and also gave him actual superpowers. This version of Mr. Freeze didn’t have to rely on his iconic ice gun to freeze people, instead, he could simply fire ice blasts out of his hands and freeze people that way. It wasn’t a well-received change, and Mr. Freeze was quickly reverted back to his scientist skill set after the New 52 ended. However, this does show that DC is more than willing to play with Mr. Freeze’s abilities.

In fact, Mr. Freeze has been through many changes over the years. When he first appeared in comics he was named Mr. Zero and all he wanted was to steal diamonds. It wasn’t until the 1960s show that he became Mr. Freeze, while the 1992 Batman: The Animated Series truly shaped him into the character he is today. Now, he’s been revealed to be essentially immortal. Out of all of Batman’s villains, Mr. Freeze continues to be among the most malleable characters for different writers to play with.