Absolute Batman’s Take on Bane Calls Back to an Underrated DC Cartoon

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The Absolute Universe has already gotten off to a resounding success. With its version of Batman leading the charge in exploring this more challenging reality, the threats Batman has faced thus far have not disappointed. His last confrontation with Black Mask nearly ended in his death had it not been for the timely intervention of Alfred Pennyworth. As harrowing as that ordeal was, it was only the opening salvo in what awaits Batman. As revealed in Absolute Batman #6 (Scott Snyder, Nic Dragolta), the next major threat to Gotham appears to be the Absolute Bane.

Little is known about him thus far, other than the fact that he is massive, but there is something unexpected about him: He shares similarities to the cartoon version of himself from 2004’s The Batman. This might sound strange, but given everything that is known about this iteration of Bane, there is some evidence to support this. Granted, the Absolute version of Bane is certainly more dangerous than a Saturday morning kid’s show version, but it’s worth pointing out what they have in common. It might even help give a hint to fans about where this new first confrontation between Batman and Bane is headed.

In the aftermath of Black Mask’s defeat, and through him the Party Animals, Gotham got to enjoy a brief reprieve from the chaos the violent gang was unleashing. In the parts unknown though, the Joker was making his own depraved plans.

Revealed to have his own designs on Gotham City, and that Black Mask was a subordinate of his, the Absolute Clown Prince of Crime began to make adjustments to his scheme. For whatever reason, he wanted Gotham to be in total chaos. Black Mask was his preferred method, but he is not too broken up about the loss, mostly because he had a backup plan: Bane. The way he phrased it though, made it sound like Bane was something of a last resort for him.

Judging from the promotional image released, Bane is incredibly tall, even by the standards of the main version of the character. This is confirmed because the image also sported Batman standing in front of Bane, and being dwarfed by his sheer size.

For further context, the Absolute Batman is taller than the Superman and Wonder Woman of this universe, both of whom are typically taller than Batman in most universes. He stands at a confirmed 6’6”, easily making him the tallest version of the Dark Knight to date. The fact that Bane towers over him means that whatever kind of venom he is using to enhance his physical state is far more potent than what’s used in the main DC Universe.

Aside from what is physically known about Bane, the fact that he works for the Joker says a lot. Characters who are typically independent entities with their own designs and factions have seemed to, thus far, be under the thumb of the Joker. Black Mask, who is typically a crime lord, is an international anarchist serving the Joker, and now it seems Bane is doing the same, perhaps acting as the Joker’s enforcer or just a mercenary for hire.

Given how he was waiting in the wings for the Joker’s command, the former seems more likely than the latter. This means Bane likely won’t be in control of Peña Duro prison as he usually is, but given how the Absolute Universe only gives advantages to its villains, Bane might have far more backing him up than just control of one of the world’s most dangerous prisons.

Absolute Bane Is Similar to His 2004 Counterpart

Absolute Bane’s past as a potential mercenary brings up the 2004 incarnation from The Batman cartoon. He first appeared in the series’ second episode, “Traction.” A group of crime bosses who had all been put out of business by Batman had gathered in secret to pool their resources to hire both their revenge and their chance to get back on top of things: Bane. According to them, he was a mercenary who volunteered for physical enhancements in the Amazon.

Right away, Bane is distinguished from his usual counterpart. Ordinarily, Bane spent his formative years inside Peña Duro, learning from various prisoners to gain the skills needed to become the Batman’s equal. In this universe, it seems that Bane was never in any sort of prison, but chose to pursue greater power through the use of venom. He does retain his hispanic accent though, suggesting that Santa Prisca might have been some aspect of his past.

This Bane proved to be similar to his alternate selves in the sense that he overwhelmed Batman when they first met. His use of venom was unknown to the Dark Knight and nearly resulted in his death. Unfortunately, the very thing that makes Bane so dangerous in this cartoon also makes him much sloppier than his other selves.

He does not have the ruthless streak to check to make sure that his foe is gone for good, merely assuming that Batman was dead, a mistake that would come back to haunt him later. What is interesting about this Bane though, is that he seemed to be ruled by his lust for power more than anything else. When presented with a chance to rob a bank truck blind, he considered the deed beneath him, believing that with Batman out of the way, he could rule Gotham as a king.

This Bane demonstrated an independent side and a more pronounced craving for control. It makes sense; a man who volunteered for potentially dangerous experiments to be performed on himself must have been chasing something. In an ironic twist, that actually means that the crime bosses who hired him would still have been unable to recoup their losses had Bane succeeded in killing Batman. He would have just replaced Batman as Gotham’s top masked fighter and been an even bigger threat to the criminals of Gotham because he would seize active control with no resistance.

Absolute Bane Will Overwhelm Batman

If Bane is anything like past iterations, then his first encounter with the Absolute Batman will go overwhelmingly in his favor. This version of Batman is used to being the bigger, better, stronger fighter. In Bane, he won’t have found an equal; he’s likely found a superior.

Everything about the Absolute Universe tells fans that its villains are given more advantages than ever. Bane likely has an improved formula for venom and possibly even better training. If the Joker can be a billionaire in this universe, then Bane can surely be someone with the freedom and time to improve himself.

Absolute Batman’s first time meeting Bane will probably be the closest he’s come to death in a long time. If anything, it’s even possible that their first fight might result in an injury worse than when Bane broke Batman’s back in the original universe.

Bruce Wayne might be legitimately forced into recovery by Bane, leaving time for his allies to gather to try and pick up the slack. Still, there is no telling how this version of Bane will manifest. He may very well be every bit the learned warrior he is in the main universe and more. Or he could be something far more sinister. Black Mask went from crime boss to murder-happy sadist in this universe. So, Bane’s personality and goals are up in the air right now.

What is clear is that given how he has been teased in the series thus far, Bane’s arrival will be a major turning point for Batman in the Absolute universe. Perhaps one that points him towards the source of Gotham’s recent troubles, the mysterious figure who may turn out to be Absolute Joker.

While this may sound like Bane is just a stepping stone for Batman to reach the Joker, make no mistake: Bane will be something Batman has never faced before. All this time being the bigger, badder person in the room has left Batman a little overconfident. Bane’s mere presence reminds him that there is always someone bigger.

“}]] The Absolute universe’s divisive take on Bane actually has subtle hints connecting him to 2004’s incredibly underrated The Batman animated series.  Read More