Absolute Batman #9 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 #9 is available from today, in print and on digital platforms where all good comic books are sold. Grab your digital copy from Amazon Comixology UK right here.
Synopsis
The latest development in saving the derelict and despondent of our society is a facility known as Ark M—a fully operational institution that has played a rather sizeable part, on purpose or not, in the creation of evil. And it’s active. So when Bruce tries infiltrate it and distill its secrets, a new villain from Gotham City arrives to deal with the problem…an old adversary of Alfred’s…a man known only as Bane.
Review
Today, the third story arc of DC’s Absolute Batman kicks off in comic book stores. After showing a beautiful versatility with its Mr. Freeze arc, the series turns to something a little more violent as it sets up a confrontation between the Dark Knight and another of his classic rogues gallery characters, Bane.
There’s an escalation of tensions in Absolute Batman which is palpable even from the first page. Scott Snyder opens the latest issue in Bialya, touching on international relations on the Absolute Universe’s version of Earth. We learn that Kahndaq and Qurac may have reached a tentative peace deal. But that peace is shattered by the arrival of the now ultra-hulking Bane. As a truly brutal murder takes place on the page we’re quickly able to understand this version of Bane is a mercenary for hire and his next stop is none other than Gotham City…
But things are little better in Gotham. Alfred Pennyworth has returned – alongside series artist Nick Dragotta – and so has his narration. Following the short coda scene in last month’s issue, Batman has been on a rampage searching for the missing Waylon Jones. But the Absolute Batman doesn’t just hit the streets looking for information. He’s not under cover with the gangs with his ear to the ground. Nope. He’s just out there smashing apart the Maronis and the Falcones with a force almost as brutal as Bane. Snyder cleverly employs Alfred’s narration to show that Batman is now seemingly out of control. He’s quite literally shattering his way through criminals to find his missing friend.
Snyder keeps the momentum of Absolute Batman running at a satisfying pace. References to the previous arc help maintain the overall sense of continuity. There’s also a sense of this Batman learning on the job. We know he’s early in his career so it feels authentic to his story to have missteps but also to see him adjusting his methodology as he goes. In this case that just happens to also mean that as time goes by he seems less patient and more inclined to err on the side of violence.
That same development and continuity can be attributed to the series beautiful world building as well. The aforementioned scene in Bialya widens out the world. But closer to home the brief time spent with Jim Gordon and Martha Wayne continues to strengthen the series supporting cast. Snyder doubles down on this by building connections between Batman and Barbara Gordon which could have interesting repercussions in the future. Key moments in this issue also build on the mythology behind the Ark M facility in Gotham. It’s been lurking in the background from the very beginning. But it feels like as more time passes by that this is becoming a key location for the future.
Of course when Batman finally comes face-to-face with Bane it’s a ferocious flurry of fists. Time and time again Snyder has proven to be an all rounder. His world building is exquisite. His characters are rich. But boy does he know how to land a punch when he needs to. So to pit an already hulking Batman against the brute force of a gigantic Bane is riveting. Of course these two have a well documented history in comics as well as on film. Snyder isn’t setting out to recreate 1993’s back-breaking moment here. But it’s clear he’s acutely aware of it and is trying to evoke a similar of jeopardy. Of course he succeeds. The moment these two come to blows is fantastic.
It’s also great to have Nick Dragotta back on Absolute Batman. The idea of having guest artists step in for one-off and two-part mini arcs is great. But Dragotta just IS Absolute Batman at this point. His visuals are as synonymous with this version of the character as Snyder’s voice. Of course it also helps that this issue pulls back to a wider focus. Whilst the Freeze story felt more insular and character focussed, this arc already recaptures the wider scope of the series first arc. That approach just plays perfectly to Dragotta’s strengths.
Whilst the first between Batman and Bane exudes style and energy. It’s bigger, splashier moments like Batman’s infiltration of Ark M which instantly earn themselves god-like status. The sight of Batman’s billowing cape as her perches over the sprawling facility is stunning and deserving of a place framed in a gallery.
Verdict
Absolute Batman #8 is proof of Scott Snyder’s extraordinary dedication to the character and this world. Having beyond proven the concept he’s still world building, still reinventing and still astonishing us. The arrival of Bane heralds a ferocity which has me clamouring for the next issue already.
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