Review: Absolute Batman #2

Wepppaaaaaaa….Absolute Batman has stirred significant attention, not only among long-time Batman fans but also within the larger comic book community. Written by Scott Snyder, illustrated by Nick Dragotta, and colored by Frank Martin, this issue continues the gritty reimagining of Gotham, offering new insights into Batman’s relationships and unrelenting war against the Black Mask Gang.

In this issue, Batman is pitted against familiar yet remade faces of Gotham. The backbone of this tale is Bruce Wayne’s relationship with his former mentor, Alfred Pennyworth, who, in this case, is an adversary. As we further read, we find that Batman‘s brutal ways of dealing with crime have increased tensions not just between him and his opponents but between him and his allies. That is an approach that underlines a violent Gotham where the demarcation line between hero and villain is blurred, where readers and fans alike have to question the very nature of justice within such a city.

This issue puts Batman against his trusted confidant and mentor: Alfred. Adding layers of complexity, it allows readers to see him in a deeply personal struggle that redefines the very principles of Batman. Where this gets really interesting is the moral opposition that Alfred develops with MI6 against Batman‘s relentless pursuit of justice. This is extended through the use of flashbacks of Bruce‘s childhood; capturing the moments of grief and anger which have driven him to his current state. Their scenes together are remarkably emotional, placing Alfred‘s calculated strategy in stark contrast to Batman‘s brutal methods.

Meanwhile, Bruce Wayne‘s interactions with iconic Gotham figures like Jim Gordon and Martha Wayne provide layers of introspection: a visit from Martha to Gordon provides glimpses into their concerns over Bruce‘s increasingly violent approach to crime-fighting, while flashbacks to Bruce’s childhood offer context to his unyielding commitment. Edward Nygma, Oswald Cobblepot, and Harvey Dent are back as allies in this very unusual card game. It’s both a homage and a reboot for these characters, placing them in a world of possible alliances and double-crosses.

Dragotta‘s artistry takes this issue to the next level by setting a cinematic experience through the panel structures. His rapid-fire, compact panels almost have a great effect in relaying the constant pace in which Batman works, with elements reminiscent of The Bourne Identity, with fast cuts and disorienting flow. Contrasting panels like these were wide-framed expansive shots that really gave oomph to key moments, like Batman dramatically appearing atop a flaming skyscraper, revealing the formidable Absolute Batmobile.

The coloring work by Frank Martin is instrumental in setting the tone. His palette glides seamlessly from a rich, brooding set of tones into stark, vibrant colors to enhance a scene’s emotional load. Most striking perhaps is Bruce’s flashback with a whole range of blood-red to tie in with traumatic memories and their after-effects. Additionally, Martin plays with the warm and cool tones: the intense orange of a blazing building in a dark Gotham skyline allows the high-stakes drama in this issue to soar.

Scott Snyder‘s script in Absolute Batman #2 moves at a breakneck pace. He blends exposition and action organically in a way that the urge of urgency is relayed. Throughout this story, it leaps to and from between flashbacks and present-day events, which places the readers in the middle of the intensity of Batman‘s inner turmoil. With this kind of quick pacing, Snyder achieves a distinctive rhythm-a reflection of the disorganized and crazy nature of Gotham and the frenetic determination of Batman in tearing down organized criminal networks.

At the heart of the issue is Batman’s growing brutal methods. Snyder casts Batman as an avatar willing to do whatever it takes to eradicate crime-a deeply profound question of ethics and morality. This interpretation, a more brutal one, of Batman places him closer to the very criminals he hunts, eliminating the barrier between justice and vengeance. Snyder’s take on Batman certainly challenges traditional views of the character, offering up one much darker and more introspective than the iconic hero readers are used to.

While Batman’s relentless assault against crime is compelling, the depiction of Black Mask and his Party Animals falls somewhat short in depth. Theoretically menacing, Black Mask comes off a bit as a loner without the detailed origins that would make him a formidable nemesis. Compared to Snyder‘s previous story with the Court of Owls, the whole development of his motivations is shallow. That makes Black Mask no more than just an antagonist. This is a real missed opportunity, taking away from what could have otherwise been a really captivating story of higher stakes and greater emotional connection.

With Snyder‘s rapid–fire narrative combined with Dragotta‘s innovative paneling, the issue offers a kinetic new look for Batman‘s mission. Especially in the character dynamics, particularly Batman‘s conflict with Alfred, the story elevates and brings an extra layer of emotional resonance to the action. There are some minor missteps taken in regard to Black Mask, but Absolute Batman #2 is a must-read for those interested in a more unique, hard-boiled approach to the Dark Knight‘s saga. And here, it is an even better follow-through, setting the stage for even more exciting events yet to come in the upcoming issues.

SCORE:
4.5/5

Writer: Scott Snyder
Artist: Nick Dragotta
Colors: Frank Martin
Letterer Clayton Cowles
Published by DC Comics

Author Profile

Al Mega

I'm Al Mega the CEO of Comic Crusaders, CEO of the Undercover Capes Podcast Network, CEO of Geekery Magazine & Owner of Splintered Press (coming soon). I'm a fan of comics, cartoons and old school video games. Make sure to check out our podcasts/vidcasts and more!