Warning! This post contains spoilers for Absolute Batman #1
DC Comics’ newest version of Batman is basically Marvel’s Punishment… but better. Set in an Elseworld created by Darkseid and subsequently fueled by darker aspects compared to the primary DC Universe, Absolute Batman Debut a Bruce Wayne who still becomes the Dark Knight, albeit without any of the main Batman’s privilege or resources. Likewise, the new Caped Crusader is much more of an underdog, also using brutal and incredibly violent techniques as he seeks revenge in Gotham City.
As noted by this reality’s version of Alfred Pennyworth (an elite intelligence operative with orders to kill Batman), Bruce Wayne is a complete and “absolute” beast in Absolute Batman #1 By Scott Snyder and Nick Dragotta, relishing in the brutal violence he inflicts on the Party Animals, Gotham’s most dangerous gang of criminals. Using the blades hidden in the ears of his hat and the bat logo on his chest (revealed to be an ax head), Batman clearly enjoys his work as observed by Alfred, making sure his message is heard by those who would try and terrorize his city.
Although both share the same mission of vengeance and the desire to end crime in Gotham, Absolute Batman certainly seems to enjoy punishing his enemies much more than the original Caped Crusader. As such, it really feels like the new Dark Knight is more aligned with Marvel Comics’ Punisher aka Frank Castle.
Absolutely Batman is not going to kill
But he’s just as brutal as Marvel’s Punisher
Despite maintaining his no-kill policy, the new Batman does not shy away from killing his opponents, such as the brutal severing of hands. Furthermore, Absolute Batman’s second confrontation with Alfred proves that he is not above using firearms. Having stolen Pennyworth’s custom shotgun during their first encounter in Absolute Batman #1, Bruce modified the shotgun to fire a spread of non-lethal miniaturized batarangs.
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The added intensity to this new Batman’s methods helps him resemble Marvel’s Punisher, who often carries a wide arsenal of firepower and deadly blades to punish and bring criminals of all kinds to an end in the Marvel Universe (permanently). how so It could be argued that Absolute Batman is still morally superior to Punisher due to his current desire not to killAlthough his increased brutality and willingness to carry guns and leave permanent damage suggests that it wouldn’t take much for him to step over the line, intentionally or otherwise, and become even more like Frank Castle in the future.
The Batman enjoys his revenge and violence more than anyone else
The definition of depth
Clearly, the primary purpose of this first issue is to show how Absolute Batman is very much a grittier and much more brutal version of the Batman that fans are familiar with.. He is not a billionaire with a cave under his mansion armed with all kinds of advanced gadgets. He is an underdog who is angry and wants to punish those he believes deserve it, using the tools he has at hand (not unlike the Punisher). To that end, it will be fascinating to explore the nuances of this new Batman even further as the series continues.
Absolute Batman #1 is now on sale from DC Comics.