Review: Absolute Batman: Ark M Special #1 – “A History of Arkham”
[Editor’s note: This review may contain spoilers!]
Writer: Scott Snyder and Frank Cieri
Artist and Cover: Joshua Hixson
Colorist: Roman Stevens
Letterer: Clayton Cowles
Reviewed by: Steven Brown
Summary
Absolute Batman: Ark M Special #1 – The “absolute” history of Arkham Asylum is here! A story of the history of Gotham and how twisted it becomes over the years is told by Amadeus Arkham who seems to be in the process of selling the property to a potential buyer. However, all isn’t what it seems.
Positives
Told through the eyes of Dr. Amadeus Arkham, the very beginning of this story begins in tragedy. With the sudden death of his parents, Arkham was placed in an orphanage until he turned 18. Upon leaving, he dedicates his life to helping the mentally challenged people of Gotham City. I must admit that this in itself was a noble attempt, but it goes wrong in so many ways.
Through a series of misfortunes and untimely events, Arkham is soon forced to sell the Asylum. As he talks about the history of his former home, the buyer seems to look really familiar to Arkham. However, once Amadeus makes this realization it’s too late and this mysterious man vanishes into the night.
Negatives
I have no complaints about this issue.
Verdict
Overall, Absolute Batman: Ark M Special was a great read, and the reveal of who the buyer was is unexpected. It seems that the darkness of Gotham was always there, even in its early days, and sadly, Amadeus became a part of that history. It’s revealed at the end that his journal isn’t just a telling of events or a cautionary tale about Gotham, but it serves as a testament to one man who seems to be at the center of all the evil–The Joker.
Score: 5/5
