By
Kevin Erdmann
Published 54 minutes ago
Since 2019, Kevin Erdmann has been one of Screen Rant's Senior Staff Writers, covering all kinds of Superhero and Star Wars media with Easter egg breakdowns, theory pieces, breaking news, and more. A huge Star Wars & MCU fan, Kevin also loves Batman (because he's Batman), but could talk for hours about why Nightwing is DC's greatest hero.
With 8 years of total experience covering entertainment and pop culture, Kevin has gotten the chance to interview top creatives and talent, and has also attended major media events like Disney's D23 convention.
Majoring in Cinema Studies with a minor in Comics and Cartoon Studies from the UofO, Kevin lives in Oregon with his wonderful wife, adorable dog, and sinister cat who is no doubt currently plotting his demise.
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Warning! This post contains SPOILERS for Absolute Batman #14
In DC’s new Absolute Universe, Batman just got the most intense new name. One of the most intense Dark Knights we've ever seen, Batman's ultimate battle with Absolute Bane provides everything you need to know about this unique version of the Caped Crusader.
Right off the bat, Absolute Batman isn’t nearly as bound by the limits of his main DC universe counterpart, and that very much includes the level of brutality he's willing to unleash upon Gotham's criminals.
As a result, the intensity has reached a new peak in his clash with the monstrous Absolute Bane in Scott Snyder and Nick Dragotta's Absolute Batman #14, setting the tone for this new Batman who will likely become even more dangerous in future issues.
Alfred Just Called Absolute Batman A "Genius At Violence" (And He's Totally Right)
Absolute Batman’s showdown with Bane in this new issues is easily one of the most savage battles in the entire Batman mythos. This Bane is larger, faster, and terrifyingly regenerative, capable of regrowing limbs and even eyeballs at a moments notice thanks to the more unique Venom compound found in this alt-universe.
As such, Absolute Batman has to unleash every combat skill, gadget, and lethal technique he’s mastered...and he's happy to do so after eveything Bane and the Ark M project recently put him and his cloest friends through.
In the Absolute Universe, Alfred Pennyworth is a hardened black-ops mercenary, giving him a unique and more combat-experienced perspective.
While he does aid in the fight with the Absolute Batmobile, Alfred can't help but marvel at Batman's skill, calling him a “Genius at Violence."
Despite his years as a mercenary, Pennyworth is completely awestruck by the level of precision, as Batman clearly "revels in the bringing forth of blood from those who deserve it, the blood of people who never see their own in the open air...until Batman shows them in red spraying arcs."
It’s a striking description, though one that perfectly captures the tone of this entire Absolute Batman series. This Batman is brutally efficient and completely terrifying when it comes to the level of violence he's willing to dispense.
Likewise, the issues we've seen so far are only the beginning, especially with Absolute Joker on the way, having been teased as something even more horrific. The sheer brutality of this alternate DC universe is only escalating, and Batman is right at the center.
Absolute Batman Doesn't Fight To Win (He Fights Because It's Right)
What makes this version even more compelling is that the violence on display from Absolute Batman isn’t just empty spectacle. It's paired with an incredibly deep and admirable conviction on the part of this alternate Bruce Wayne.
During this major Bane fight, Batman refuses to enhance himself with Venom of his own, even though the plan was to wear Bane done before juicing up himself (they even tested it beforehand). However, Batman intentionally chooses to keep fighting without amping himself up, despite the fac that rivaling Bane's power as a hulked-out monster probably would have been easier.
Rather than powering himself up, Batman has Catwoman inject Bane with his Venom dose, causing the villain to explode by overloading his already maxed out system. It's as brilliant as it is super gross, while also proving that this Batman is determined to fight on his terms.
Alfred’s narration reinforces this idea beautifully. He explains that Absolute Batman doesn’t fight to win. He fights because the fight is what matters. He fights because it’s right. Every punch, every strike, and every calculated display of brutality is driven by the resolve to protect his city and loved ones, rather than ego.
Overall, it's a pretty awesome combo: a true warrior embracing extreme violence while still refusing shortcuts. Without a doubt, it certainly makes Absolute Batman one of the coolest Dark Knights in years. The world of Absolute Batman is darker, more dangerous, bloodier, downright terrifying...and it's only just begun.
Absolute Batman #14 is on sale now from DC Comics.
Batman
Created By
Bob Kane, Bill Finger
First Appearance
Detective Comics
Alias
Bruce Wayne
Alliance
Justice League, Outsiders, Batman Family
Race
Human
Franchise
D.C.
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Batman
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