REVIEW: ‘Absolute Batman 2025 Annual’ Issue 1

Absolute Batman 2025 Annual Issue 1 is published by DC Comics. The first story is written and illustrated by Daniel Warren Johnson, with colors by Mike Spicer and letters by Clayton Cowles. 

The second story is written and illustrated by James Warren, colors by Dave Stewart, and letters by Cowles. The last two pages are by Meredith McClaren.

Batman’s extreme methods are questioned as he tackles white nationalists and other criminals.

The two main stories have similar structures. Two groups of villainy gather, ready to enact chaos. Immediately, Absolute Batman 2025 Annual Issue 1 is dragged into a very dark and insidious tone. The first story sees Bruce infiltrate a gang of violent supremacists, people whose depraved racism forces an immediate reaction from him. It’s a grizzly story that has a strange amount of catharsis by the end. With the political furnace burning across the planet, in multiple countries but especially in the United States, there’s a particular satisfaction to see that anger taken out.

When the pace ignites in the first story, it becomes a hardcore, vicious bloodbath. But it’s important to note that the writer isn’t solely celebrating or justifying violence. If anything, it’s the opposite, with the presence of a pacifist priest serving as a healing salve to the ferocity. This is an alternative opinion, arguing that the violence is wrong on both sides.

This contrast between peace, excessive violence, and noise carries over into the second story as well. Members of the Black Mask’s Party Animals break into one of their family homes. It’s got a similar vibe, but it’s a different scenario. The gang is waiting for Batman, and the action is perhaps even more chaotic. It’s even darkly comical at times, with a villain that is truly insane. Both stories are magnificently intense, but have anxiety and poignant endings that echo louder than the punches.

Absolute Batman 2025 Annual Issue 1 sees Absolute Batman be directed by someone other than Scott Snyder for the first time. Both Johnson and Warren nail the character’s personality. He barely speaks in either story; in fact, he’s entirely mute in the second one. It makes his presence more imposing, knowing he can’t be talked down. The fear and reaction of those around him create energy. The hatred he has for those he’s fighting is evident very early on.

The other notable character in the first story is a priest. He’s softly spoken and abhors violence. He aids Bruce whilst also coming into direct conflict with him. It’s important to note that the priest isn’t saying he knows the way to prevent the violence or stop the white nationalists. That pained feeling of helplessness and not knowing what to do is beautifully written, linking to Bruce’s father in a fantastic way.

The art is phenomenal. Absolute Batman is known for how hardcore it is, and this annual is no different. Both of the main tales capture the sheer, staggering size of Batman. The small head and massive torso are translated from the main book into the annual. He fills the space, reducing his enemy’s chance to escape. Those around him have fascinating proportions, either tiny or gigantic and repulsive in their distortion.

The ridiculous nature of the Absolute Universe is showcased in the violence. In the first story, the damage is stomach-churning. It’s the way bodies and faces crumple and billow around his fist. Like they’re bones have been turned to mush. The results of the blood and movements are sickening yet engrossing. Batman on a rampage is horrifying, roaring, and immense in his unrelenting onslaught. Johnson also features the enormous Batmobile, awe-inspiring in its scale, and for the first time, I noticed a subtle sponsor.

In the second story. Warren superbly illustrates the peculiar shape of the Black Mask skulls. The violence is still grim, but not in the same way as the first chapter. The moves that Batman makes will still draw gasps, with a gloriously gruesome villain design.

The colors for the first chapter blends a very dark foreground with solid shade background tones. For example, the first time these colors are seen, Batman is surrounded by ’80s radioactive green. This transitions every couple of pages, from orange to red to purple. These changes keep the eyes engaged as a maelstrom of grizzly action unfolds before them.

In the second story, the characters are shrouded in a dark blue that denotes darkness within the home. But this is overtaken by orange when Batman arrives, and the action erupts. The lettering is incredible throughout the comic, especially the SFX. It’s perfectly stitched into the world itself, exaggerating the already dramatic carnage.

The final pages reveal facts about bats, even as a sinister story unfolds beneath. The writing of the facts themselves is informative, but the little snippets and glimpses of Batman are amazing.

Absolute Batman 2025 Annual Issue 1 makes a distinct stand. The outburst of intense violence, whilst extremely satisfying and occasionally overbearing, comes with a determination to stamp down on who Absolute Batman can relate to. Excessively violent main characters, such as Punisher, as a notable example, can be adopted by the wrong people for the worst reasons, like corrupted people in positions of power or, even more nefariously, fascists and racists. So it’s always relevant to highlight how terrifying these heroes are and how they’re not necessarily there to be looked up to.

The action can feel satisfying, especially when Bruce is unloading his fury on fascists. However, it’s especially respectable to highlight that the violence is devastating and grim and always has consequences. The honesty of not knowing which direction is right can be both harrowing and oddly strengthening.

Absolute Batman 2025 Annual Issue 1 is available where comics are sold.