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From the ashes of “Absolute Power”, DC COMICS has kicked off their “All In” Initiative.
The new directive has made quite the impression. Darkseid has achieved an incredible victory. The Dark Lord of Apokolips has created his own universe. Known as “The Absolute Universe”, his version of the DCU has fans buzzing with excitement.
The hype is amplified even more with the announcement of a new version of a classic hero. In 85 years, readers have NEVER seen a caped crusader quite like this!
ABSOLUTE BATMAN #1 by Scott Snyder, Nick Dragotta, Frank Martin, Clayton Cowles makes a bold statement launching the Absolute Universe line!
The book has the undivided attention of the N.I. Bullpen. Teaming up for this review is Matt (Hops Geek News/N.I. Comics editor), Rich (3FN Podcast/N.I. Wrestling Editor) and Yours Truly (Ken – ODPH Podcast/Nerd Initiative EIC).
Get ready as we’re about to enter the Absolute Universe! *** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
LET’S TALK ABOUT THE WRITING!
KEN: Snyder returns to Gotham City with a bold new take on this initial chapter. Stripping away much of the lore of Bruce Wayne gives a very grounded lead. The one notable theme quickly picked up is there is more raw aggression behind his actions. It is a reflection of the world he lives in. This version of Gotham feels more unstable and unpredictable. Seeing classic characters retold in this lense provides a thrilling and complicated trip.
There are plenty of changes of traditional characters. Alfred Pennyworth is a grizzled agent. Killer Croc is Bruce’s childhood friend. The rogues gallery gets presented in very different ways. The story still has a Batman born from tragedy, but not the way one would think. Snyder is clearly having fun with the creativity while dancing around Gotham’s dangerous streets. Once the conflict kicks into gear, the writing shows a more violent Batman than has been seen in recent years. It caps off with a surprising showdown that doesn’t disappoint. This is an all new Batman that packs a rageful punch.
DC IS ALL IN!
MATT: We all know the story of Bruce, Alfred, and The Wayne, but Scott takes decades of what we have known and retools it and flips it on its head in a fascinating way. This version of Batman and Bruce is one of raw brutality set not to kill, but he is not shying away from violence. While he is violent and magnificent, we see the detective side of things as he shows Alfred that he. has also been following him.
It’s incredibly fun watching the various creative ways we can give a new take on Gotham, which is its own entity and the entire mythos. The characters have an air of familiarity to them, nonetheless making this story intensely satisfying.
RICH: Scott Snyder does an awesome job of creating a new mythos for a very familiar character. In this world Bruce Wayne’s back story is completely different, yet still tragic. With Bruce struggling differently in this world it makes him more resourceful with different problems. This of course also gives us a slightly different Batman as a result.
Speaking of different, every other character we meet we know who they are, but we don’t. They all have similarities to the characters we’ve grown with. However, they are just enough different that it makes them feel new, which is refreshing.
HOW ABOUT THE ART AND LETTERING!
KEN: Dragotta and Martin make this version of Gotham stand out for many reasons. The flashback sequences mix the color schemes to camouflage the tragedy building. This plays well into the new origin story. Bruce Wayne comes across as an ordinary citizen. It is a big contrast to the playboy billionaire alter ego readers know.
Once the first rogue strikes, the art team crafts an uneasy encounter filled with unapologetic images. Black Mask and the Party Animals make an immediate statement. It’s met head on later with the imposing Batman unleashing his fury. The full page image of the Batman flying into action speaks volumes. It sets a high pace as each panel speeds through the chaos. Once events settle into the final act, the art keeps up the suspense. The two page spread of Batman flying into escape caps off a thrill ride that has miles to go before its’ end.
ABSOLUTE POWER!
MATT: Gotham is as much a living and breathing character as any flesh and blood being built within this story. There is a rawness to the details of the buildings that add to the depth of the story. The characters are drawn with strength to their builds, and when it comes to fighting, there’s a fluidity to the artwork that really stands out.
RICH: The art in this book is phenomenal! The character designs are top tier. Just like the writing, the art is similar to what we know, which helps decipher who we are being introduced to. But once again its still different and fresh. Big shout outs to Dragotta & Martin for crushing this, while building a new world.
FINAL GRADES:
KEN: 10! Scott Snyder’s return to Gotham takes readers on a brutally engaging start. The writing mixes up classic lore with a more modern feel. Its’ result never misses its’ mark with drama and suspense. Dragotta, Martin and Cowles leave readers in awe with the imagery of the new Dark Knight. If this is any indication of the rest of the Absolute Universe, fans are in for another epic journey.
MATT: 10/10 There is a reason Scott Snyder brought me back into comics with his 52 run all those years ago, and this story serves as a fresh reminder. The story reaches out from the pages, grabs us, and pulls us to street level, making this the must-read book of the year.
RICH: 10/10 Pick this book up ASAP! The Absolute Universe kicks off with a bang and you don’t want to miss what’s coming next.
