Absolute Batman got off to a kick ass start with its debut issue. Scott Snyder and Nick Dragotta nailed presenting a fresh take on Batman without abandoning the core of what makes the character great and his world great. Most importantly, the debut issue accomplished getting over how the Absolute Universe is an opportunity to present classic characters in new ways. That opportunity is something Snyder and Dragotta took full advantage of. Let’s see how they follow up the promising start with Absolute Batman #2.
CREATIVE TEAM
Writer: Scott Snyder
Artist: Nick Dragotta
Colorist: Frank Martin
Letterer: Clayton Cowles
ABSOLUTE BATMAN #2 SOLICITATION
“Batman was born out of violence — a horrible tragedy that shaped the trajectory of his future. But when a vigilant MI6 agent starts tracking the lonely life of Bruce Wayne, he discovers the interconnectivity between a hero’s shell life and the many layers of the Black Mask Gang. It’s Batman versus Alfred Pennyworth!” – DC Comics
REVIEW
Absolute Batman #2 takes the momentum the debut issue created and runs the series forward with a great sense of purpose. That is significant as Scott Snyder and Nick Dragotta build out this corner of the Absolute Universe. In the process we see how this version of Batman’s world stands out from other versions.
Something that consistently stood out while reading Absolute Batman #2 is how truly nothing is off the table. There’s a sense of how everything we are presented may look or sound familiar that doesn’t mean you should have an expectation that things are the same. There is an unpredictability with how things could go and what is said by different characters.
This unpredictability creates so much more investment in every scene that takes place in Absolute Batman #2. Even though the first issue put over how Bruce Wayne still went through training years to become Batman it does not mean he is that same Batman. The opening battle showcases this as this young Bruce is much more of a tank than we normally see him at this age. There is a vibe Bruce is fighting similar to his older variation seen in Dark Knight Returns. Through this presentation it drove home how Absolute Bruce Wayne is a more resourceful character as he maximized everything available to him to become Batman.
The presentation of Bruce made the narration we see throughout Absolute Batman #3 come from Alfred Pennyworth’s voice. That is such a key in getting over this type of writing. The reader needs to believe that this is one of the characters, in this case Alfred, speaking and not the comic book writer. Capturing Alfred’s voice gave his character a chance to further develop as someone who has a great attention to detail. His breakdown of how Bruce behaves in and out of being Batman creates a better understanding of both of their characters.
Alfred’s narration also brought into question if Bruce is being as careful as he should be about being Batman. Alfred isn’t the only one that appears to be catching on to Bruce being up to something. Martha Wayne, Jim Gordon, Waylon Jones, Eddie, Harvey, and Ozzie all have lines of dialogue that hint at them knowing about Bruce being Batman. Bruce also doesn’t do the best job hiding with how he gets his buddies to help him with the Party Animals case. This create an angle where the deeper he gets into being Batman keeping that secret may not be important to Bruce.
Through this Snyder does a great job at getting across how Bruce, Waylon, Eddie, Harvey, and Ozzie are childhood friends. The way the five of them talk with each other is a way only childhood friends would talk with each other. Harvey especially stood out in this case as he does his best to be the straight lace guy but the other four clearly get the real version of Harvey out. He can’t keep up the mask he puts on to the public with his job. It made the dynamic fun to see an really makes you want to see Bruce interact with everyone more.
Their interaction also put into question what role we will see Selina Kyle play in this series. Snyder made it a point to call out that she is out of the country. The hints of where she is at does a good job setting up how her appearance later on in he series will have an impact. What kind of impact, especially when it comes to her relationship with Bruce, will be interesting to see.
While Batman is able to show he is able to take on the Party Animals when it is a straight up fight they are still a threat because of their unpredictability. Batman is still trying to learn everything about the Party Animals. This gave Roman Sionis the chance to get the one up on Batman. It helps keep Roman Sionis and the Party Animals a threat while emphasizing the detective side of Batman.
Through it all Nick Dragotta continues to deliver a style that is all Absolute Batman’s own. Even with all the familiar locations this version of Gotham City has a life all its own. This helps to further reflect on how different this version of Batman is. He is much more grounded than other versions because Bruce is working various jobs in the city rather than using money to gain his information and resources. Dragotta really nails getting all of that across to elevate the writing.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Absolute Batman #2 keeps up the strong momentum established by the first issue moving forward. The world that Scott Snyder and Nick Dragotta has such a unique vibe even with so many things’ fans may be familiar with. It’s that familiarity that makes how different things are from Bruce Wayne’s relationships to how the state of Gotham City is so much fun to discover. Where everything led to by the end created even greater excitement to read the next issue.
Story Rating: 9 Night Girls out of 10
Art Rating: 8 Night Girls out of 10
Overall Rating: 8.5 Night Girls out of 10
For more opinions on anime, comic book, movies, and sports you can follow Kevin on Bluesky, Instagram, Threads, and Twitter/X.