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Warning: MAJOR Spoilers for Absolute Batman #1The Absolute Universe just arrived with the explosive debut of Absolute Batman, and it’s a premiere that fans new and old shouldn’t miss out on. As a longtime fan of Batman, I’ve felt that most modern stories play it too safe with Bruce Wayne, sticking to the same old familiar territory and playing with the same old characters. Now, Absolute Batman is pushing boundaries with a subversive depiction of Batman that stands out from the rest.
After months of anticipation, Absolute Batman #1 by Scott Snyder, Nick Dragotta, Frank Martin, and Clayton Cowles has finally hit shelves. I will be the first to admit that I’ve been skeptical of this series from the moment it was announced. Many modern Batman stories feel like they’re afraid to damage DC’s most prized character by trying new things with him, and my fear was that Absolute Batman would fall into the same trap. As someone who hasn’t been too invested in Batman’s recent outings, I didn’t see how anything could win me back.
Now that I’ve read this first issue for myself, I’m proud to say that I couldn’t have been more wrong. Absolute Batman #1 is the bold reinvention I’ve been waiting for as a fan of the Dark Knight, and it’s singlehandedly renewed my love for the character and this expansive mythos.
Absolute Batman Takes Bruce Wayne in a Refreshing New Direction
Batman Like We’ve Never Seen Him Before
Absolute Batman isn’t the Bruce Wayne we’ve familiarized ourselves with. This take on Batman lacks his usual support systems: he doesn’t have his wealth, and he certainly doesn’t have the Bat-Family joining him on adventures. Instead, this is a Bruce Wayne who struggles to get by. Born to a working-class family, Bruce makes his living as a city engineer. Having a blue collar Batman paints the character in a whole new light and makes him a much more relatable protagonist. It definitely allows me to see more of myself in Batman than ever before, and I’m sure the average reader would agree.
Absolute Batman: 10 Things You Need To Know About DC’s Bold, New Dark Knight
Absolute Batman creator Scott Snyder has broken down the must-known facts of this new Bruce, from his changed childhood, fighting tactics, and more!
It wouldn’t be Batman without a tragic origin story involving his parents, and this version of the character has his own take on the iconic shooting. In a surprising twist, while Thomas Wayne still faces his end, Martha Wayne survives. A character who’s been historically neglected in Batman stories is alive and well, a masterful move that’s piqued my interest. Though this Bruce Wayne couldn’t be more different from his main universe counterpart, one core trait remains: his heart, which is on full display when Batman spares enemies’ lives in the heat of battle – and the battle itself is a sight to behold.
Absolute Batman’s Ingenuity Makes Fights More Dynamic Than Ever
Thanks to Batman’s New Gadgets, His Fights Are a Joy to Read
The first thing readers, myself included, will notice about Absolute Batman is that he’s big. As I’d hoped since the first time his design was unveiled to the public, his massive size makes him a heavy-hitter in battle, putting his avid weightlifting habits to use. What’s also big is the Batman logo emblazoned on his chest, and that too has a purpose in battle, as shown when he turns it into an axe and slices an enemy’s arm clean off. In fact, every piece of Batman’s redesigned costume has a practical application that makes this version distinct.
Looking for more reinvented DC characters? Keep an eye out for the forthcoming Absolute Universe titles, like this fall’s
Absolute Wonder Woman
by Kelly Thompson and Hayden Sherman and
Absolute Superman
by Jason Aaron and Rafa Sandoval.
Absolute Batman’s symbol being a makeshift ax is thrilling enough, and that’s only the tip of the iceberg. The ears of his cowl can be used as knives, and even his cape can launch himself – or his foes – with ease. Batman has never been more unpredictable than he is here, showing off his vast arsenal of gadgets to keep enemies and readers alike on their toes. His fights in DC’s main continuity have grown stale with time, so it’s nice to be pleasantly surprised every time I turn the page as Dragotta’s gorgeous art brings these battles to life.
Batman’s New Supporting Cast Breathes New Life into Classic Characters
The Absolute Universe Rewrites Bruce Wayne’s Iconic Relationships
In addition to the changes made to Batman himself, his supporting cast has been reimagined in compelling ways. From Jim Gordon stepping up as Gotham’s mayor to Gotham’s rogues being childhood friends of Batman, every character has had new life breathed into them for this continuity. Even the Absolute Universe’s version of the Joker has been teased, with a shocking gimmick that justifies his role in the narrative rather than making me roll my eyes. Over the years, I’ve become jaded towards most of these characters, and I therefore welcome these inventive new portrayals.
After 81 Years, Absolute Batman Totally Rewrites a Core Aspect of Franchise Lore
DC’s new “Absolute Batman” series drastically changed Bruce Wayne’s origin, and in the process, redefines his relationship with [SPOILERS.]
The most transformed character in Batman’s supporting cast has to be Alfred Pennyworth. Usually his loyal confidant and trusted ally, Alfred undergoes a major change in the Absolute Universe’s continuity. Here, he’s an antagonist for the Dark Knight who dedicates himself to taking Batman down after studying him extensively. Their confrontation sets up a larger rivalry that will undoubtedly carry on throughout the story. The dynamic between this Bruce Wayne and Alfred Pennyworth is a far cry from anything that’s been done with them before, and I can’t wait to see how their brewing conflict plays out.
The Absolute Universe Is a Major Upheaval for Batman Lore – And I’m ALL IN!
Absolute Batman #1 Makes Big Swings No One Else Will
At first, I was wary of what the Absolute Universe would entail for the characters I know and love. The New 52 reboot didn’t exactly inspire confidence in the idea of reinventing DC’s heroes in an edgier fashion, after all. However, Absolute Batman has opened my eyes to the possibilities that come with a brand-new continuity. This inspired take on Batman and on Gotham as a whole has granted me the innovative Batman story I’ve yearned for. While other Batman stories tread water, Absolute Batman blows every expectation I had for it out of the water.
In a sea of Batman stories that refuse to make ambitious choices,
Absolute Batman
wields ambition like a battleaxe and swings for the fences.
Absolute Batman #1 takes everything I thought I knew about Bruce Wayne and throws it out the window. Snyder and Dragotta have rewritten Batman’s mythos in ways I could never have dreamed of, reinvigorating his lore with a story that can only be told in this darker continuity. In a sea of Batman stories that refuse to make ambitious choices, Absolute Batman wields ambition like a battleaxe and swings for the fences. I haven’t been this captivated by a Batman comic in ages, but I can say with confidence that I’m ALL IN for Absolute Batman after this stunning debut.
Absolute Batman #1 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.
“}]] Absolute Batman #1 is the reinvention he’s needed. Read More