Absolute Batman #2 Review: The Man Behind the Mask

Absolute Batman #2

Review

Rating

9

Good

Writer: Scott Snyder

Artist: Nick Dragotta

Publisher: DC Comics

Release Date: November 13, 2024

Page Count: 28

Format: Single-issue

Absolute Batman #2 builds on its stellar debut by diving deeper into Bruce Wayne's character and the fascinating world around him. While the pacing slows down in this issue compared to the first, it sets up plenty of intrigue for what's to come in this bold new take on the Dark Knight.

Absolute Batman #2

Review

Writer: Scott Snyder

Artist: Nick Dragotta

Publisher: DC Comics

Release Date: November 13, 2024

Page Count: 28

Format: Single-issue

Absolute Batman #2 builds on its stellar debut by diving deeper into Bruce Wayne's character and the fascinating world around him. While the pacing slows down in this issue compared to the first, it sets up plenty of intrigue for what's to come in this bold new take on the Dark Knight.

Rating

9

Good

With the Absolute Universe now in full swing, it's safe to say that all eyes have been on DC Comics as of late, and for good reason. Each new release, from Absolute Wonder Woman to Absolute Superman, knocked it out of the park, introducing readers to a new era with exciting alternate versions of the world's most iconic superheroes. But the comic that really stood tall among the pack was Absolute Batman. Scott Snyder and Nick Dragotta fully understood the assignment for the Absolute Universe, delivering a drastically different take on the Dark Knight that still stays true to the character's core. Now, how does the series follow up its incredible debut? Keep on reading for my full review of Absolute Batman #2!

Overview of Absolute Batman #2

Batman continues his all-out war against the Party Animals. Using advanced tactics and weaponry, the Dark Knight stays one step ahead of the masked thugs. But that does not stop the mysterious group from terrorizing the streets of Gotham City. So Bruce decides it's time to take his fight to the next level. However, he discovers the Party Animals fall into a much deeper rabbit hole in Gotham’s dark underbelly than he expected.

Image: DC Comics

Review

While the first issue of Absolute Batman hit hard with action-packed scenes, this second installment shifts gears, digging more into who Bruce Wayne really is when the mask comes off. Through a mix of flashbacks and present-day interactions, readers get a more intimate look into Bruce’s traumatic past and the friends who stood by him in his darkest moments. Following up on what was teased in the first issue, this second chapter reveals a clever twist on Batman’s rogues gallery, making Bruce’s closest friends characters like The Riddler, Two-Face, Penguin, and Killer Croc. It’s trippy, to say the least, seeing Bruce be so chummy with many of his old arch-rivals. But the intriguing change ultimately reinforces how unique the Absolute Universe can go with the storytelling, and that readers should start expecting the unexpected. 

Alfred’s narration in the comic also continues to offer a rich lens through which we see Bruce’s evolution. His growing admiration for the young hero is palpable, adding an emotional core to the story. It’s through Alfred’s perspective that we see how Bruce’s methods, while brutal, are still incredibly calculated and strategic—a subtle reminder that this Batman, despite his rougher edges, remains the hero we all know and love. Even without the fame or wealth that usually defines Bruce Wayne, his relentless drive to protect Gotham shines through.

Image: DC Comics

Then, as you can expect, Nick Dragotta's art is fantastic in this issue, bringing intense grit and style to the action while excelling in the quieter character moments. His redesigns of classic Batman characters feel fresh yet familiar, making it easy to recognize who they are once they appear on the page. This issue also has a very big reveal at the end that fans are going to be excited to see. Without giving away too much, the reveal alone feels like it makes the price of the comic incredibly worth it already. 

My one real gripe with the issue is that some pages feel a bit visually cramped, particularly in the scene where Bruce meets with his friends. Small panels packed with dialogue can make these pages feel busy, potentially causing readers to lose track of details. A good thing is that it doesn’t happen too often. But it is noticeable enough to affect the pacing, momentarily disrupting the otherwise smooth flow of the solid issue.

Image: DC Comics

Final Thoughts

Though less explosive than its debut, Absolute Batman #2 is a strong, character-driven follow-up that adds depth to Bruce Wayne and his world. Snyder and Dragotta seem dedicated to a slow-burn approach, carefully layering Bruce’s character and building mysteries that promise big payoffs in the future. This blend of familiar elements with bold new ideas makes Absolute Batman one of the most captivating Batman series already, and it’s only just begun.

Why You Should Read Absolute Batman

• The series takes a methodic approach to building up Bruce Wayne and the world that makes up Absolute Batman.
• Nick Dragotta's artwork brings both beauty and grit to Gotham City
• This issue sets up intriguing mysteries and character dynamics for future issues.

Check Out These Great Covers to Choose From

Not surprisingly, Absolute Batman #2 also drops with a fantastic selection of variant covers to choose from. Daniel Warren Johnson, Dan Panosion, and Jae Lee are just a few of the stacked names providing the covers you can add to your collection. Here are our favorites of the new line:

Absolute Batman #2 Variant Covers

Absolute Batman #2 Main Cover

Absolute Batman #2 Cover B

Absolute Batman #2 Cover C

Absolute Batman #2 Cover D

Absolute Batman #2 Cover E

Absolute Batman #2 Cover F

Absolute Batman #2 Cover G

Drop by our store page to get these covers through our mystery boxes at or below the cover price!