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To survive in Gotham City, you either break or become something more. Bruce Wayne has chosen to adapt. What has emerged is a feared destructive force for justice. The path of vengeance is vastly different than what fans are accustomed to. In this Absolute era, expect the unexpected.
ABSOLUTE BATMAN #4 by Scott Snyder, Gabriel Hernández Walta (Phantom Road), Frank Martin and Clayton Cowles takes readers further into the origin of a very different Dark Knight.
The N.I. Bullpen has this series covered! Returning for this review is Matt (Hops Geek News/N.I. Editor), Yours truly (Ken – ODPH podcast/N.I. editor In Chief) and THE G.E.O. HIMSELF, Michael Rothman!
Let’s dive into Gotham’s past like never before. *** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
LET’S TALK STORY!
KEN: Snyder takes this chapter into two areas. The flashback sequences take readers into a simpler time with the Waynes. Dialogue is one of optimism as young Brice tries to impress his dad. Readers watch as their backstory comes to light. Focusing on the choices only makes the tragic future more impactful. This is perfectly capped off with a courtroom outburst. There is no denying the rage and pain being unleashed. What it ultimately creates is a man looking to deal with his own trauma.
This portion dives heavily into a “Year One” phase. Snyder paces events out evenly. Readers watch a try and fail timeline as Batman evolves. There are some nods to his previous origin but nothing feels replicated. The writing walks the audience through this growth. There are moments focusing on Wayne’s drive to be better. It all leads into a debut of the finished product. This leads into a surprising ending. Judging by the last page, there is more pain about to surface as the Bat continues to spread his wings.
MATT: This issue is a step back while also finding a way to take the story forward in the same breath. Snyder’s cool flashback brings us to Bruce’s childhood, where we share a tender and emotional moment between him and Thomas. There is still an air of familiarity with his origin in Joe Chill killing Thomas Wayne however, Thomas is a school teacher and there are some fresh new ideas.
This issue does something that few others have touched upon in the past, which is to show Bruce’s true and raw emotion when faced in court after his father’s death. Bringing such pure emotion to this dialogue-charged flashback hits in an extremely heavy manner. We then are seen showing Bruce’s channel and how he crafts the Batman he is in this story, tying it all together. Snyder leaps and lands on his feet in terms of giving the reader something new and so raw.
Check out the Previous Issue Here!
MICHAEL: Scott is simply showing off now!! If James Gunn is reading this (of course he is), bring on Scott for your next Batman project because he knows how to cinematically craft the most heart-pumping, gut-wrenching call backs we haven’t seen since the likes of Batman Begins 20 years ago.
Now back to the issue. Here we get more of an insight into the pain and loss Bruce has had to endure since losing his father. We also get an amazing look at what a modern day take on the Detective Comics #27 Batman would look like now as one of Bruce’s Bat trial runs. We dig deeper into why Bruce decided to be BIGGER, more menacing and just an all out terrifying figure.
But the issue is all about father-son relationships and how Thomas impacted his son and made him the man (or beast) he is today. The story continues to get better and better and Scott is at the center with his creative genius!
HOW ABOUT ART AND LETTERING?
KEN: Walta steps in for art duties on this chapter. The opening flashback pours with emotion with a young Wayne in court. The close-ups reveal the anger built by his father’s loss. Gears shift into a closer present with a Batman in action. There’s no shortage of brutality as Batman attacks. Walta’s attention to detail is big in this moment. Seeing claws and fangs appear shows the humble beginnings. The coloring keeps a grim atmosphere. This leads seeing how Bruce grows into the Bat. Readers watch as the young man takes out his pain on criminals in style.
Batman’s attack on a gun-running shipment is classic Dark Knight. Walta’s art leads the quick pace into a violent end. Martin’s use of red amplifies the conflict. It leads into more personal moments as Bruce deals with what he is becoming. Once at this stage, the Batman’s first “real” mission is gifted a strong full page image. Events come back full circle with the closing page. In a few panels, the drama sets in as a confrontation for the ages begins. Fans better be ready for what is coming next. There’s no slowing down from here.
MATT: Walta steps in on the art and if you had not looked at who it was you’d never be able to tell. It is such a seamless transition keeping with the heart of the artwork that flows smoothly and steadily. Walta draws the anger, rage, and despair on Bruce in a way that you can almost feel yourself reaching out to hold him in your arms.
We get plenty of continued action, don’t worry, as Batman uses his expertise to use an RC Batmobile, and the scaling initially tricks our eye, and the ensuing action hypes us up in true Batman fashion.
MICHAEL: Walta takes over as artist for this issue and doesn’t miss a beat. The art continues to bring a gritty style, yet in this issue, what’s amazing is how he easily transports you from past to present. It’s not the easiest thing in comics and the reader often gets lost not knowing what’s happening now or has happened in the past.
I’ve said it before and I’ll continue to say it, the art is definitely influenced by the greats – when you see the faces, you immediately think John Romita Jr and even a little Frank Miller. The art is meant to be menacing, painful and so much more.
FINAL GRADES:
Overall Grade: 9.9/10
KEN: 9.7. The tragic beginnings of the Dark Knight come into the light with this chapter. Snyder pens an emotionally driven issue with strong writing. Walta, Martin and Cowles keep a brooding sense to panels as the evolution from Man to Bat begins. High level storytelling at its’ finest.
MATT: 10 We don’t need another Batman origin story and Scott and team know this so the way they pepper in his beginnings and motivations in a way that keeps it profound and renewed speaks to the talent they have working on this story. This issue is emotionally charged and it will be one I revisit over and over again!
MICHAEL: 10. I feel like we have to make up new grades for this franchise. I’m gonna say it gets another 10, because it’s just that good. Again! I’m almost starting to feel guilty giving out so many 10’s, but we have to be honest when we are witnessing something special.
You have an absolute legend writing and crafting this narrative and the man is clearly in the middle of his prime. I’m just sitting back and enjoying the Michael Jordan-Scottie Pippen relationship we’ve seen come together via Scott and Nick, who helps craft the plot in this issue after handing art for the first three. It’s something we’ll be admiring for years to come.
