ABSOLUTE BATMAN ARK M #1: Tomorrow’s A New Page

Arkham Asylum is a place built upon hope, a hope that those in need would receive the proper care needed to return to ordinary life. Tomorrow’s a new page, just not the one its founder saw coming, and not one Batman has seen coming either.

Creative Team: Scott Snyder (WRITER), Frank Tieri (WRITER), Joshua Hixon (ARTIST and COVER), Roman Steven’s (COLORS), and Clayton Cowles (LETTERS).

*SPOILERS AHEAD*

The Story:

I knew that Arkham would never have a happy beginning or ending and as we have seen time and time again there have been many origins of this haunted and cursed asylum. Scott and Frank however, deliver perhaps the darkest origins ever told in this issue and quite frankly the most shocking. The narrative style as told by Mr. Arkham in how he thought he was helping a young boy who was wrought with grief.

The story starts with children being murdered, it is heavy and the duo do not pull any punches in telling this tragic story. They do such an incredible job to the point you buy into the story and when it is turned onto its head I was shocked even though I should have seen it coming. As things wrap up there is one final surprise and some Easter eggs of a who’s who of names on files leaving plot threads for the future. It is a master class in storytelling and this issue will be talked about for a long time.

The Art and Letters:

There is such a raw art form by Hixon throughout this issue that makes you feel as though it is scratched into every panel as though we are clawing our way out of the horrors of Arkham. There are details upon details all at the same time mixed in with Roman’s colors that reflect the insanity of Arkham Asylum. There are panels that left chills down my spine but none more so than the chilling grin by Mr. Grimm that was illuminated from the flames as Arkham burned in the background. The lettering by Clayton cemented the scene as the story hit its massive crescendo at that moment and it landed exactly how the team had hoped.

Final Thoughts:

Absolute Batman Ark M #1 will send chills down your spine and leave your blood running cold. The horrors of this asylum and its history are captured in detail both through story and the art, and the way it reaches its climax was masterful. There are so many Easter eggs littered throughout that will both excite and frighten readers for what is to come!

Overall Grade: 10/10

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