Review: Absolute Batman #1 – “The Zoo: Part One”
[Editor’s note: This review may contain spoilers!]
Writer: Scott Snyder
Artist: Nick Dragotta
Colorist: Frank Martin
Letterer: Clayton Cowles
Reviewed by: Steven Brown
Summary
In a new universe where hope and justice is all but lost, a different Batman emerges. In a Gotham City ravaged by a vicious gang, Bruce Wayne must become something impossible and extraordinary.
Positives
In Absolute Batman #1, we see a vastly different Gotham City from the one we’ve known in previous iterations. Here, although still a crime-ravaged city, Gotham is plagued by a gang known as the Party Animals. This gang has terrorized Gotham for months, leaving nothing but bodies in their wake. Gordon is the mayor of Gotham City in this book, and his commitment to justice still holds strong here. However, Gordon knows that the city is standing on a teetering edge and all it takes is one more incident for it to fall off.
Bruce Wayne is noticeably different here as well too. A towering behemoth of a man, Bruce stands way above his peers in both height and knowledge. Losing his father at a young age, Bruce trains his entire life and utilizes his knowledge of the Gotham City streets to become something that gangs will soon come to fear.
Alfred makes an appearance in this issue as well, and his introduction doesn’t disappoint. Here, he’s an agent working for the British intelligence agency. Apparently, he’s been to Gotham City a few times before and is already familiar with the city; however, this Batman is a character he’s never met. The two exchange a few blows before Batman makes his exit, and I’m eager to see how this relationship develops in this book.
Negatives
If I do have to make a complaint here, it has to be about the appearance of The Joker. Here in this particular iteration, it’s Joker who has all of the money and resources. However, he’s called The Joker because he never smiles, at all. I found that explanation kind of bland, but I’ll look over it and still continue to give the character a shot. His appearance isn’t made until the end of the book, and even then, he’s still unknown. I can’t wait to see just how different this particular Joker is in this run.
Verdict
Absolute Batman #1 is a great introduction to Bruce Wayne and the world around him. Snyder has introduced a more brutal Gotham than I’ve read before, and I’m eager to see where it goes and what new relationships can be forged along the way.
Score: 4/5
