REVIEW: ‘Absolute Batman’ Issue 24

Absolute Batman Issue 24 is published by DC Comics and written by Scott Snyder, art by Nick Dragotta, colors by Frank Martin, and letters by Clayton Cowles.

Batman hunts down the Scarecrow as Barbara Gordon heads into the sewer.

This issue concludes the arc that introduced Scarecrow into the Absolute Universe. Batman has been constantly observed and harassed by Scarecrow, who has been murdering those around him and framing Batman for the killings. The arc has been filled with screaming tension, fear, and paranoia, pushing Bruce to the point of insanity.

But in Absolute Batman Issue 24, Batman reclaims some control as he goes on the offensive. It’s still a scary comic, but anger and fury are pushing back against the horror.

The story returns to the cornfield where the arc began as an almighty battle begins. It’s a vicious fight, one that bleeds out a lot of exposition. It’s further proof of how much history Snyder has laced into this world. It’s the beating heart of Absolute Batman Issue 24, as there are other limbs to the story.

There’s a real catharsis to this comic, as Batman finally gets to hurt someone who was the cause of so much pain. The series has done a great job at slowly leaking out the pain and suffering, making the readers really grow to loathe and hate the villains. It gives a reason why the beating Batman gives them is so therapeutic.

The characters and dialogue are sensational. Snyder has constructed his own Gotham, filled with voices, characters, and personality. At the forefront of this issue are Batman and Scarecrow. For so long in this arc, Scarecrow has been the one in control. Even at the start of Absolute Batman Issue 24, Batman is like a scared little boy, and it’s that connection to family that sends him back out.

The Joker and The Scarecrow have been entwined with the Wayne Family for generations, so this confrontation carries enormous weight and history. And even though the cornfield should be Scarecrow’s domain, a direct, isolated fight is just what Batman needs to reclaim control and dominance. Suddenly, Scarecrow’s sinister confidence disappears. He scrambles for words, trying to find leverage, because words are all he has against Batman.

Dragotta illustrates yet another superb showdown between Batman and one of his villains. The location is perfectly thematic, and a cornfield has been transformed into a scary location anyway. The tall crops and vast expanse create a creepy environment.

And then there’s the Scarecrow. With all the Batman villains redesigned for the Absolute Universe, it’s impossible to know what they have in store when they go toe-to-toe with Batman. Scarecrow doesn’t have the power. But he can transform and try to inflict fear. What Batman encounters is truly disturbing.

That’s where the horror remains prevalent in Absolute Batman Issue 24. Even though we have seen battles before in this series, it’s always surprising just how gory it can get. Batman doesn’t kill, like many of his counterparts across the Multiverse, but he doesn’t mind a bit of maiming. He can be scary too.

The art is terrific. The natural tones of the cornfield are a fantastic baseline, with a selection of greens and browns. As the issue progresses, there is fire, a sickly green color, and some deep reds and purples to denote just how bloody the comic gets. The lettering is very easy to read. The word balloon for Scarecrow is the best way of trying to create a gravely, sinister voice.

Absolute Batman Issue 24 rewards with welcome revenge. This arc has been investing and engrossing, but also long, arduous and painful. Some major figures have died, including Jim Gordon and Tim Drake. Batman has found out so much about his family, and at times the tension and fear have been deafening and suffocating. So to have it build into this final fight is fantastically freeing. It really feels deserved, like it has been earned for all that both Batman and the reader have been through.

Absolute Batman Issue 24 is available where comics are sold.