ABSOLUTE BATMAN #21 (DC COMICS)

Fear is circling around Bruce Wayne with grave consequences.

With the emergence of Absolute Scarecrow, Wayne has suffered a devastating loss. Jim Gordon was killed after the villain staged the murder to frame Batman. This has brought Jack Grim’s next phase to the forefront.

A crime unit team of ROBINS have entered the game looking for the Absolute Dark Knight. They have their mission. Batman has his.

ABSOLUTE BATMAN #21 by Scott Snyder, Nick Dragotta, Frank Martin, & Tom Napolitano (DC COMICS) puts Bruce Wayne into a dangerous corner.

Let’s take a deeper dive into the madness.

ABSOLUTE BATMAN #21 by Scott Snyder, Nick Dragotta, Frank Martin, & Tom Napolitano (DC COMICS)

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

Snyder gives readers a heavily action packed opening for this chapter. Alfred’s guidance against the Robins’ falls on deaf ears as Wayne readies for the challenge. Readers watch as the new team struggles to handle the defiant vigilante. Slade’s rage grows with each panel as his instructions fail to execute. It leads into the growing confidence of the brash hero. The writing constructs a sizeable volley. This leads into a wild-card act that leaves events into a standstill before the heavier drama commences.

Jim Gordon’s passing casts a huge shadow over Gotham with its’ impact. Seeing Barbara Gordon address the masses at the funeral provides a glimpse into the void now filling the city. The writing holds steady as She addresses the vast public in attendance. Once the Robins make an appearance, the mood shifts to defensive. Her poise is contained as she makes her statements concerning their actions. Bruce’s friends also have their own futures to contemplate. Their conversation shows hope dwindling even faster than expected.

This leads to a very shocking ending. Wayne is paid a visit at work. The guest shows no remorse for what has transpired. Their words send chills to readers as a bold proclamation is left in the wake. There is no question how fast Wayne is losing control. It’s just a matter of time till his luck finally runs out. Fantastic script.

READ LAST ISSUE’S REVIEW HERE!

Dragotta and Martin begin events with a strange stand-off. Normally giant mechs would intimate a costumed vigilante. A bold two page spread proves otherwise as Batman embraces the attack. The action goes fast and loud. One trait of this series is when there’s a major fight, nothing is held back in the art. As Gotham becomes a warzone, tempers are flaring. The expressions on both Slade and Alfred signal the brutal chess match they’re playing. It results in a destructive glimpse into their alliances. The resolution is creative as a half panel reveals the closing play. It provides a sound transition piece into the serious nature of the giant loss.

Readers watch as a flashback sequence brings more gravity to the complex relationship of Gordon and Wayne. Gordon’s hopeful looks are dashed when faced with Bruce’s new work. Barbara Gordon’s eulogy hits a few other gears in its’ presentation. Her bloodshot eyes jump the panel due to Martin’s skills. The talk with the Robins' throws a few facial jabs into play as the confliction grows. It allows events to move to the rogues. As each struggle in their new stat quos, the panels reflect their dark turns.

This all leads into an excellent finish. Bruce’s guest makes a dynamic entrance via full page. Their meeting is a powder keg waiting to explode. The panels grow more intense as the statements are being made. Dragotta instills more fear into these moments. There’s no possible way readers easily move past these panels. It leads to more disturbing closing page. The final panel tease more danger on the way. Chances of survival continue to grow slim for one Bruce Wayne.

FINAL GRADE: 9.5

Gotham becomes a war zone as the Robins look to finish Batman once and for all. Snyder leans into the action portions with fearless direction. Dragotta and Martin bring out the uneasiness of Wayne’s crumbling world. The iconic run continues for comics’ most talked about series!

Let me know your thoughts on Absolute Batman #21 in the comments below. Thanks for reading!