Scott Snyder continues to build out the world of Absolute Batman as we get a closer look at not just Batman, but also the supporting cast that surrounds him. While the first issue sometimes felt like nonstop, high-octane fighting, this one takes an opportunity to settle in now that its tone has been established. That’s not to say that this issue is devoid of action, it’s certainly not. In fact at times it can be just as bombastic, but it makes sure to focus in on what can make a story last past its explosive opening.
Something that has kept the story relatively grounded has been Alfred’s role as narrator. Despite his dramatic departure from the Alfred Pennyworth that people are familiar with, his “outsider looking in” perspective makes him a great proxy for the reader. Just like us, he knows very little of this Batman, and is skeptical of the methods he employs. His apprehension might come from tactical analysis instead of a diversion from an established character, but his mission to learn more mirrors our desire to have the story be revealed.
On that front, the issue certainly delivers. It drops plenty of big twist moments that play with what you’d expect based on existing knowledge of Batman’s supporting cast. The first and probably biggest revelation is the fact that Jim Gordon and Bruce’s mother Martha appear to be in a relationship. This reframes the entire dynamic between Batman and the authorities in some really interesting ways. We still know very little about Bruce’s childhood aside from the death of his father and his difficulty adjusting to that trauma, but this would mean that the mayor (and former commissioner) is now his literal father figure. The man who rescued him on that day is also the one who acts as his legal adversary. It promises to be exciting to watch develop.
More than just his family, we also learn about his friends. More specifically we learn about his trusted, surprising childhood circle of Harvey Dent, Ozwald Cobblepot, Eddie Nygma, and Waylon Jones. Some of these were alluded to last issue, but now we see the extent to which they’ve been and continue to be a part of his life. Having known them since childhood, they unknowingly act as an invaluable resource for his war on crime. Things like Eddie’s knowledge of computers and Dent’s connections to government allow a working class Bruce to still achieve the things that billionaire Bruce could with all of Wayne Enterprises at his fingertips.
Of course, the issue isn’t all just quiet exposition and discovery. There are still plenty of scenes showing off Batman’s brutal fight against the Party Animals gang. As Alfred points out, this is a Batman who is constantly pushing forward and never giving a moment to “retreat and regroup”. The fights reflect that attitude, and are where artist Nick Dragotta really gets a chance to shine. Each page is filled with so much energy and excitement that you can’t help but be captivated as each set piece plays out. It effectively conveys the savagery of Batman’s approach, as well as justifying its necessity.
Ironically, the intense action and Batman’s determination are where much of the book’s humor comes from. Scott Snyder has always leaned into the absurdity of his blockbuster-style approach to comics, but more than ever before he’s able to have his cake and eat it too. Thanks in part to Alfred’s role as the straight man, he can indulge in heart-pounding and over the top theatrics while also hanging a lampshade on just how silly it is to so devotedly stick to a spectacle and bat theme. It all adds some needed levity to an intense and exciting comic.
Recommended If
- You want to learn more about Absolute Gotham
- Nick Dragotta’s art continues to deliver exciting action
- Scott Snyder’s style of excess and theatrics is something you enjoy
Overall
Absolute Batman continues to deliver on its promise of exciting action flavored with Scott Snyder’s signature extreme style. More than that, however, it takes the time to build out its world and create a robust supporting cast, each with their own interesting twist on established formula. With its second issue, the series proves that it can keep the momentum from its dramatic debut going.
Score: 8.5/10
English (US) · 