REVIEW: ‘Absolute Batman’ Issue #1

Absolute Batman #1 is published by DC Comics and is written by Scott Snyder with art by Nick Dragotta, colors by Frank Martin, and letters by Clayton Cowles. This is part of DC’s All In initiative and the new Absolute Universe. A new Gotham City is born, with a hardcore, mysterious hero who has set about trying to save it.

While this is the beginning of a whole new universe, it does not begin right at the beginning. This story explores its history at the same time as the present. The characters and the places might be similar, but the world has many differences. This first issue introduces the puzzle pieces, but they are all over the place. Mysteries form around every corner. The structure moves between bringing the two central characters together and exploring the new Dark Knight’s backstory.

Every character is reinvented. The pacing is slow but smooth, the foundations being built before they can be brought down again. When the protector of Gotham in this universe is revealed, it leads to a brutal and graphic battle. New elements exist in this universe, but the core violence and darkness remain.

This new world is a fascinating concept by Snyder as all of the figures in Gotham are some of the most recognizable characters in fiction. Bruce Wayne’s family history has been entirely rewritten. His parents do not seem to be as immensely rich as they are in the main universe. Through narration, Bruce is given a long history, but the reader doesn’t learn much about him through that life story. The narration merely raises questions.

Much of Batman and Bruce is observed through someone else’s eyes. This is Pennyworth, a secret agent with a hidden boss. This lack of connection to the Wayne family allows this version of Alfred to demonstrate his own intelligence and prowess. It makes them adversarial to each other.

Pennyworth quickly finds himself encountering the new caped figure within Gotham, and the dialogue is terrific. The narration of the fight scene is expertly written, as are the brief spoken words. It’s dark and menacing. This Batman seems to enjoy violence, with is a real lack of concern for those he hurts.

Many other members of Batman’s supporting cast and villains make their first appearance in the Absolute Universe. So many are given the start of their individual stories around the same time, making Gotham feel busy and lived-in even early in its creation.

The art for Absolute Batman #1 is fascinating. The new start has allowed Dragotta to redesign the famous characters, with surprising new results. The most interesting is obviously Batman himself. The Dark Knight has never been presented as this big and hulking. He’s been muscular, but Dragotta takes that concept to a new level. This Batman is an absolute wall of muscle and leather. But that doesn’t necessarily affect how he moves.

The new hero is a brute, but he’s also quick and stealthy. Batman’s enormous size instantly grabs the attention because he drives anything else in the panels. The cape looks superb, changing to fit the purpose. It can be used to glide or as an extension of Batman, wrapping around things or blowing in the breeze. The Caped Crusader also has weapons, which he uses to devastating effects. Parts of his costume that were once just for show now become weapons. He also has some new, barbaric weapons that fit his savage fighting style.

The colors are also fantastic. The book starts dark and gloomy, matching the atmosphere that often represents the crime-ridden Gotham City. But both red and blue are included by Martin with intense vibrancy, adding a fresh quality to the issue and ensuring that there aren’t just shadows within this first chapter. It becomes easy to see the brutal injuries. There are multiple instances where the backgrounds are just solid shades, raising the book’s intensity even further; the lettering is dynamic and fits the tone of the comic perfectly.

Absolute Batman #1 heralds a new hardcore world. This comic builds a brand new Batman, brand new Gotham, and brand new everything. Snyder’s writing is brave and bold, telling stories that can only be told in this universe without connections or shackles. Every character can be whoever the creators want them to be. The art mesmerizes in its mania, giving the new Batman an imposing design. Everything about this book is fresh.

Absolute Batman #1 is available where comics are sold.