REVIEW: ‘Absolute Batman’ Issue 12

Absolute Batman Issue 12 is published by DC Comics. Written by Scott Snyder, with art by Nick Dragotta, colors by Frank Martin and letters by Clayton Cowles.

In Absolute Batman Issue 12, Bane leaves scars as all of Bruce’s closest friends face his wrath. This issue is stacked with story, split across a segmented structure. Batman visits each of his friendship circle, all of which have now been irreparably damaged from their encounters with Bane. It’s as dark a tone as you can get, sickening in its reveals. With Waylon being captured and changed first, it was easy to believe that the other transformations would happen slowly. But instead, they all happen together, next to each other.

This onslaught makes Absolute Batman Issue 12 even more frightening and depressing, shattering a whole group instead of slowly pulling it apart. The pace slowly reveals the pain and the grizzly moments, letting it seep in instead of a sudden well-being that may numb the agony. Each situation feels somehow worse, but they’re all pretty awful regarding the severity and the consequences.

Absolute Batman Issue 12 really lays down the law, revealing what we have been waiting for for a long time. Bruce’s friends have had the names of villains, but we’ve only seen them as friends in this universe, helping Bruce and growing up with him. It’s been warm, comforting and interesting to see them before they are forced and brutalized into something different.

Perhaps it was inevitable, the road they were brought down. That Batman, Penguin, Killer Croc, Two-Face, and Riddler are all connected from the beginning adds an intricacy and intimacy to these origins. The dialogue in each scene is horrifying and devastating, crushing the last bits of Bruce’s childhood friends. Bane has never been so menacing and is now responsible for creating so many other villains.

There is just so much that is terrifying about what happens. It’s the fact that we’ve come to like this group. Their villainous origins aren’t born out of childhoods; it’s because of pain and immense trauma. And it’s very easy to blame Batman for leading Bane to them, meaning that the resentment that may follow is understandable and even warranted.

The art shows both action and consequences in Absolute Batman Issue 12. We have already seen Waylon’s transformation, but it remains both surprising and awe-inspiring. It’s amazing to see the literal nature of what he’s become. It’s not even a man crossed with a reptile; he’s now a full, gigantic crocodile. The others aren’t awe-inspiring, just sad and grotesque. You see what happened to them in morbid detail as Bane goes about his business. And then there are the hospital beds and aftermath.

The horror, guilt, and demented expression on Bruce’s face make it even more somber. These versions of the iconic villains aren’t just ugly and odd dudes in corny suits. They have been created out of agony and injury, truly stomach-churning in the display. Bruce hasn’t come out unscathed, also scarred by his ordeal. But nowhere close to what his friends have been subjected to.

The colors bring out more of the misery. It highlights the most alarming aspects of Absolute Batman Issue 12. The flames, the green venom, the blood. Lots and lots of blood. And a lot of shadows and darkness. The lettering makes the harsh words hit even harder.

Absolute Batman Issue 12 is multiple origin stories in one. It’s mesmerizing, morbid and meticulous. Just as we were getting comfy with Bruce’s situation in this universe, it has been utterly derailed by a Bane that is unbelievably cruel and despicable. It’s nasty, with a selection of extremely upsetting scenes. It has shattered dreams, souls, and friendships through unimaginable brutality. Batman’s support network is gone in one issue, and none of the characters will be the same ever again.

Absolute Batman Issue 12 is available where comics are sold.