Warning: Spoilers for Absolute Batman #2The big and muscular Batman of DC’s new Absolute Universe has already shown his physical prowess on the battlefield, but it’s his ingenuity that makes him a truly impressive fighter. In this version of continuity, Batman has just accomplished an astonishing feat during a fight that not even the classic Batman could have accomplished, officially cementing him as the superior strategist between the two Dark Knights.
The preview for Absolute Batman #2 by Scott Snyder, Nick Dragotta, Frank Martin and Clayton Cowles presents a new look at Batman’s ongoing battle with the Party Animals gang, led by Black Mask. Absolute Universe’s Alfred Pennyworth watches as Batman encounters the gang members in an aquarium. Even though they are outnumbered, it is the Party Animals who end up being defeated in this fight, as Batman’s quick thinking turns the tide in his favor.
Batman combines his scientific and tactical genius to quickly defeat the Party Animals in a fight that puts his original counterpart to shame and demonstrates that this Absolute variant of the character is a serious powerhouse – in more ways than one.
“He plans everything”: Absolute Batman uses the environment to his advantage
Batman Learns to Fight Smarter, Not Harder
In his battle with the Party Animals, Batman gains the advantage by utilizing the equipment at his disposal. He becomes cornered and releases spikes from his suit that break the glass of the aquarium, drenching his opponents in water. Then, it activates a chemical reaction that turns water into hydrochloric acid to burn them all. As Alfred says in his narration of the scene, “A fighter who knows the terrain has an advantage.” This line establishes what makes Absolute Batman such a proficient fighter, as he understands his territory of Gotham and possesses the technical knowledge to integrate that understanding into his tactics.
Batman can be considered a strategist in any universe, but in the Absolute Universe, his battle intelligence is hard-won. This Bruce Wayne is an engineer, which speaks to his familiarity with the layout of Gotham City and the practical design of his bat suit. With lots of gadgets and a cape that can double as a tool, this is a Batman who has armed himself for any situation. Another change to his lore in the Absolute continuity is that he studied chemistry, hence his knowledge of the chemical compounds that aid him in his fight. Batman’s mind is his greatest asset in this world, even more than his bulky body.
Absolute Batman vs. Batman: who would win in a fight?
The Batman of the Absolute Universe is more ingenious than the original
Given that Absolute Batman’s unique background is what gives him the ability to strategize the way he does, he is capable of performing feats that the original would not be able to. The main universe’s Batman relies on his vast supply of cutting-edge technology to inform his strategic thinking, while this Batman needs to piece together his tactics with what he has at hand. He is more innovative, forced to use his mind to compensate for the lack of infinite resources. It’s hard to say which variant would definitively win a fight, but the Absolute Universe Batman proved that it has the potential to surpass the original.
Absolute Batman #2 will be available on November 13, 2024 from DC Comics.