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Ehh, I liked the conclusion of the last arc, but different strokes I suppose.
The latest development in saving the derelict and despondent of oursociety is a facility known as Ark M—a fully operational institution thathas played a rather sizeable part, on purpose or not, in the creation ofevil. And it’s active. So when Bruce tries infiltrate it and distill its secrets,a new villain from Gotham City arrives to deal with the problem…an oldadversary of Alfred's…a man known only as Bane.
It all comes together into one of the best Bat-books I've read in a long time maybe since Scott Snyder's last run on this title. There are so many other great beats, including Martha Wayne and the former Mayor Gordon, and a flashback to Bruce's relationship with Selina. I'm hoping Snyder has a very long time planned on this title. Read Full Review
Absolute Batman #8 is proof of Scott Snyder's extraordinary dedication to the character and this world. Having beyond proven the concept he's still world building, still reinventing and still astonishing us. The arrival of Bane heralds a ferocity which has me clamouring for the next issue already. Read Full Review
Absolute Batman Issue 9 brings out the big guns. This latest test for Batman may be his most physically taxing yet. Read Full Review
Batman throws hands, Bane throws philosophy, and whole buildings. If this is the shape of things to come, Absolute Batman might end up being one of the most iconic Batman runs of the decade. Read Full Review
Overall, this was a fun issue that adds several new layers to the mythology surrounding Ark M, while introducing one of the most iconic Batman villains to emerge in recent years: Bane. Prepare to be well and truly BANEd. Read Full Review
'Absolute Batman' #9 is densely packed with plot, a new villain, and action that will blow you away. Inside all of that, Snyder and Dragotta are still able to inject visual gags and a hallmark style you won't find anywhere else. This book is a beast that is well worth your time. Read Full Review
A classic rogues absolute debut checks all the boxes on a magnificent chapter. Snyder unloads the true fear of Bane with the writing. Dragotta unleashes a furious look at the villains instant impact. No one in the Absolute Universe may be safe . Read Full Review
Like its preceding issues, Absolute Batman #9 excels in tone and pacing without shying away from taking some big swings visually. Snyder has done an excellent job scaffolding elements from the wider Batman mythos into Absolute Batman. Readers will spot the first appearance of another fan favorite character early on in the issue. The stakes have never been higher and fates uncertain, but Absolute Batman maintains an impressive momentum that shows no sign of slowing down. Read Full Review
Absolute Batman #9 opens its newest arc with thematic urgency and narrative confidence. Scott Snyder continues to prove he understands not just Batmans enemies, but the systems that enable themand how Bruce, for all his power, is just one man trying to hold back an entire citys collapse. With Bane re-entering the fray and Ark M promising horrors still unseen, this may be the most groundedand disturbingarc of the series yet. Arkham was madness. Ark M is madness with intent. And that makes it even more terrifying. Read Full Review
Absolute Batman #9introduces Absolute Bane as the one being who is powerful enough to destroy Batman. Scott Snyder's reimaging of the classic villain is quite possibly an improvement on the original, and Nick Dragotta's exaggerated art is a perfect match for Bane's grotesque physicality. Read Full Review
Absolute Batman #9 does an amazing job at creating an immersive experience. It is a credit to the world Scott Snyder and Nick Dragotta that there isn't a moment when you are reading it you are question why something is going on. Read Full Review
Absolute Batman #9 is the perfect character introduction that is absolutely horrifying with a heartfelt story of friendship and the lengths you'll go for it tucked away inside. Read Full Review
There are all kinds of supporting characters, backstories, and subplots filling the margin, but Snyder and Dragotta ignore this noise and masterfully meld the martial arts and slasher genres as all of Batman's training is no match for Bane. I got chills when the narration dropped out, and colorist Martin accentuates the shadows. Read Full Review
Absolute Batman #9 introduces a version of Bane that is somehow bigger than fans could have expected. Through physical presence and his commandingly calm demeanor, he is undoubtedly a force to be reckoned with. Batman's own rampage to find his friend seems almost measured in comparison. Luckily, he is no longer alone as he grows and learns to finally trust those around him. Read Full Review
Great intro for Bane, and good setup and writing around that central goal. Idk why you
After last issue’s disappointing conclusion to the Fries arc, Snyder comes ROARING back to full-form this issue with a truly terrifying introduction for the absolute version of Bane, which I think is far more epic and scary than his original introduction way back in 1992. Dragotta’s art showcases his best work yet, and the combination with the writing and coloring is absolute perfection! Bruce is finally in over his head and it will likely be up to his friends to save him. I didn’t want this issue to end! It’s my favorite to-date!
I think it finally hit me.
I have liked this series the whole time. I think it's great, but I have felt like i don't see the hype.
But now I do.
This is amazing.
The best Absolute comic there is. The most compelling new Batman in decades.
Enter BANE. Not Bane, BANE. You’ll get it after you read it.
I'm calling it, this is the best Batman series of the 2020s hands down. Nick Dragotta's art finally won me over, and I love Scott Snyder's writing this. One of my biggest problems with modern Scott Snyder is that he often needs half a page to just dump exposition, but its very sterile and boring. But his writing is digestible and easy to understand. I also like how different this Gotham and Bruce feels compared to main Batman series.
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