As an avid comic reader, Scott Snyder’s vision for the ultimate Batman speaks to me on a deep level

Comics have been around for a long time, and as such, established heroes like Bruce Wayne’s Batmanwhich debuted in 1939 Detective Comics #27 by Bob Kane and Bill Finger, have seen their story reshuffled by various events. Still, as long and varied as the Dark Knight’s comic history is, it lacks the one thing that could truly connect Batman with Generation Z: a ​​passionate and determined desire for change. Scott Snyder’s upcoming Absolute Batman Promises this trait in abundance.

DC is new All in Launching in October 2024, the initiative will serve as a jumping-on point for comic fans old and new, With two great universes running side by side: Snyder’s new Absolute Universe, a different take on old heroes, and the Prime Universe, which will see different creative teams tackling the various lines.

Snyder’s new Absolute BatmanWith art by Nick Dragotta, will run alongside Chip Zdarsky’s BatmanWith art by Jorge Jiménez, as the longtime series begins a new arc. In late August 2024, Snyder appeared at Fan EXPO Canada to discuss his upcoming work.

Absolute Batman’s Bruce Wayne will fight for a better world

Absolute Batman Will have a brand new version of Bruce Wayne

At his Fan EXPO Canada panel, Snyder explained this part of the characterization for his Absolute BatmanBruce Wayne came from The excitement of watching younger generations advocate for a better world than the one given. Snyder revealed that he created a Batman with the same mindset: an inability to accept that preset systems are unchangeable. Absolute BatmanBruce is not old and tired; Instead, he is young and idealistic, with a true belief that the world is not set in stone. Snyder described it best:

. . . What if I could make a Batman that spoke to this? So, what if Batman wasn’t a generational billionaire—what if, instead of being the system—the system and order and—and privilege and the things—Batman was chaos? What if Batman is this thing that comes up from the earth and is like a primal force? And something that will not accept that the system is unchangeable? What if he’s the thing that’s like, you know, this solemn, almost demonic bat from hell, it’s like: “No, I’m 20 years old, and I’m huge, and I refuse to accept what you put. For me?”

Batman is always considered as Gotham’s hero, But it’s his faith in Gotham’s systems that leaves him deeply flawed. While Batman has the skills and supplies to deal with Gotham’s worst, Bruce Wayne has always contended with Gotham’s corrupt hierarchy and justice system, leaving criminals in the hands of the GCPD and Arkham Asylum. Gen Z comic readers know all too well: It’s not about contending with a broken system, but demanding betterA theme fit for superhero stories. Idealism is hard to find, but this is one Absolute BatmanBruce will champion when he takes on a Gotham rife with those who have lost hope.

A changemaking Batman reflects modern ideals

Superheroes have always fought for change, but changing is new

DC is not known for advocating for change: TitansWritten by Tom Taylor with art by Nicola Scott, briefly touches on environmental destruction for exploitation as well as ocean pollution; NightwingAlso by Taylor with art by Bruno Redondo, has focused on city reform; DC’s annual Pride Anthology, which entered its fourth year in June 2024, proactively welcomes acceptance into the DC Universe. Absolute BatmanBruce’s is a changemaker, however, hits differently: It is putting the values ​​of a younger generation directly on the page.

While DC has always been concerned with world issues, It is different to have a young person frustrated with the world around them, growing up in an age of change, who wants better and is not afraid to ask for better.. For that character to be a 20-year-old, brand new version of Bruce Wayne – whose release date (Absolute BatmanS) puts him in Generation Z – is a completely new look for DC, one that fits perfectly with DC’s goals All in Initiative. Absolute Batman Is not just a new story for older fans, but a beacon for new ones.

Each version of Batman Adds to the mythos of the character, but what Snyder and Dragotta have planned will bring the character fully into the modern age. Absolute Batman may carry the Absolute Universe in stores, but it’s also the headliner of a new frontier of storytelling, one that aims to connect with a generation of changemakers.