Absolute Batman’s new origin is a bold commentary that defines Bruce by his rage

Notice! Spoilers ahead for Absolute Batman #1!As the Absolute Universe begins in earnest, DC Comics reveals its newest from Batman shocking origins. While most stories about the Dark Knight usually start with a tragedy, a change is made to the Absolute Universe that is sure to have fans talking for months.

The Absolut Universe is a new world created by Darkseid who, after trying to steal the Spectre’s power, lost his physical body. But his energy was transferred to a young universe and altered it, creating a variant of the DC Universe where turmoil reigned supreme. This new world gives way to a major change in Batman’s iconic origin that not only makes it more timely, but also sets the Absolute Dark Knight on a completely different path.

Batman’s Absolute Origin Begins With a Mass Shooting at a Zoo

Bruce Wayne lives with enormous survivor’s guilt

In Absolute Batman #1 by Scott Snyder, Nick Dragotta, Frank Martin and Clayton Cowles, the story literally starts with a bang as it shows a young Bruce Wayne on a school trip to the zoo, led by his father and teacher, Thomas. Unfortunately, the idyllic day is interrupted by a mysterious figure who has brought a gun into a public place. The flashback ends and the present is shown, and this Bruce grew colder and tougher than his Prime Universe counterpart.

Bruce spends much of his days training, while memories of his last moments with his father continue to haunt him. Night arrives and Bruce prepares for another night as Gotham’s newest vigilante. However, as Batman takes down a criminal gang known as the Party Animals, he is watched by MI-6 agent Alfred Pennyworth, who takes an interest in the young man. Alfred quickly discovers that Batman is Bruce and discovers that his journey began with a trip to the zoo. Bruce won a prize in a student engineering competition.

Another flashback shows the sniper’s spree, and although Thomas takes the children to safety, leading them to the bat enclosure, he is killed by the sniper’s bullets. Alfred continues to piece together Bruce’s life, noting that he spent the next few years after the mass shooting lashing out at the world and getting in trouble with the law before putting himself back together. Alfred follows Bruce throughout the day, even when Batman returns to the zoo and honors his father by placing a flower at the spot where he died.

Batman’s new origin puts gun violence in the spotlight

Bruce Wayne carries incredibly relatable trauma

Batman’s origin has always been rooted in gun violence and this tragic story has been retold countless times over the years. Part of What has made Batman’s story so timeless (at least as far as American readers are concerned) is that gun violence has never gone awayit only got worse over the years. Another sad truth about gun violence is that no matter how much one fears a one-on-one encounter, mass shootings have increased in America in recent decades, occurring in places such as parks, shopping centers, stores, and, most tragically, schools.

Changing Batman’s origin is a no-no for many fans, but this is an alternate continuity, and honestly, it’s a bold change. Mass shootings are an uncomfortable topic as they are linked to a number of controversial issues, such as access to mental health care and gun rights, and many choose to skirt the issue rather than address it. But Absolute Batman doesn’t shy away from the danger that guns pose in a modern society and uses the iconic hero’s origin to show this. And it’s not just a simplistic change, since This event has a very real effect on Absolute Batman’s life.

As Alfred reveals, this Bruce was incredibly affected by the mass shooting he survived. He’s angry at his helplessness over the situation and is still sorting it out over a decade later. Of course, the Prime Universe’s Dark Knight also discussed the impact of losing his parents and his distaste for firearms. But Absolute Batman it doesn’t shy away from the trauma that Bruce carries, and it’s honestly very refreshing to see. Making Batman a mass shooting survivor isn’t just meant to be a superficial changeis used to explore how gun violence can actually impact someone.

What the future holds for the absolute Batman and his trauma

Will Batman be able to overcome his most harrowing moment?

No matter the universe, Batman is someone driven by his past. Whether he saw this family die in Crime Alley or Gotham Zoo, that moment defined Bruce Wayne’s life. Although the Prime Universe’s Batman has more or less accepted what happened, the Absolute Batman is still fighting. It’s true that he is younger and in a much worse situation than Prime Bruce. But with the right support system, the Absolute Batman could end up finally overcoming this terrible moment in its history.

Absolute Batman #1 is now available from DC Comics.