Warning: Spoilers for DC All In Special #1DC’s new Absolute Universe has finally arrived and been reimagined Batman Just made his explosive debut. The death of Darkseid fuels the birth of a new universe that deprives its heroes of what typically defines them, presenting a Bruce Wayne that lacks something significant that defines the original. Now that Absolute Batman is here, his story is taking Bruce in a direction unlike any other.
In the “Omega” story of DC All In Special #1 by Scott Snyder, Joshua Williamson, Wes Craig, Mike Spicer and Steve Wands, Darkseid embarks on a quest to advance beyond his current level by merging with the Spectre. Then, in a horrifying shift to DC lore, Darkseid ends up giving his life for a new cause: to create a world in his image. When Darkseid dies, the Absolute Universe is born from his energy. With this new universe comes alternate versions of beloved DC heroes, one of which is definitely Batman.
Absolute Batman’s debut is as eye-catching as its bulky design. Craig’s dynamic artwork showcases him fighting a mob with his upgraded cape as his weapon. The story establishes the tone for the darker take on the Dark Knight, stating that the Absolute Universe is a world “Where all their advantages are gone.“ This line perfectly encapsulates what sets this version of Bruce Wayne apart from the original.
Absolute Batman is Bruce Wayne without his privilege
Preview pages for Absolute Batman #1 by Scott Snyder, Nick Dragotta and Frank Martin
Batman, despite the tragedies he has gone through, is known for many advantages in life. As wealthy Bruce Wayne, he inherited enough wealth from his family to live lavishly in his civilian persona, with Wayne Manor having every amenity he could want. His wealth is an integral part of what allows him to be an effective batsman. He has an expansive Batcave, a Batmobile, and various gadgets that he cannot afford to design without proper funding. It wouldn’t be possible for Bruce Wayne to be the Batman he is if he didn’t have the resources – although the Absolute Universe could prove otherwise.
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In Darkseid’s Absolute Universe, Bruce Wayne has all virtue stripped from him. As the story in DC All In Special #1 emphasizes, he is “Little chaos, rather than the system itself”. He is an average working-class citizen of Gotham, meaning he no longer has his money and influence to fall back on, or even Alfred Pennyworth as his confidante.
However, although he Missing the privileges of the prime universe’s Bruce WayneThe Absolute Universe’s Bruce makes up for it with his makeshift additions to his batsuit’s arsenal. Absolute Batman disrupts Gotham’s criminal element with nothing but his own ingenuity and, of course, his massive fists.
The Absolute Universe takes DC’s heroes in a dark direction
Absolute Batman’s debut set the tone for this reimagined continuity
After losing to DC’s superheroes countless times over the years, Darkseid has resorted to creating an entirely different universe that robs them of their most valuable assets. In Batman’s case, he has lost his wealth and the usual support system that looks out for him when he wears the deck. His first appearance reflects this right off the bat, as he fends off grants on his own. Absolute Batman’s new background proves he has an uphill climb ahead of him, like the rest of the underdog superheroes of the Absolute Universe.
The true test for the flying Absolute Universe heroes will be their ability to persevere despite the disadvantages that hinder them.
The Trinity of the Absolute Universe embodies the darker tone of the continuum through the absence of the resources they typically rely on. This universe is powered by Darkseid’s energy rather than Superman’s, giving it a darkness that the main universe does not have, but the world is not without light. The true test for the flying Absolute Universe heroes will be their ability to persevere despite the disadvantages that hinder them. Absolutely Batman Will need to work twice as hard as his opponent to make a difference as the Dark Knight, but if anyone can fight the good fight against bleak odds, it’s Bruce Wayne.
DC All In Special #1 is available now from DC Comics.