ABSOLUTE BATMAN #24 (DC COMICS)
The devil has found a way to put fear into the absolute Dark Knight.
Bruce Wayne has been rattled to his core due to the actions of Jack Grimm and the Scarecrow.
Their activities haven been making a terrifying body count. The latest name on that list is Tim Drake, a Robin who was publicly “killed” by Batman.
Now on the run, Bruce Wayne is at his absolute lowest. Rising in his absence is a good soul ready for revenge on the people who murdered her father.
ABSOLUTE BATMAN #24 by Scott Snyder, Nick Dragotta, Frank Martin, & Tom Napolitano (DC COMICS) welcomes the arrival of THE BAT!
Let’s take a closer look at what’s happening now!
ABSOLUTE BATMAN #24 by Scott Snyder, Nick Dragotta, Frank Martin, & Tom Napolitano (DC COMICS)
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
Snyder presents a broken Bat trying to learn to fly again after suffering crushing defeat. Opening with the victory celebration of Grimm and Scarecrow crafts an eerie feeling. This moves into Bruce Wayne’s fragile state. His views are far from confident as Drake’s death has made him public enemy #1. His tone is somber as he speaks. This becomes sidetracked as an intervention takes place to reset his thoughts.
Martha Wayne’s arrival comes at a clutch time. Their conversation is blunt but caring. It doesn’t shy away from the gravity of Grimm’s play. Readers watch as Martha spells out what is needed next with a choice attached. This steals some time from the Alfred and Rogues to drive home her message of truth. Once this is made, the story puts Bruce on a new fire within. It sends a clear message of where his head at. This allows for a brutal showdown with haunting dialogue . It cements a few points before barging into the forthcoming anniversary issue. A heavy amount of groundwork is being laid here.
READ LAST ISSUE’S REVIEW HERE!
Dragotta and Martin keep panels locked in on the pain inflicted to Batman early in this book. Grimm’s quiet counter Scarecrow’s celebration look. It moves events to Wayne’s fragile state. Even when Martha Wayne tracks him down, their looks never waiver on the burdens they carry. Their time unlocks more secrets while blazing a new trail whether asked for or not. Mixing in flashback panels adds another level into the complex battle within.
Readers watch as the other supporting characters get smaller panels for their page time. It embarks to build up their attachments into the overall scheme. As soon as Bruce Wayne makes his choice, the panels take on a whole new feel. Napolitano’s lettering of Scarecrow adds some fear into the violent meeting. It leads into a horrific half panel image of Scarecrow that strikes a few chords. This launches Wayne’s rage into a dark place. The result is a bold final full walk-off that is sure to raise some eyebrows. It is matched by another shocking full image to send readers into the closing panels. A sensational build for what’s coming next.
FINAL GRADE: 9.3
With nothing left to lose, Bruce Wayne takes a dangerous gamble as the city is falling further out of reach. Snyder unleashes a Batman with new fire fueling its’ rage. Dragotta and Martin orchestrate a violent finish to the Scarecrow’s manipulations while building the future. One thing is for certain: always expect the unexpected from Snyder, Dragotta and the team.
Let me know your thoughts on Absolute Batman #24 in the comments below. Thanks for reading!
