To say the Absolute Universe has not been kind to Bruce Wayne would be an understatement. Every issue of Absolute Batman has not just pushed Bruce past his breaking point. It appears as though the Absolute Universe is doing everything to break him. The clash with Absolute Bane has highlighted this as it does not seem that Bruce has any sort of answer to his latest villain. How will things go next for the series? Let’s find out with Absolute Batman #12
CREATIVE TEAM
Writer: Scott Snyder
Artist: Nick Dragotta
Colorist: Frank Martin
Letterer: Clayton Cowles
ABSOLUTE BATMAN #12 SOLICITATION
“BANE PRESSES THE ATTACK! Batman is at the mercy of the monstrous Bane. And though his body has seen better days, his mind and spirit are still strong. But how much longer can that withstand Bane’s brutal onslaught?” – DC Comics
HIGHLIGHTS OF ABSOLUTE BATMAN #12
BRUCE WAYNE INNER CIRCLE BRUTAL FATE
No matter how different things are in it at the end of the day the Absolute Universe will force characters towards their fate. Whether those characters enjoy it or not. It is the brutal reality Bruce Wayne’s inner circle learns. The way Bane has Waylon, Eddie, Harvey, and Ozzie become their DCU personas was already brutal. But the real impact is how the transformation to Killer Croc, Riddler, Two-Face, and Penguin reflect Bruce’s choices. Specifically, Bruce’s choices to continue his work as Batman. The way Waylon, Eddie, Harvey, and Ozzie each speak, or don’t speak, to Bruce when he sees them speaks volumes to the ramifications of his actions as Batman.
MARTHA WAYNE’S ABSOLUTE REALITY CHECK
Bruce having to be faced with what happened to Waylon, Eddie, Harvey, and Ozzie is highlighted by Martha’s own reaction. Martha Wayne was understandably emotional when Bruce showed up months after disappearing without a word. You totally understand why she goes from crying to slapping Bruce with the way he acted when meeting his mother again. Bruce tries to do the typical main character thing of playing things off as not a big deal. That led to the reality check Martha gives him of what happened to his inner circle while he was gone have an even greater impact. It all puts into question if we will see Martha get involved with Bruce’s Batman mission in the future.
BATMAN & ALFRED PENNYWORTH GROWING TEAM
While Alfred Pennyworth has been around since Absolute Batman #1 his chemistry with Bruce is still building. That’s been due to the clashes with Black Mask and Bane getting in the way of them having time to build their chemistry. Because of that the splash page showing Batman and Alfred back-to-back didn’t hit as hard as intended. The moment just highlighted that they have to take action. There is no time to waste building chemistry. The way things are in the Absolute Universe the chemistry will just have to come as they go. This creates a different vibe to the dynamic we normally see for Batman.
ABSOLUTE CATWOMAN IMPACTFUL DEBUT
Her appearance wasn’t very long but it was certainly impactful. That appearance is for none other than Absolute Catwoman. Up to this point we’ve seen Selina Kyle through flashbacks to Bruce’s pre-Batman life. We know they have a deep connection having been in a relationship before Selina left. Scott Snyder and Nick Dragotta did a great job using the flashbacks to make it feel like a legend has returned. Not only has she returned but Selina’s Absolute Catwoman design had that “wow” feel to it. Seeing how she quickly knocked out Alfred before Batman notice was well done. It all created the question what her motives will be from here.
WHERE IS ABSOLUTE BANE’S PLAN GOING
Even though he was not physically in this issue Absolute Bane’s presence was felt throughout Absolute Batman #12. Bane decimated Bruce’s inner circle and forcing them to “embrace” their fates. Though given his impact thus far Bane has built the credibility that he doesn’t need to be in every chapter of this story. His aura has grown to the point his presence is felt without physically appearing. With where everyone is at were left wondering if Batman can overcome how Bane has broken him.
ARTWORK CAPTURES ABSOLUTE UNIVERSE BRUTALITY
Nick Dragotta knocks it out of the park with the artwork. As much as Snyder’s words keep things moving forward it is Dragotta’s artwork that tells the story. The visuals of what Bane did to Waylon, Eddie, Harvey, and Ozzie is worse than anyone could’ve imagined. The damage done to them leaves us wondering what the final designs for Penguin and Two-Face will be. If Killer Croc and Riddler are any indication, Batman’s Absolute Universe rogues gallery will the most wicked of them all.
WHAT DIDN’T WORK IN ABSOLUTE BATMAN #12
NOTHING!
FINAL THOUGHTS
Absolute Batman #12 does an incredible job at showing the ramifications of Bruce Wayne’s actions as the Dark Knight. Those ramifications coming in the form of his inner circles tragic fate is heartbreaking. What this does for the future of series creates even greater intrigue for what Scott Snyder and Nick Dragotta have planned from here.
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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