Steve Long 
Discover the epic world of the Absolute Universe with Scott Snyder’s Absolute Batman—an alternative DC Comics continuity filled with thrilling adventures.
Scott Snyder is back in Gotham with Absolute Batman! Before I dive into reviewing this comic, I want to briefly explain the “Absolute” universe. The Absolute Universe is a new shared DC universe for which Snyder is a showrunner. It has a different continuity than the regular DC universe. Following the Absolute Power crossover series events, this new continuity kicked off with the DC All-In Special, written by Snyder and Joshua Williamson, on October 2nd.Â
In addition to Batman, this new initiative includes “Absolute Superman” by Jason Aaron, “Absolute Wonder Woman” by Kelly Thompson, “Absolute Flash” by Jeff Lemire, and “Absolute Green Lantern” by Al Ewing.Â
THE ABSOLUTE UNIVERSE
At first, I was not planning on picking any of these titles up. I’m getting a little tired of DC (and Marvel, for that matter) constantly rebooting things. I was a big fan of the Earth One series, but whenever we turn around, DC is switching things around with some universe-ending event. The point is that I was very skeptical of Absolute Batman and this Absolute Universe in general.Â
In any case, I picked up Absolute Batman because I am a fan of Batman, and I figured I’d go ahead and check it out and see if it’s worth a read. And my verdict? It is worth a read! I am so glad that I decided to try this out. It is one of the best Batman writing works that Snyder has done since Court of Owls. What a way to debut the Absolute Universe!
REBOOTING THE DARK KNIGHT
I think Rebooting Batman is a roll of the dice for DC. This is one of the publisher’s flagship characters and probably its highest-selling characters. So, rebooting him into a new universe and in such a way as they did here, by trying out new things with him, is risky. But if I am basing this series on the first issue alone, I think this bold risk will pay off. I must admit I’m not crazy about the new costume. Particularly the bat symbol itself. It does seem to take a slight nod from the costume in Frank Miller’s “Dark Knight Returns.” I’m just not a fan of it.Â
I have to warn readers that they will be disappointed if they think they are getting the same old Bruce Wayne. This is a different Bruce Wayne. His parents were not wealthy. He is not rich. His father was a school teacher, and his mother was a social worker. Essentially, we are talking about a more blue-collar/working-class-minded Bruce Wayne. In some ways, I feel this was the best direction in which they could have taken a new type of Bruce/Batman. This version of the character is more relatable to us regular folks.Â
SUPPORTING CHARACTERS
The supporting characters are cast in quite a different light as well. Alfred Pennyworth, for instance, is most certainly not his butler. They don’t even know each other. In fact, in this first issue, they are at odds with each other….physically even. It almost feels like the Absolute Universe is setting up these two as rivals. It’s much different than anything we’ve ever seen. Other characters are also given a different spin. James Gordon is the mayor. Even the classic antagonists like Penguin, Killer Croc, the Riddler, Catwoman, and the Joker are given one heck of a different spin.Â
But don’t worry. Batman is still a vigilante, a hell of a fighter, and a very intelligent human being. The character’s tragic origins remain, and Bruce Wayne is still traumatized by the event. However, even that tragic origin story is much different from the one we have known for decades. So, some specifics. Scott Snyder’s retooling of the character is excellent. As I mentioned, this is his best Batman writing since Court of Owls. I can’t think of any other writer who could have pulled this off. The artwork done by Nick Dragotta was very solid. His pencil work fits the narrative Snyder provided (despite the costume, as mentioned earlier, that I don’t really care for).Â
VERDICT
If you are a fan of Batman, I would say try this. If you have never read Batman previously because there is too much history, and you wouldn’t know where to begin, start right here. Simply put, Absolute Batman is one of the best things to come out of DC’s closet in years!
Absolute Batman by DC Comics is available to buy now.
Steve is a fan of Star Wars, punk rock, comic books, and cats. In addition to writing for Future of the Force, he also sings for punk band Get Fired and hosts the podcast Rebel Rock Radio!
