A new force of justice has emerged in Gotham City. Bruce Wayne has become the city’s violent protector. The Black Mask made a play to cause chaos. Their confrontation was a brutal test of wills. Gotham was saved but is it ready for what lies ahead?
ABSOLUTE BATMAN #7 by Scott Snyder, Marcos Martín, Muntsa Vicente, and Clayton Cowles (DC COMICS) kicks off a brand new arc in the Absolute Universe.
Let’s not delay and dive into the new story.
ABSOLUTE BATMAN #7 by Scott Snyder, Marcos Martín, Muntsa Vicente, and Clayton Cowles (DC COMICS)
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
Snyder flips another classic mythos into a familiar wheelhouse. Taking Mr. Freeze’s origin to an even more tragic place works on many levels. Knowing Snyder’s impeccable Horror storytelling, the new take is brilliant. It is exactly what the Absolute Universe represents. This is no “cookie cutter” portrait of the DCU. It is a much darker place in tone and direction.
This point comes across when “the Rogues” address recent events. The conversation peels back the layers of Wayne’s secret life. Readers watch as the emotions surface and boil. It reflects the pain of losing one of their own. In some ways, that has already happened. Snyder pens the unforgiving view of Batman in a much harsher tone. It results in a few flashback moments. Once in the close, there’s a great twist set in place. Readers will watch in shock as another change has happened that no even the Dark Knight is ready for.
Martín & Vicente step in for art duties. The innocent start of Fries’ tale begins with a two page credits image. Cowles lettering tips off the impending terror. The use of coloring makes the “rogues” portion pop off pages. Vicente uses many shadows to hide faces. Snyder’s dialogue drives the body languages. Marin’s pencils only give silhouettes. It leaves elements up to the readers to decide. These panels switch gears from the tension driven flashback with Fries.
A familiar name makes a timely exit in this chapter. The near half page image sends a strong message to readers. This leads into an incredible two page splash of Batman in the night sky. Readers watch as the Fries story becomes front and center. It reveals a few horror inspired elements. This is complemented by a full page image painting a frosty picture. Events ultimately push into the closing page. The art team leaves one more shocking image before ducking out. After readers see this, there will be no doubt of how broken this new landscape truly is.
OVERALL GRADE: 9.2
The re-introduction of a classic rogue pushes Batman into a horrific vision with this chapter. Snyder leans heavy into a frightening take with the writing. Martín & Vicente presents a cleaner, yet dark perspective on his latest drama with the art. Brace for quite the terrifying tale unfolding now.
Let me know in the comments below your thoughts on Absolute Batman #7. Thanks for reading!