To survive in Gotham City, you either break or become something more. Bruce Wayne has chosen to adapt. What has emerged is a feared destructive force for justice. The path of vengeance is vastly different than what fans are accustomed to. In this Absolute era, expect the unexpected.
ABSOLUTE BATMAN #4 by Scott Snyder, Gabriel Hernández Walta (Phantom Road), Frank Martin and Clayton Cowles takes readers further into the origin of a very different Dark Knight.
Let’s have a closer look at what is happening now.
ABSOLUTE BATMAN #4 by Scott Snyder, Gabriel Hernández Walta, Frank Martin and Clayton Cowles (DC COMICS) Cover: Nick Dragotta
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
Snyder takes this chapter into two areas. The flashback sequences take readers into a simpler time with the Waynes. Dialogue is one of optimism as young Brice tries to impress his dad. Readers watch as their backstory comes to light. Focusing on the choices only makes the tragic future more impactful. This is perfectly capped off with a courtroom outburst. There is no denying the rage and pain being unleashed. What it ultimately creates is a man looking to deal with his own trauma.
This portion dives heavily into a “Year One” phase. Snyder paces events out evenly. Readers watch a try and fail timeline as Batman evolves. There are some nods to his previous origin but nothing feels replicated. The writing walks the audience through this growth. There are moments focusing on Wayne’s drive to be better. It all leads into a debut of the finished product. This leads into a surprising ending. Judging by the last page, there is more pain about to surface as the Bat continues to spread his wings.
Walta steps in for art duties on this chapter. The opening flashback pours with emotion with a young Wayne in court. The close-ups reveal the anger built by his father’s loss. Gears shift into a closer present with a Batman in action. There’s no shortage of brutality as Batman attacks. Walta’s attention to detail is big in this moment. Seeing claws and fangs appear shows the humble beginnings. The coloring keeps a grim atmosphere. This leads seeing how Bruce grows into the Bat. Readers watch as the young man takes out his pain on criminals in style.
Batman’s attack on a gun-running shipment is classic Dark Knight. Walta’s art leads the quick pace into a violent end. Martin’s use of red amplifies the conflict. It leads into more personal moments as Bruce deals with what he is becoming. Once at this stage, the Batman’s first “real” mission is gifted a strong full page image. Events come back full circle with the closing page. In a few panels, the drama sets in as a confrontation for the ages begins. Fans better be ready for what is coming next. There’s no slowing down from here.
FINAL POINT: 9.7
The tragic beginnings of the Dark Knight come into the light with this chapter. Snyder pens an emotionally driven issue with strong writing. Walta, Martin and Cowles keep a brooding sense to panels as the evolution from Man to Bat begins. High level storytelling at its’ finest.
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