Comic Review: Absolute Batman #2 – A Dark Evolution of the Legend

 

The second issue of Absolute Batman by Scott Snyder and Nick Dragotta is a continuation that not only builds on the strong start of the series but also proves that this creative duo isn't pulling any punches. This is a story that’s personal, brutal, at times chaotic, and yet deeply rooted in Batman mythology – though not necessarily the one we’re familiar with.

Espionage, Myth and... Poker with Rogues

The biggest strength of this issue is how many different tones and genre elements it contains. We get high-level espionage, personal drama, childhood flashbacks, and explosive action scenes straight out of a Hollywood thriller. And it all blends into a cohesive story.

Bruce Wayne is shown socializing with... friends who are alternate versions of his classic rogues gallery. Waylon runs a gym, Harvey Dent works at the DA’s office, and Edward Nygma is a geeky tech expert. There’s no over-the-top villainy here – just a melancholic sense that these people became who they could have been in a better world. It's touching and feels genuinely fresh.

Selina Kyle isn’t among them, but she reappears later in an emotional moment that closes the issue, suggesting she might have helped Bruce through his darkest times.

Alfred as Our Guide Through Gotham

A brilliant decision was to make Alfred our point-of-view character. Through his eyes, we discover this strange, new Gotham – a city torn apart by chaos but still beating with human stories. Alfred isn’t just a butler; he’s an active agent: tracking Batman, observing his moves, and collecting data on the “Party Animals” – a violent anarchist group tearing the city apart.

Alfred’s scenes are full of insight, subtle humor, and reflection. When he discovers Batman has dozens of hideouts scattered across the city – which hilariously form a bat symbol on the map – he doesn’t know whether it’s genius or madness. But he knows the boy he raised needs help.

A New Take on the Origin: Trauma, Bats, and the Zoo

The childhood flashbacks are among the strongest parts of the issue. Snyder presents a new take on the day Thomas Wayne was murdered – this time at a zoo. Bruce is locked inside a bat exhibit while his father is killed, and the bats swarm around him in chaos. This isn't the calm symbolism of a bat crashing through a window; this is raw fear and primal panic. In this version, Bruce doesn’t choose the bat – the bat chooses him.

Action at the Highest Level: Aquariums, Acid, and Bat-Trucks

While Absolute Batman doesn't rely solely on action, when the fights come – they’re spectacular. One standout scene takes place in an aquarium, where Batman, despite being outnumbered, uses the environment to his advantage: cracking a tank, flooding the room, and then turning the water into hydrochloric acid. It's wild and over-the-top – but it absolutely works. Especially when he escapes in a massive Bat-truck hidden underground. How did he hide it? Who cares. It’s cool as hell.

Dark Intrigue and Arkham Mythology

Toward the end, Batman infiltrates the mayoral campaign office of candidate Hill. He finds a mysterious file called "ArkM" – possibly a hint at Arkham, or something new entirely. It suggests that the Gotham mythology will be further twisted and expanded. Things escalate when Black Mask appears on the screens, having anticipated Batman’s arrival. Chaos is brewing.

Emotion and the Past: Defining Conversations

We also get quieter, emotional scenes, like Martha Wayne and Jim Gordon reflecting on their past. They remember Gotham with hope, contrasted against characters like OZ and Harvey who were born into its grime and never believed in change.

These quiet moments of dialogue are where the emotional depth of the issue truly shines. You don’t need blood and explosions – just two people remembering a child’s scream as he’s swarmed by bats, and you feel the weight of the story.

Art Style: A World That Breathes

Nick Dragotta illustrates a world that looks like a cross between gothic horror and cyberpunk dystopia. The style is energetic, sometimes exaggerated – nearly all the men look like bodybuilders – but it fits the tone. The colors and panel structure keep the story moving, and the visual pace never lets up. At times, it feels more like a storyboard for a film than a traditional comic – and it absolutely works.

Conclusion: A Batman Worth Knowing

Absolute Batman #2 is a continuation that exceeds expectations. It merges the old with the new, drama with action, personal stories with urban mythology. It’s not just a different version of Batman – it’s a different Batman world, still familiar, but with raw emotion and limitless potential.

Scott Snyder writes with a renewed energy, far from the fatigue that was present during his Metal era. This is Batman full of passion, mystery, and heart. If you haven’t started reading this series yet – now is the time.

My Score: 9/10