''Absolute Batman'' is a

superhero A superhero or superheroine is a fictional character who typically possesses ''superpowers'' or abilities beyond those of ordinary people, is frequently costumed concealing their identity, and fits the role of the hero, typically using their ...

comic book A comic book, comic-magazine, or simply comic is a publication that consists of comics art in the form of sequential juxtaposed panel (comics), panels that represent individual scenes. Panels are often accompanied by descriptive prose and wri ...

series published by

DC Comics DC Comics (originally DC Comics, Inc., and also known simply as DC) is an American comic book publisher owned by DC Entertainment, a subsidiary of Warner Bros. Discovery. DC is an initialism for "Detective Comics", an American comic book seri ...

, based on the character

Batman Batman is a superhero who appears in American comic books published by DC Comics. Batman was created by the artist Bob Kane and writer Bill Finger, and debuted in Detective Comics 27, the 27th issue of the comic book ''Detective Comics'' on M ...

. The series is written by

Scott Snyder Scott Snyder (born January 15, 1976) is an American comic book author. He is known for his 2006 short story collection ''Voodoo Heart'', and his work for DC Comics, including series such as ''American Vampire'', ''Detective Comics'', a highly acc ...

and illustrated by Nick Dragotta, and began publication on October 9, 2024, as the first title in DC's

Absolute Universe The Absolute Universe (AU) is an imprint of American comic books overseen by writer Scott Snyder and published by DC Comics. The comics take place in a shared universe designated Alpha-World as part of the DC Comics multiverse, featuring reimag ...

(AU) imprint.

Premise

The series stars a 24-year-old

blue-collar A blue-collar worker is a person who performs manual labor or skilled trades. Blue-collar work may involve skilled or unskilled labor. The type of work may involve manufacturing, retail, warehousing, mining, carpentry, electrical work, custodia ...

civil engineer A civil engineer is a person who practices civil engineering – the application of planning, designing, constructing, maintaining, and operating infrastructure while protecting the public and environmental health, as well as improving existing i ...

named Bruce Wayne, who operates at night to fight crime as the vigilante

. While doing so, he is stalked by a secret agent,

Alfred Pennyworth Alfred Thaddeus Crane Pennyworth, originally Alfred Beagle and commonly known simply as Alfred, is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics, most commonly in association with the superhero Batman. Alfred is ...

Publication history

By July 2024, a

-focused

series written by

and illustrated by Nick Dragotta was in the works as part of

(AU) imprint, which is overseen by Snyder. ''Absolute Batman'' began publication on October 9 of the same year, as the first title under the AU imprint.

Plot

"The Zoo" (#1–6)

, a spy, is sent to

Gotham City Gotham City ( ), or simply Gotham, is a fictional city in the Northeastern United States that serves as the primary city appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. It is best known as the home of the superhero Batman and his List ...

to investigate the terrorist group "The Party Animals". In Gotham he tries to reconcile with his estranged daughter Julia.

Bruce Wayne Batman is a superhero who appears in American comic books published by DC Comics. Batman was created by the artist Bob Kane and writer Bill Finger, and debuted in the 27th issue of the comic book ''Detective Comics'' on March 30, 1939. In t ...

in this world grew up in Crime Alley, growing up with his childhood friends, Waylon Jones,

Harvey Dent Two-Face is a supervillain appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. The character was created by Bob Kane, and first appeared in ''Detective Comics'' #66 (August 1942). He has become one of the superhero Batman's most enduring e ...

, Edward Nigma, Oswald Cobblepot,

Matches Malone Ma'alefa'ak Josephine MacDonald Josephine MacDonald, also known as Josie Mac, is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. She first appeared in ''Detective Comics'' #763 (December 2001) and was created by ...

and Selena Kyle. As a child, Bruce Wayne won an engineering competition, and his class won a trip to the zoo, where they were accompanied by

Thomas Wayne Dr. Thomas Wayne, Doctor of Medicine, M.D. is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. He is the father of Bruce Wayne (Batman), and husband of Martha Wayne as well as the paternal grandfather of Damian Wayn ...

, Bruce's teacher and father. During this trip, they were attacked by a mass shooter, where Thomas Wayne was murdered. Because of this, Bruce Wayne went on to university through scholarships where he began to study subjects he needed to become Batman. His first public appearance as Batman occurs at his own meeting about the Party Animals. Inside the hall, Mayor James Gordon and his friend and Bruce's mother

Martha Wayne Martha Wayne ( Kane) is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. She is the mother of Bruce Wayne (Batman), and wife of Dr. Thomas Wayne as well as the paternal grandmother of Damian Wayne, the fifth Robin ...

are suddenly attacked by the Party Animals. Batman fights off and defends the town hall. The Party Animals are lead by criminal mastermind Roman Sionis.

Collected editions

Reception

The first issue of ''Absolute Batman'' had a print run of around 250,000 copies and by the end of 2024, ''Absolute Batman'' became the best selling comic of 2024, with combined sales of first, second, third and black-and-white printings, selling just under 400,000 copies. Within the first 8 months, the first issue went through 6 printings, with subsequent issues being reprinted as well. ''Absolute Batman'' was praised for its writing and art, calling it a refreshing reinvention of the character.

References

{{Batman publications 2024 comics debuts Action comics Batman titles Comics by Scott Snyder Crime comics Gangs in fiction