Double-Sized Issue Reviews!

This article contains spoilers for Absolute Batman #1 (2024) by Scott Snyder and Nick Dragotta.

In this Darkseid-infused world, a new Batman has risen–but what are the fundamental changes to this “absolute” Dark Knight?

A few weeks ago, we were introduced to a new Dark Knight—and let’s be clear, this isn’t something new for DC Comics. In Dark Nights: Metal (2017), we got around 10 new Batman figures. We’ve also had Gotham by Gaslight (1989) Batman, Kingdom Come (1996) Batman, and even a Batman in the setting of Phantom of the Opera in Batman: Masque (1997). But this one still manages to be different. He’s younger—in his 20s, and his mother is still alive. This is already a huge departure from the classic origins of the caped crusader. 

But there’s something I wish to talk about more—the real person who stole the show: Alfred Pennyworth. It’s been a while since Alfred was animated in comics following his death in Tom King’s Batman (2016) run. He has shown up in memory, but this is the first time in a while we’ve gotten to see the legend living and breathing. And he is no longer the heart of Batman. He’s no longer the one telling Batman, “hold back” and “be smart”. In fact, Scott Snyder said this Alfred will do the opposite. He’s the one condoning the madness, as he continues a life as a hired hitman (or spy, I’m not sure which). That’s right. Darkseid did a number on this universe already. I feel this new Alfred might be exactly what Batman will need—someone who doesn’t say “no”. Someone just as psychotic as he is, and Scott Snyder is giving it to us. 

This Batman feels aesthetically similar to Frank Miller’s Batman—especially because of all the oversized muscles and brute force. Brutality and bulk were what defined Miller’s (Goddamn) Batman. Though this younger Batman in his 20s does not seem to have the brutality (yet). I mean, he is brutal but not snapping bones and nearly killing his victims. Once a full story arc of Absolute Batman is released, I will do a comparison with Allstar Batman & Robin, The Boy Wonder (2005), which I believe is proof that Frank Miller is one of Batman’s greatest villains. 

Overall, I would say definitely pick this book up. Right now, I would rate the series a 3 as it is the beginning of the series. But we will see where it goes from there!