Absolute Batman #3 raises the stakes, forcing Bruce Wayne into the one position he never wants to be in—compromise. With Gotham descending further into chaos, Black Mask makes Batman a tempting and repulsive offer: take the money, step aside, and let crime run its course. Scott Snyder and Nick Dragotta continue their adrenaline-fueled reinvention of the Dark Knight, complete with a chase scene that’s as ridiculous as it is awesome, a morally complex dilemma, and some deeply personal character moments. But does it all come together? Let’s dive in.
The story opens with a flashback, revealing young Bruce’s bond with Selina, who teaches him to see reality, not ideals. In the present, Batman escapes the hilariously absurd Bat-Dump Truck—a weaponized garbage truck—from pursuing enemies. He then uncovers Black Mask’s “Ark” project: turning Gotham into a prison, funded by a mysterious, wealthy figure hinted to be the Joker. Black Mask offers Bruce $200 million to back off. Surprisingly, Alfred suggests accepting the deal to infiltrate and dismantle the operation from within, posing a compelling moral question: should Batman compromise his principles to save Gotham?
Credits: DC Comics
Snyder and Dragotta deliver a gloriously over-the-top, energy-fueled wild ride with a chase scene that pushes the boundaries of even Gotham’s extremes. The pacing is relentless, the world continues to deepen, and the stakes feel genuinely huge. Snyder masterfully juggles Batman’s physical battles with his mental ones, painting a picture of a hero pushed to his limits. Sure, the Bat-Dump Truck chase might test your suspension of disbelief, and the ‘mystery’ of Black Mask’s identity is… well, let’s just say it’s not exactly Sherlock Holmes-level deduction. But these are minor blips in an otherwise fantastic issue. The real win here is Bruce’s internal struggle with Black Mask’s offer, a truly compelling conflict. The deepening connection with Selina adds a powerful emotional core to all the action.
This comic keeps delivering on its promise of a truly daring Dark Knight. This series throws punches – turning Gotham into a corporate dystopia, reimagining Alfred as Bruce’s cynical advisor, and, yes, even having Batman commandeer a weaponized bulldozer. It’s a wild ride. Sure, some moments flirt with being over-the-top, and a few “surprises” feel a bit predictable. But the sheer entertainment value is undeniable. And with Bruce’s apparent acceptance of the deal, the next issue is poised to crank the unpredictability up to eleven.
‘Absolute Batman’ #3 Review: The Dark Knight Walks the Line Between Hero and Sellout
Absolute Batman #3 presents a high-stakes dilemma for Bruce Wayne, forcing him to consider compromising his principles to save Gotham from Black Mask’s dystopian “Ark” project. The issue delivers an action-packed, morally complex narrative with a compelling emotional core, despite some moments that push the boundaries of believability.
