ABSOLUTE BATMAN #25: Choose a Side.

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Batman’s friends have all turned on him leaving Bruce with no choice but to run and fight leading him to an epic confrontation with Mr. Grimm.

Creative Team: Scott Snyder, Nick Dragotta, Frank Martin, and Tom Napolitano.

The Story:

The culmination of 25 issues is here as Bruce finally faces off against Mr. Grimm AKA The Joker. Snyder pays off everything he and the team have crafted and meticulously planned out to this point in a big way. The big fight is relatively short but, there are call backs and nods to the lore of Joker and Batman throughout. Joker no matter what iteration never appears to be hurt by anything Batman does and they trade blows beating the hell out of one another. This is no different with Grimm teasing Batman during the fight and each getting their respective hits in. It’s a well done first round of what promises to be an ongoing feud. Snyder has also paved the way for villains to appear with their own storylines even with Bruce’s friends all turning their backs once and for all on him. There’s a Batman Begins reference that I am unsure intentional or not referencing Batgirls coat and a massive reveal at the end of this issue. I am ready for what’s next and I cannot wait to see how the next 25 issues unfold.

The Art:

Dragotta and Martin tease us with a new form and look for The Joker with demonic horns, sharp teeth, tail, and a terrifying size to boot. It looks as though this design was taken out of a nightmare playing into the devilish demeanor of The Joker. I love that they toy with his design and are evolving him into different forms which plays into Jokers background that is ever changing as well. The way they manage to make Batman appear tiny in comparison is a fun play on the sizes of these characters. The battle itself is full of anger and is every bit of heavy hitting as we hoped for. When there isn’t action the way the duo detail Bruces eyes behind his cowl as he finds out the betrayal tells the true story. I love how Tom letters in the pain that Bruce feels and conversely the rage as he is on the hunt for Grimm.

Final Thoughts:

The final page of this issue may be divisive however, I am a fan of what they chose to leave us with. Absolute Batman #25 ends round one of the never ending fight between The Joker and Batman while introducing callbacks across all Batman lore. I’m ready for what’s next and cannot wait for this next chapter.

Overall Grade: 9.7/10

How did you feel about Absolute Batman #25? Be sure to let us know in the comments and check out more from Matt!