Absolute Batman #1 is fast becoming the most highly anticipated comic of 2024. The new series is set to kick off DC Comics‘ Absolute Universe, offering a new take on the Dark Knight. This take has been praised by multiple comics pros, who were given a preview of the new series in advance of its October release.
“I cannot remember the last time a Batman comic ripped it up this hard,” stated Uncanny X-Men author Gail Simone, via X (formerly Twitter). “It’s punch after punch, straight to the head. But you get up and go back for more every time it knocks you down.” Conan the Barbarian writer Jim Zub was equally enthusiastic about the new series. Zub describes Absolute Batman #1 as “an intense ride that hits the ground at high speed.”
Eisner Award-winning artist Mitch Gerads was more succinct in his assessment of Absolute Batman #1, simply writing “DAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAANG.” World’s Finest artist Dan Mora went one step further. Beyond describing the book as a “really freaking cool reimagining,” Mora drew his take on the new Batman’s costume. This image can be viewed below.
Spinning out of DC All-In, the Absolute Universe will be familiar yet radically different from any previous image of the DC Universe. The new reality is born of the Omega Energy commanded by Darkseid. This results in a basically hostile world, yet the heroes of this Earth will burn all the brighter in the dark. This will be particularly true in Absolute Batman #1, which is written by Scott Snyder with art by Nick Dragotta.
(Image Source: DC / Jim Lee)
Bruce Wayne is still the Dark Knight in Absolute Batman #1. However, he is not the same hero that he is on Earth-Prime. This Batman is a more chaotic figure who depends on power and endurance over finesse in a fight. To that end, he wields a battle axe while still adhering to the classic superhero code against killing. This is just one of the changes that mark Absolute Batman #1 as a unique take on the character and one that seems sure to spark success.
Absolute Batman #1 arrives in comic shops everywhere on October 9, 2024.