Absolute Batman #1 Review: A Tour de Force

Absolute Batman #1

Review

Rating

10

Excellent

Writer: Scott Snyder

Artist: Nick Dragotta

Publisher: DC Comics

Release Date: October 9, 2024

Page Count: 44

Format: Single-issue

Absolute Batman #1 kicks the door down to introduce Bruce Wayne and Gotham City, unlike anything you’ve seen before. Scott Snyder and Nick Dragotta masterfully lay the groundwork for an exciting new era in Batman comics where anything goes.

Absolute Batman #1

Review

Writer: Scott Snyder

Artist: Nick Dragotta

Publisher: DC Comics

Release Date: October 9, 2024

Page Count: 44

Format: Single-issue

Absolute Batman #1 kicks the door down to introduce Bruce Wayne and Gotham City, unlike anything you’ve seen before. Scott Snyder and Nick Dragotta masterfully lay the groundwork for an exciting new era in Batman comics where anything goes.

Rating

10

Excellent

DC's Absolute Universe is finally here, and it's kicking things off with a massive new series. Absolute Batman introduces us to a new DC universe with a very different Bruce Wayne built from the ground up. The comic also marks the return of writer Scott Snyder to the streets of Gotham City. Along with East of West artist Nick Dragotta, Snyder embarks on a groundbreaking new comic that drastically shifts how we see the Dark Knight. With Bruce Wayne stripped of his money, power, and status, the groundwork is set for bold stories to rise within this exciting new universe.

Keep on reading for my full review of Absolute Batman #1!

Overview of Absolute Batman #1

A group known as the Party Animals begins terrorizing the streets of Gotham City, committing gruesome acts of violence against anyone who crosses their path. Their crime wave has caught the attention of MI6, the employers of none other than Alfred Pennyworth. But he's not the only one seeking justice for Gotham. Bruce Wayne has prepared his whole life to become the hero that Gotham City needs, and now is the time for him to make his bold presence felt. 

Image: DC Comics

Review

What makes DC’s Absolute Universe such an exciting prospect is its promise to subvert expectations, and Absolute Batman wastes no time doing just that. The comic opens with a brooding monologue that sounds like it’s coming from the Bruce we know—but it quickly reveals to be Alfred’s voice instead. That little rug-pull moment immediately sets the tone for how this comic’s story is told from a new perspective. Alfred is ultimately the foundation of what makes this new story work on so many levels. Rather than placing us directly in Bruce Wayne’s shoes, Absolute Batman has us view him from afar, allowing Alfred’s growing fascination for Batman to shape our own understanding of this new Dark Knight. We learn about Batman’s roots and skillset just as Alfred does, creating a fully fleshed-out origin story unique from what we usually see in other Batman comics. In 44 pages, Scott Snyder masterfully put together a perfectly paced issue that gives you everything you need to know about this new Gotham City without feeling overwhelmed. 

With Absolute Batman essentially as the kick-off for the Absolute Universe, there’s a great sense of discovery that makes this issue such a fun read. It is sprinkled with teases about Batman’s iconic rogues gallery, hinting at how they now play very different roles in shaping this new Bruce Wayne. And boy, is this Bruce something else. Even without his new arsenal of secret weaponry that has everyone talking, this Bruce Wayne is an uncaged whirlwind that tears through everything in his path. The action scene at the heart of this issue is a forceful showcase of how extreme this new version of Batman can be. 

Image: DC Comics

However, that is where I can see some pushback for this new series. As exciting as it is to see Absolute Batman in action, it’s pushing the limits of his Batman’s iconic no-kill rule. Now, more than ever, you must extend your suspension of disbelief that the thugs will somehow make it out alive after they cross paths with Batman. But regardless of that, there’s no denying how thrilling it is to see Batman take down enemies with a whole new arsenal of handmade gadgets. 

With that said, Nick Dragotta really worked his magic to bring this new Batman to life. As a big fan of East of West, I was thrilled to see Dragotta’s distinct style in the world of Gotham. His gritty yet stylized edge helped amplify that feeling of discovery I mentioned earlier. From Alfred to Bruce, everyone looks and feels like a new character. With so many teases already in this first issue, I’m eager to see the redesigns of the other characters as we get deeper into the series. I also feel that Dragotta’s bold art style is indicative of what they are planning for the Absolute Universe. It shows a willingness to shed new light on DC’s biggest superheroes to make way for fresh and exciting stories to unfold. It makes diving into this new initiative all the more exciting because you can never know what to expect when you open up a new book.

Image: DC Comics

Final Thoughts

Absolute Batman #1 delivers a bold new take on the Dark Knight that will captivate both longtime fans and newcomers. Scott Snyder and Nick Dragotta have crafted a clever reimagining that strips away Bruce Wayne's wealth and privilege, exploring Batman from a fresh angle that still maintains the character’s essence. While it does dip into darker, more violent territory, the story and characterizations honor what makes Batman enduring and iconic.

The only downside is having to wait a whole month for the next issue. The comic does such a great job of setting up this new universe that it leaves you eager to explore further. With a new status quo established and hints at the vast potential of DC's Absolute Universe, it sets the stage for an exciting new era. If you're looking for a Batman story that breaks new ground, Absolute Batman is an absolute must-read.

Why You Should Read Absolute Batman

• It offers a fresh reimagining of Batman's origins and world, stripping away familiar elements to present the character in a bold new light.
• Nick Dragotta's distinctive art style brings a unique visual flair, with dynamic layouts and gritty yet stylized character designs that perfectly capture the tone of this new Gotham.
• It serves as an intriguing entry point to DC's new Absolute Universe, hinting at exciting possibilities for how familiar characters and concepts will be reinvented.