Absolute Batman #1 Review
By Nolan P. Smith
Editor
With their new Absolute line, DC Comics has launched a bold new universe—a darker, more unconventional take on their iconic heroes. Leading the charge is Absolute Batman, from the creative minds of Scott Snyder and Nick Dragotta.
I was eager to finally dive into this new series, and it did not disappoint.
As a long-time fan of Scott Snyder, known for works like Severed, his legendary Batman run, and White Boat, I had high expectations. Snyder, once again, delivers something extraordinary—this is unlike any Batman story I’ve read before. Absolute Batman breaks away from many of the core elements that traditionally define the Dark Knight, making for a fascinating and fresh approach. (Spoilers ahead, so proceed with caution.)
In this reimagining, Batman isn’t the billionaire we’re used to seeing. Instead, Bruce Wayne is a working-class man—a brilliant engineer whose mind can deconstruct the mechanics of any project. Physically imposing, he hits the gym relentlessly and has a sharp intellect, honed through a scholarship he earned for his athletic abilities. Perhaps the most significant deviation comes from that fateful night in Crime Alley, which never happened in this universe. Instead, Bruce’s father, a teacher, tragically died during a school field trip when a shooting occurred at the Gotham Zoo. Yet, Bruce’s mother remains alive and well.
This issue also introduces a completely revamped Alfred Pennyworth. No longer just a loyal butler, Alfred is now a hardened agent, who first takes notice of Batman while hunting down the criminal group known as the Party Animals. The ensuing showdown allows us to witness Batman at his most brutal, while Alfred watches from the shadows. Despite the differences, one key trait remains: Batman doesn’t kill—though he does severely incapacitate those who stand in his way. The action sequences, illustrated by Dragotta, are phenomenal—some of the best I’ve seen this year.
The epilogue introduces an intriguing new twist to the Joker mythos: a millionaire who trained under Ducard and the League of Assassins—a man who never, ever laughs. I can’t wait to see where they take this entirely different version of the Clown Prince of Crime.
Absolute Batman turns the Batman lore on its head, offering a fresh, compelling take on the character we know and love. Snyder and Dragotta craft a Batman for 2024 that feels both revolutionary and true to the essence of the hero. Reimaginings can be hit or miss in the comic book world, but with this creative team, DC has struck gold. Be sure to grab a copy of Absolute Batman #1 while you can, and get ready for an exciting new direction in the DC Universe.
Rating: FIVE Pastrami Nations out of FIVE
