After an explosive debut, Absolute Batman #2 dives deeper into the grimy underbelly of Gotham, peeling back more layers of this new, ruthless Bruce Wayne. Scott Snyder and Nick Dragotta continue transforming Batman into a blue-collar warrior while introducing us to a radically altered Alfred, Jim Gordon, and a supporting cast that blurs the lines between allies and enemies. This issue may not have the sheer adrenaline of the first, but it’s packed with world-building, intrigue, and a few eyebrow-raising moments (looking at you, “Batman AF”).
We open with a chilling flashback: young Bruce, trapped in a bat enclosure, his father’s lifeless body just outside. It’s a striking visual, saturated in red, setting the tone for the emotional weight of this issue. Cut to present-day Gotham, and Batman is in battle against the Party Animals, this time in an aquarium. The art here is phenomenal—fluid motion, striking blues contrasting the reds of the flashback, and, of course, Batman’s brutal use of his arsenal. The fight escalates as Batman, impaled with knives, shatters a glass enclosure and deploys chemically concentrated vinegar to turn the water into hydrochloric acid. It burns but doesn’t kill—a perfect encapsulation of this Batman’s morality: ruthless, but with a thin line he refuses to cross.
The narrative slows, letting us breathe and take in Gotham’s landscape. We learn Bruce has built safe houses across the city, forming a bat symbol when plotted on a map. A bit on the nose? Sure. But also a level of Batman-style paranoia we can’t help but admire. Then comes a fascinating (if slightly lengthy) poker scene where Bruce—using his socialite persona—probes his old childhood friends: Oswald Cobblepot, Eddie Nygma, Harvey Dent, and Waylon Jones. The dialogue here teeters between clever and too obvious (Harvey dropping “two” references left and right felt a bit much), but seeing these soon-to-be-villains in a different light is intriguing.
Credits: DC Comics
Snyder and Dragotta keep pushing Batman’s boundaries, transforming him into a hard-hitting, blue-collar fighter. And they’re not holding back with Alfred, Gordon, or any other characters, creating a world where alliances are constantly shifting. One of the biggest themes in this issue is Batman’s refusal to back down. Alfred critiques Bruce’s strategy, which sharply contrasts his usual mentor role. He introduces the military terms “Advance Forward” and “Retreat and Regroup,” arguing that Batman doesn’t understand the latter. And he’s right—Batman is an unstoppable force, constantly pushing forward, but that’s not always good. This Batman is reckless in ways that make you question if his war on crime is sustainable. Snyder and Dragotta make us feel the weight of Bruce’s choices, especially when Alfred pulls his behind-the-scenes support, leaving Bruce vulnerable.
The line where Alfred refers to Batman as “Batman AF” certainly raised eyebrows. It’s an unusual phrasing reminiscent of forced internet slang and creates a jarring effect. While it feels out of sync, this may be intended to contribute to the comic’s heightened, stylized language. Regardless, it’s a moment that interrupts the otherwise consistent flow of the story.
Credits: DC Comics
This issue wisely shifts gears, trading some initial high-octane action for richer world-building. It’s a smart move for a series still finding its footing. Bruce’s struggle to reconcile his mission with his humanity is genuinely captivating. The budding relationship between Martha Wayne and Jim Gordon introduces a fascinating twist, suggesting a connection that could redefine Bruce’s understanding of his past. While intriguing, the poker scene felt drawn out. And while the idea of a less-funded Batman is compelling, the comic still leaves us wondering how he’s managing all that tech on a city engineer’s budget. Hopefully, we’ll get some answers soon.
Absolute Batman #2 takes time, but it’s building something interesting. We dive deeper into Gotham’s mess, and the conflicts brewing are seriously intriguing. Yeah, some lines might make you go, “Huh?” and a few scenes could’ve been tighter, but honestly, if you’re a Batman fan looking for a fresh take, this is worth your time.
‘Absolute Batman’ #2 Review: Gotham’s Dark Knight Doubles Down on Brutality and Mystery
Absolute Batman #2 takes time, but it’s building something interesting. We dive deeper into Gotham’s mess, and the conflicts brewing are seriously intriguing. Yeah, some lines might make you go, “Huh?” and a few scenes could’ve been tighter, but honestly, if you’re a Batman fan looking for a fresh take, this is worth your time.
