Absolute Batman #1 is written by Scott Snyder and published by DC. Artwork is by Nick Dragotta, colours by Frank Martin and letters by Clayton Cowles. Main cover art (left) is by Dragotta and Martin.
Absolute Batman #2 is available now, in print and on digital platforms where all good comic books are sold. Grab your digital copy from Amazon Comixology UK right here.
Synopsis
Batman was born out of violence – a horrible tragedy that shaped the trajectory of his future. But when a vigilant MI6 agent starts tracking the lonely life of Bruce Wayne, he discovers the interconnectivity between a hero’s shell life and the many layers of the Black Mask Gang. It’s Batman versus Alfred Pennyworth!
Review
Absolute Batman is back in comic book stores with its second issue. After three sell out #1 issues, DC’s brand new Absolute Universe now needs to cement itself as a worthy melting pot of stories. If there is to be any longevity to this initiative then DC needs to prove that world-building and story comes first over mere spectacle. With Absolute Batman the flagship title it falls to Scott Snyder and Nick Dragotta to bring that legitimacy to their story. No big deal right?!
Absolute Batman #2 picks up in the flashback to Bruce’s school trip to the zoo. For those looking to scratch beneath the surface of Snyder’s epic story the title of this arc, “The Zoo”, has plenty of meaning. There Bruce’s literal trip to Gotham Zoo, perhaps the single most pivotal moment in his life. But Snyder also explores Absolute Gotham through its tribes, forcing the reader to become the spectator watching them in their natural habitat.
Issue #2 is Snyder digging a little deeper. There’s still the scintillating slow burn as the Absolute Universe continues to build its foundations. But Snyder uses every trick in the book to expose more about Gotham’s key players. There’s something infinitely engaging about reading a Batman book which isn’t told entirely in the first person. It’s Alfred who leads the way again this issue, narrating his way through the latest events in the city. Though Bruce will come in to play later, to begin with his voice only takes control during the flashback moments.
There’s still so much we don’t know about the Absolute Universe. Putting aside any potential interactions with the main universe. There’s also the question of where the similarities between worlds ends. It’s clear DC doesn’t – yet – want to veer so far away that its most established heroes have new alter egos. But what DC is happy to do and Snyder revels in this month is play with familiar faces and traditional relationships. Whether it’s a tug at the heart strings seeing Alfred beginning to feel a little protective of the fledgling hero. Or a table of classic villains playing cards as the dialogue hints towards their legendary fates.
Something I observed in my review of issue #1 was the way Snyder was able to populate the city of Gotham, making it feel alive. Not only does it make the book feel vibrant but it also offers up the chance to visualise much more of the reaction to Batman. That continues this issue through another TV news broadcast – perhaps a Spawn influence? – and the one breakaway scene featuring Jim and Barbara Gordon and Martha Wayne. I’d like to see this be a continued presence moving forwards because, as I said before, it feels like there’s little time for this in the main universe.
There’s still plenty of room for fun and plot development. Batman continues to investigate Black Mask, using information sourced from the other villains. It leads to a small but very impactful interaction between Bruce and Alfred plus the reveal of the Absolute Batmobile. That car is a beast like no other. Snyder is clearly having fun, riffing on Mad Max, Dark Knights Metal and his love of melodramatic design work. It feels right that a hulking Batman would have an equally hulking Batmobile. Although where did he find the time to build that thing!? And where does he store it!
Nick Dragotta once again draws the hell out of Snyder’s script. Dragotta and Frank Martin are just an incredible duo. I’ve already said epic this review but it’s true. The scale of Absolute Batman is just unbelievable. There’s a lot more close up work this issue. The tightness of some of the framing really shows off the fine detail in Dragotta’s designs. It’s particularly impactful in the flashback scenes with young Bruce trapped in the bat house at the zoo. But then the camera pulls back for some incredible moments like the burning tower block or, most impressively, the ginormous Batmobile. Everything in Absolute Batman just looks phenomenal.
Verdict
Absolute Batman #2 builds on the first issue, laying out the foundations for a fabulous first arc to the story. Scott Snyder masterminds a truly epic, seemingly limitless Batman story for the ages. The possibilities are endless.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
