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Warning! Spoilers ahead for Absolute Batman #4!Fans have been wondering why the newest Batman is built like a truck and a glimpse into his origins is finally explaining why. The Absolute Batman is incredibly different from his Prime counterpart and not just because the former lacks the latter’s wealth. This new Dark Knight has a lot of muscles on him, and DC is finally explaining why.
In Absolute Batman #4 by Scott Snyder, Nick Dragotta, and Gabriel Hernández Walta, an extended flashback shows this version of Bruce’s early days as a crime-fighter. After an unsuccessful outing, Bruce abandons his initial getup and decides to overhaul his entire way of doing things.
Bruce reflects on his childhood and how his design for a bridge incorporated aspects from every prototype he designed, including physical intimidation. Batman starts hitting the gym and slowly transforms his body until he gains the enormous size he desires. With a body to match his innovative new gadgets, Absolute Batman hits the streets.
Absolute Batman Got Big to Be as Physically Intimidating as Possible
But His Size is One Part of Absolute Batman’s Greater Dynamic
In the Absolute Universe, everything reflects Darkseid’s twisted ideals and DC’s heroes are challenged in ways they never expected. In Bruce Wayne’s case, he didn’t have the wealthy upbringing the main Batman did, and he grew up on Crime Alley. After witnessing his father gunned down in a mass shooting at a zoo, Batman spent years lashing out at the world before resolving to clean up Gotham. Though he didn’t have the funds to finance an operation as smooth as his counterpart, Absolute Batman got along fine with his innovative creations and the sheer mass he developed via bodybuilding.
If there’s one thing the creators have been clear about the Absolute versions of DC’s heroes, it’s that every aspect of them has a reason for being included. While it makes sense to make Absolute Batman swole to help him stand apart from the Prime Bruce, that’s not the only reason he made those gains. This version of Bruce was never happy with the first few iterations of his superhero persona because they each specialized in one aspect, but lacked in others. By gaining muscle mass, Bruce was making sure the Absolute Batman was as intimidating as it was innovative.
Absolute Batman’s Mass is a Simple, But Effective Way of Instilling Fear
Who Wants to Mess with a Burly Batman?
This version of Batman is no doubt creative in a lot of ways, but he wanted a simple way of intimidating any evil-doers. And what better way than to put someone on edge by developing a figure that Bane would envy? Sure, this Batman isn’t as svelte as the Prime Universe one, but it hasn’t made him any less effective at his job. And the bulk is definitely getting the job done as Absolute Batman has had the worst criminals in Gotham on the run. His muscles may make him stand out, but they’re the perfect asset for Absolute Batman.
Absolute Batman #4 is available now from DC Comics.
Batman
One of DC’s most iconic heroes, Batman is the vigilante superhero persona of billionaire Bruce Wayne. Forged by tragedy with the death of his parents, Bruce dedicated his life to becoming the world’s leading martial artist, detective, and tactician. Recruiting an entire family of allies and sidekicks, Bruce wages war on evil as the dark knight of his hometown, Gotham City.
“}]] Why DC’s new Batman is absolutely swole. Read More