Scott Snyder is the Eisner and Harvey Award winning writer on DC Comics Batman, Swamp Thing, and his original series for Vertigo, American Vampire. He is also the author of the short story collection, Voodoo Heart, published by the Dial Press in 2006. The paperback version was published in the summer of 2007.
I didn't think I was going to like this one, even though everyone has been going on and on about how great it is and pushing me to pick it up. I just don't usually like Snyder's Batman stuff. But here we are, and I'm glad to be wrong.
Absolute Batman reimagines the entirety of not just Bruce Wayne, but Gotham and all of its players. I don't want to spoil any surprises for those of you who haven't read this yet, but Snyder pretty much gutted this down to the core and built it back up as something completely new.
A dynamic reimagining of BM! This is a BM 'stripped' of privilege and protection; a BM that is just learning to find his way through the maze of Gotham - a maze that has many traps that could be the end. It will be very interesting to see the evolution of this BM, his journey is familiar yet different. A bold and impactful addition to the legend of the Dark Knight!
Bruce in this universe is young, angry, and ready to change Gotham for the better. Growing up in the streets, having friends, having his parents, and a certain thing happens that alters that. But all of the anger in him built up goes on display about half way through this issue when the Batman shows up and wrecks the villains. A bunch of gang members murdering people for no reason. You get some excellent moments of batman wrecking shit, awesome art throughout, good setup for future events, a Alfred I actually really enjoy, and overall a great first issue.
Not sure how I feel about the last two pages but everything else was fantastic.
The dark knight… but darker. When you thought Batman went as dark as he could go, think again, because this Batman has rage and he is scary. He is not showing mercy. These villains are not safe from the Darkest Knight.
নতুন এক ব্যাটম্যানের সাথে দেখা হতে যাচ্ছে পাঠকের। যেখানে আলফ্রেড পেনিয়োর্থ একজন প্রবীন এমাইসিক্স এজেন্ট, গথামে যার মিশন চলছে। ধনসম্পদ-প্রাচুর্যহীন ব্রুস ওয়েইনকে তৈরি করেছেন কিংবদন্তি স্কট স্নাইডার, কমিক্স প্যানেলে অঙ্কনে ফুটিয়ে তুলেছেন আরেক কিংবদন্তিসম নিক ড্রাগোটা।
পার্টি অ্যানিমেল নামের এক কাল্ট ভিত্তিক সংগঠনের নৃশংসতা আগুনের মত ছড়িয়ে পড়েছে গথামে। মেয়র গর্ডন সামলাতে পারছেন না বর্তমান পরিস্থিতি। কিন্তু ঠিক কী চায় এ ভয়ানক দল? তাদের ভা*লেন্সের সামনে টিকতে পারছে না পুলিশ। অত্যন্ত নির্মানবিকতায় ভরা পার্টি অ্যানিমেলের কর্মকান্ড খেয়াল করছেন আলফ্রেড। তবে উপরের আদেশ না পাওয়া পর্যন্ত কোন একশনে নামতে পারছেন না তিনি।
প্রথম ইস্যুর প্রায় পুরোটাই আলফ্রেডের দৃষ্টিভঙ্গি থেকে পাঠককে দেখা লাগবে। শৈশবে ব্রুসের সাথে ঘটে যাওয়া নির্মম ট্র্যাজেডিও খানিকটা পাল্টানো হয়েছে। ব্যাটম্যান কমিক্সের বেশিরভাগ চরিত্রের অরিজিন স্টোরিতে এসেছে ব্যাপক পরিবর্তনের ছোঁয়া। ড্রাগোটা যেভাবে প্রথম পর্ব অঙ্কন করেছেন, এক ধরণের অ্যাসেন্ডিং টোনে গল্প এগিয়ে যাওয়া। চিড়িয়াখানায় শৈশবের ব্রুসের দেখা বাঁদুড়ের মূল বৈশিষ্ট্যের সাথে ব্যাটম্যানের মিল নিয়ে আসাটায় চমৎকার ক্রিয়েটিভিটি দেখিয়েছেন লেখক ও অঙ্কনশিল্পী। স্নাইডারের লেখনি দারুন লেগেছে। ফ্র্যাঙ্ক মার্টিনের রঙের কাজ এক কথায় অসাধারণ হয়েছে।
বিশেষ করে ব্যাটম্যানের ঐ কেইপকে আরো অর্থবহ হাতিয়ার হিসেবে ব্যবহার করার বিষয়টা চোখে পড়েছে। প্রথম দেখায় আমার অ্যাবসোলিউট ব্যাটম্যানের কস্টিউম পছন্দ হয় নি। তবে নতুন ভাবে শুরু করা ইউনিভার্সে প্রথম পর্বেই মনে হচ্ছে এসব পরিবর্তন প্রাসঙ্গিক এবং একটা ফ্রেশ স্টার্ট দিতে পারে ব্যাটম্যান স্টোরিলাইনে। শেষের দিকের চমকটা মনে রাখার মতই।
Comics Review
Name : Absolute Batman (#1 of 5) Writer : Scott Snyder Artist : Frank Martin, Nick Dragotta Publisher : DC Comics Publication Date : October 9, 2024 Genres : Action, Superhero Status : Ongoing Reviewer : Wasim Hasan Mahmud
What I loved: the bat cape and ears design / choices and the in text reasoning is AMAZING, the bat symbol reasoning is also super cool. I also like Bruce’s personal connection to his rogues in this universe. Bruce keeping his moral alignment. The 9 panel layouts were an interesting use of space and the dialogue never felt too much per panel.
What I disliked: the plot has been done so many times it isn’t captivating. The original aspects can’t carry the done to death idea. The cursing felt out of place; this isn’t a black label, so the characters can’t curse, but the censored versions of words still appear alongside gruesome visuals and descriptions, leading to a cheapened final effect.
My Bias: I find the mere premise of the absolute universe uninteresting, as it relies on “what if X never had Y” as if there aren’t smaller characters that fill that niche of story telling. For this “what if Batman didn’t have money,” I raise Lucious Fox and the batwing storyline as a contrast. Even the Signal storyline largely fits into that.
Overall: meh. The art and design choices were neat but not mind blowing, and the story just isn’t captivating. This just feels heavy handed in it’s physical power fantasy story. Not my cup of tea but I’m sure this will be someone else’s.
I’m not sure what it says about me that my first attempt at reading through a whole Batman series being with this one, the grittiest, not afraid to break or maim them. But I can say that I am here for this, and I mean all of it. I love a unique more blue collared heavy metal Bruce/batman and the fact that Alfred is a bad*ss assassin deadshot knock off was just was just the icing on the proverbial comic book cake and I’m intrigued to see what other alterations and changes Snyder continues to make with this beloved franchise. 4.25/5
Been hearing a lot of good things about this. Book did not disappoint. Batman was badass in here. Loved the different take on characters in this absolute universe. Loved what was set up. Definitely looking forward to seeing more of this.
Holy crap. They take from Miller in the best way. They do it completely new. It reminds me of " Batman year one" . It takes risks. It surprises you . I want the next issues now!
A new type of Batman for a new type of age . You have your familiar characters, Bruce, Harvey, Selena, Waylon Jones, Jim Gordon, Arthur flick, black mask. You have a new take on Alfred.
The symbol looks like a truck tyre. Besides this everything looks good to me. New world, new bulky batman with brutality & new position of old characters given good vibes. Waiting for the next issues.
Absolute Batman #1 is a DC Comic issue written by Scott Snyder, art by Nick Dragotta, and colors by Frank Martin.
Gotham City is under siege by a group known as the Party Animals, young adults wearing animal masks who have brought violence and anarchy to the city. The group is seemingly run by Roman Sionis, The Black Mask. During a city hall, Mayor Jim Gordon tries to pacify the citizens when the Party Animals attack. A dark and brutal vigilante arrives on the scene preventing a massacre. His name, The Batman.
When this line was announced I was cautiously optimistic. And then when I saw the design of the character, my initial reaction was “What the hell is this?” I tried to keep an open mind and then slowly became more and more excited as the release approached. And then I heard nothing but positive things. I finally got around to reading it and the first issue is fantastic.
The first issue is oversized and I don’t believe there was a single ad within the actual story and even then, the only ads were solicitations for other Absolute series. The book reworks some of Batman’s biggest mythos: Bruce Wayne is not from money, at least one of his parents is alive, he grew up in Crime Alley alongside characters we know to be his rogues gallery in main continuity, and Alfred Pennyworth is not an ally.
This Batman is a hulking beast of a man and uses various weapons and blades in his fights. His cape acts as an additional weapon, with some type of tactile strength to it that he is able to manipulate as additional appendages. It also gives him a more bat-like appearance is his movements. What does remain true is that he still has a no kill philosophy with a genius level intellect and is a master tactician and strategist.
There are a ton of Eater eggs along the way and I’m very excited to see where the series goes. I hope it can continue to deliver without growing stale or becoming a gimmick.
We get a working class Batman.. Pennyworth a seemingly independent contractor Mayor James Gordon New takes on Batman characters.. Plus a last page glimpse of the iconic Batman villain.
Absolute Batman #1 by Scott Snyder is an explosive start to what’s easily one of the best modern Batman runs. From the very first page, the tone is razor-sharp—dark, tense, and brimming with momentum. Snyder’s writing crackles with energy and intelligence, giving us a Gotham that feels alive and dangerous. And Dragotta’s art? Unreal. Every panel is dynamic, moody, and filled with character.
This isn’t just a great Batman comic—it’s a statement. A perfect blend of writing and visuals that hooks you fast and doesn’t let go.
Overall good story. Lots of homage in text and art, each tweaked toward this new elsewhere story. No real spectacular art, but some nice work. The background story on the new Batsuit and gear is really cool. So far believable, though I'm sure my 40 year association with Batman is filling in all the ambiance and vibes I'm used to. I like the suit and the motivations and the interesting angles on all his friends. Bats is more violent yet apparently still does not kill? Looking forward to what lies ahead.
ভাল দিক: ব্রুসকে হাই সোসাইটি থেকে এবার নামিয়ে আনা হয়েছে। একদম ভিন্ন এক ব্যাটম্যানের কাহিনি শুরু হলো।
মন্দ দিক: বেশি ব্রুটালিটি দেখাতে গিয়ে ব্যাটের ডার্ক ভাইভটা বরং হালকা হয়েছে। অতিজঘন্য কস্টিউম, ট্রাকের টায়ারের মতো ব্যাট সিম্বল। কলাগাছের মতো দুইটা থাই নিয়ে ব্যাটম্যান কেমনে মারপিট করবে সেইটে বুঝলাম না। শুধু বুঝলাম আর্টিস্ট নিজেও একটা খোদার খাসি।
I’m not incredibly sold on this gimmick quite yet. I think he’s cool, very cool, but it’s such a drastic change for the character that I’m unsure if he’s even worthy of being named the same. I guess that’s the point though? Funnily enough, I think it’s another character that tips it over the edge though: Alfred. It’s just weird seeing him on almost the opposite side of the conflict.
The art is absolutely STUNNING though. This Absolute series is not disappointing when it comes to the visuals. From character design to panel structure, it all works very well in tandem.
I think I’m overall judging these series too fast. I have the first 6 copies of Batman already though, so I should come to a solid opinion soon.
The concept here is great. I’m excited to see more of it. However, can concept alone pull together a good story? No. But it’s too early to judge. I’m excited to see more.
The art here was awesome and this first issue’s pacing and story structure was great. However, as a long time Batman fan, I cringe at every attempt to make an “edgier, darker, more grounded” Batman. Please stop. You don’t understand the character.
This is a unique and different spin on the character, but let’s hope that it goes beyond just surface level edge and anger. I understand he’s young and angry, and I’m here for that, but I’m just being honest that when I read the “Get the f*** out of my way” line, I rolled my eyes.
A new take on Batman where he's a 7 foot tall 24 year old who doesn't have rich parents.
Didn't know what to expect out of this new take on Batman, but it was a really good single issue.
The art by Nick Dragotta was incredible! The fight on the stairs was awesome and I loved that They gave Batman detachable knife-ears. What a fun concept!
I really liked the brutality. I loved seeing criminal goons be witty but still, ultimately there to kill people and not give monologues. It was very well done!
Minor gripes: Don't like the logo. It doesn't look anything like a bat. Just a spikey block. I got used to it but it's nothing.
I didn't love that he used a gun in this (non-lethally but still).
Overall I am so excited to read more when it comes out. I hope it doesn't dip in quality too fast.
Scott Snyder and Nick Dragotta have relaunched one of DC’s Big Three (Wonder Woman and Superman will be following suit soon) in a riff similar to Marvel’s Ultimate Universe. It’s a whole new, completely different world, one that’s completely free of damn near a century of lore, mythology, and continuity, but still entirely familiar, with just enough changes to make it its own unique thing.
For starters, Bruce Wayne is no longer a rich kid, and Snyder has flipped the economic background -- and relationships -- of many of these once-familiar Gothamites on its head. It's a suitable and sensible bit of reframing given our currently tumultuous relationship against the democracy- and Earth-destroying rich, and I am absolutely ecstatic to see a Batman who is not amongst the 1% and is absolutely their enemy moving forward.
Other characters, and Gotham itself, find themselves titled slightly, and occasionally inverted entirely, giving us a new angle on what we knew, and this series opener makes for a fun twist as it upends the usual. Plus, Dragotta’s take on Batman here is a fucking BEAST. I’m curious to see what the other Absolute titles are like now, and positively cannot wait for issue two.