ABSOLUTE BATMAN #20 (DC COMICS)
Bruce Wayne is finding out first hand what the definition of Fear truly is.
Absolute Scarecrow has been unleashing a deadly onslaught to anyone in his path. Batman’s first encounter came with a deadly cost. Jim Gordon was driven mad by Scarecrow’s fear. It resulted in his untimely death off a rooftop.
Meanwhile, Jack Grim’s making waves with his Robin program in full effect!
ABSOLUTE BATMAN #20 by Scott Snyder, Nick Dragotta, Frank Martin, & Tom Napolitano (DC COMICS) sees the Dark Knight entering into a city of Madness.
Let’s take a closer look into events.
ABSOLUTE BATMAN #20 by Scott Snyder, Nick Dragotta, Frank Martin, & Tom Napolitano (DC COMICS)
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
Snyder keeps applying the pressure to see if Wayne can break. The result shows the foundation starting to buckle as Scarecrow strikes. Events open with Jack Grimm taking a victory laugh in the wake of Wayne’s downfall. Public opinion is fading on the former symbol of Justice. The writing shows the wear on his soul. Even as others reach out, it feels as he’s beyond saving.
This mood leaches onto Waylon Jones’ story. The loyal friend confrontation with Riddler foreshadows the brooding changes in Wayne’s world. Readers watch as this obsession pushes Wayne to visit a notable name behind bars. Their talk is tense as clues Gordon left start fitting into space. Snyder crashes this movement out with a terrifying visitor. Chilling words fill the panels as Batman’s world gets shaken once again. The fallout leads into more chaos as Scarecrow’s plans hit again. It leads to a fallout waiting in the wings. Another strong chapter that keeps moving to the edge.
READ LAST ISSUE’S REVIEW HERE!
Dragotta and Martin begin with Grimm settling in his cave watching events. A fantastic two page spread shows thr relishing excitement he shows observing the misery happen. As images shift to Batman, the tone is vastly different. His eyes are in disbelief as the news blares. A near full shot sees Batman staring at Jim Gordon’s coat hanging as a reminder on the wall. This leads to more emotions bubbling as he moves forward.
Jones’ talk with the Riddler comes off uncomfortable as it sinks in how Bruce’s friends are slipping into evil. This becomes crystal clear as Bruce hits Blackgate prison. A simple panel of him soaring in the skyline sets up the terrible fall. His confrontation with a special prisoner. Panels give a traditional view of a Batman shakedown. This gets upended by the visitor’s influence. The disturbing chatter spills into violent spots and mounting chills. This pushes readers into the final act. Another problem has arised. The final panel cements this will not end without one last swing. Excellent work.
FINAL GRADE: 9.7
Scarecrow’s grip on Batman’s world grows tighter with another devastating blow. Snyder’s writing unleashes nothign but pain and torment on Wayne’s broken soul. Dragotta and Martin peel back the emotional walls to reveal a frightened figure. An incredible view inside the fractured world of the Dark Knight.
Let me know your thoughts on Absolute Batman #20 in the comments below. Thanks for reading!
