Writer: Scott Snyder
Art: Nick Dragotta, Frank Martin, and Clayton Cowles
Publisher: DC Comics
Price: $4.99
Reviewed by: Anonymous
Release Date: October 9th, 2024
Without the mansion…without the money…without the butler…what’s left is the Absolute Dark Knight!
If you’re interested in this comic, series, related trades, or any of the others mentioned, then simply click on the title/link to snag a copy through Amazon as you read the Absolute Batman #1 Review.
THE DISPATCH
Absolute Batman #1 by Scott Snyder and Nick Dragotta marks a bold new beginning for the Dark Knight, stripping away the familiar trappings and exploring the essence of the character. This gritty and visceral tale reimagines Batman as a vigilante operating in a ”different” Gotham City, forced to confront his mortality and the limits of his abilities.
The issue wastes no time establishing the bleak setting. Gotham City is a criminal wasteland and the city’s struggling to cling to life. Keeping these aspects in mind, Snyder’s writing is masterful, delving deep into Bruce Wayne’s psyche as he grapples with the loss of everything, he once held dear. This is not the Batman we’re accustomed to; he’s a broken man, haunted and forced to confront his own mortality but so much more physical and raw than ever before.
Dragotta’s art perfectly complements the narrative, capturing the bleakness and the raw intensity of Batman’s struggle. His gritty style and detailed character designs bring the story to life. Yet despite the grim setting, Absolute Batman #1 introduces a glimmer of hope in the form of a young orphan. This connection provides a much-needed emotional anchor for the character and hints at a potential path forward for this new Batman.
FINAL THOUGHTS
The return of what appears to be some formidable adversary from Batman’s past, adds a layer of intrigue and danger to the story. This confrontation serves as a reminder of the challenges Batman will face in this new world that seem familiar to what we remember but with a unique twist. So, is Absolute Batman #1 worth reading? For fans of Batman and dark, gritty superhero stories, this issue is a must-read. Snyder and Dragotta have crafted a compelling and thought-provoking tale that reimagines the character in a brutal and unforgiving world. While the lack of familiar trappings might be jarring for some readers, the focus on character development and the exploration of Batman’s humanity make this a worthwhile journey. Overall, Absolute Batman #1 is a powerful and thought-provoking reimagining of Batman, setting the stage for a compelling new series.