Absolute Batman has been on a complete roll with every issue being better than the previous one. The previous month saw Absolute Bruce Wayne placed through several months of torture after Bane captured him and placed him under Doctor Arkham “care.” Bruce showed an unbelievable amount of determination in order to escape his captivity.
CREATIVE TEAM
Writer: Scott Snyder
Artist: Clay Mann
Colorist: Ivan Plascencia
Letterer: Clayton Cowles
ABSOLUTE BATMAN #11 SOLICITATION
“Learn the origin of Bane! What drives the muscle-bound behemoth, and how did he arrive in Gotham?” – DC Comics
HIGHLIGHTS OF ABSOLUTE BATMAN #11
Unexpected Spotlight on Absolute Bane’s Origin
The spotlight on Absolute Bane’s origin was a surprise that turned into a gift for this series. It provided us a whole new perspective into what the Absolute Universe is. After living things through Absolute Bruce Wayne’s eyes for this entire time it was refreshing to get this different perspective. Scott Snyder quickly delved into the cold, calculating, brutal personality Absolute Bane has. His perspective on the world and characters that exist in it are unique. And it was all done while never forgetting that Absolute Bane is a villain. This spotlight drove home Bane being a villain to his core.
No Holding Back on Brutal Reality that is the Absolute Universe
With the spotlight on Bane, Absolute Batman #11 took on the personality of the issue’s lead character. There are many brutal moments such as Bane crushing someone to death with a bear hug. All the brutality that was featured was a teaser to the possibly the most brutal fight we’ve ever seen Batman in. Clayton Mann did a great job at framing the latest Batman vs Bane fight as one that would be an extended battle. That was quickly a mistake on our part as Bane held nothing back in brutally ripping and chopping Batman’s body apart. It was all to make sure the final deadly crushing of Batman’s head to be the most brutal of all moments.
What Does the Future Hold for Absolute Batman
Given how Bane brutalized Batman it did truly feel like we saw the end of the Dark Knight in the Absolute Universe. That is something we aren’t sure if its true or not as Bane took what was left of Bruce Wayne and had him be completely rebuilt and injected by the same serum that powered him. This created the hardcore Bane version of Bruce’s Absolute Batman. The visual that Mann creates for Absolute Batman’s new design hammers home we really don’t know where Snyder is taking the story. It leads to greater excitement for what is planned around Bruce.
Concern for Bruce Wayne’s Inner Circle
The unknown future Bruce has been placed on means that his inner circle is in even greater danger. That danger was already heightened by the mini-kaiju that Doctor Arkham turned Waylon Jones into Absolute Croc. That danger level is at an all time high by the end of Absolute Batman as we see Harvey Dent, Oz, and Eddie cornered by Bane. There is a big question about what will happen with Harvey, Oz, and Eddie. Will they be captured and given horrific transformations of their main DCU counterparts? Or is there a worse fate for the trio? Whatever happens will be directly tie into where Bruce’s character arc goes next.
The Absolute Joker Factor
While he is not in the entire issue the time he is maximizes who Absolute Joker is. We get an even better look at how Absolute Joker goes about recruiting others to work with him. Bane’s perspective around this rich billionaire Joker increases the dangerous vibe that is felt around the character. We really don’t know what he is planning or how it will impact the greater Absolute Universe. But in the short time he appears on screen is enough to make sure Joker’s presence is always in at the top of mind, even when he’s not physically there.
WHAT DIDN’T WORK IN ABSOLUTE BATMAN #11
Nothing!
FINAL THOUGHTS
Absolute Batman #11 is another home run. The spotlight on Absolute Bane provided a fresh perspective on the presentation of the Absolute Universe and how it is different from the main DCU. This spotlight lead to a brutal story that creates a lot of questions about the future of Absolute Bruce Wayne and his supporting cast. They are all questions that create even greater excitement for the future of this series.
Story Rating: 9 Night Girls out of 10
Art Rating: 9 Night Girls out of 10
Overall Rating: 9 Night Girls out of 10
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