Absolute Batman #1

9.2

Critic Reviews

26 Reviews
8.8

User Reviews

137 Reviews
Writer Scott Snyder
Artist Nick Dragotta
Cover Price $4.99

BATMAN LEGEND SCOTT SNYDER AND ICONIC ARTIST NICK DRAGOTTA TRANSFORM THE DARK KNIGHT'S TALE FOR THE MODERN AGE! Without the mansion...without the money...without the butler...what's left is the Absolute Dark Knight!

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CRITIC REVIEWS

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  • 10

    Gonkbonk - Javier Reyes

    Oct 08, 2024

    Absolute Batman #1 kicks the door down to introduce Bruce Wayne and Gotham City, unlike anything you've seen before. Scott Snyder and Nick Dragotta masterfully lay the groundwork for an exciting new era in Batman comics where anything goes. Read Full Review

  • 10

    AIPT - Marvel Maximus

    Oct 09, 2024

    In Absolute Batman #1, Scott Snyder and Nick Dragotta went all in to make an absolutely worthwhile issue. Working-class by day, spiked-up suit by night, this Batman is an underdog fighting against an impossible system, the odds ever stacked against him. It's a story that everybody needs right now. It also works well even if it's your first-ever comic. Read Full Review

  • 10

    Get Your Comic On - Neil Vagg

    Oct 09, 2024

    Absolute Batman #1 is brave and it's bold. From the outset Scott Snyder has a clear vision for the Absolute Universe which somehow already feels established even on page 1. His intentions are clear, the world is accessible and coherent giving readers the chance to just enjoy the story. Nick Dragotta draws the hell out of this gargantuan new Batman. Consider me hooked. Read Full Review

  • 10

    But Why Tho? - William Tucker

    Oct 09, 2024

    Absolute Batman #1 heralds a new hardcore world. This comic builds a brand new Batman, brand new Gotham, and brand new everything. Snyder’s writing is brave and bold, telling stories that can only be told in this universe without connections or shackles. Read Full Review

  • 10

    Monkeys Fighting Robots - Mohamed Malla

    Oct 09, 2024

    Absolute Batman #1 is an audacious take on 85 years of the Caped Crusader's history that feels familiar while also housing a myriad of new and clever takes on classic characters. Read Full Review

  • 10

    Geek Dad - Ray Goldfield

    Oct 09, 2024

    This first issue already makes this one of the most exciting new comics to come out of DC in a long time. Read Full Review

  • 10

    Nerd Initiative - Ken M.

    Oct 09, 2024

    Scott Snyder's return to Gotham takes readers on a brutally engaging start. The writing mixes up classic lore with a more modern feel. Its' result never misses its' mark with drama and suspense. Dragotta, Martin and Cowles leave readers in awe with the imagery of the new Dark Knight. If this is any indication of the rest of the Absolute Universe, fans are in for another epic journey. Read Full Review

  • 10

    Lyles Movie Files - Jeffrey Lyles

    Oct 09, 2024

    Absolute Batman #1 sets a high bar for the rest of the Absolute Universe titles. If they can all be at this level, DC fans could be in for a cant miss journey. Read Full Review

  • 10

    Super Hero Hype - Matt Morrison

    Oct 09, 2024

    Absolute Batman #1 manages the impossible, reinventing the wheel into something new while still rolling forward in a familiar fashion. I am not sure where Snyder and Dragotta will go from here. However, I am quite excited to be along for the ride. Read Full Review

  • 10

    The Batman Universe - BJ Shea

    Oct 11, 2024

    There are a lot of characters that we know stuffed into these pages, but each one is turned about one or two degrees the other way. Scott Snyder sets up a lot on the table. Agent Alfred, Bruce being friends with what would be his rogues gallery in another universe, and more. Read Full Review

  • 10

    Major Spoilers - Matthew Peterson

    Oct 14, 2024

    After all the gushing reviews, I was worried that it would be a comic solely for hardcore Bat-fans, or another example of a book everyone loves but me.But this is absolutely remarkable. Read Full Review

  • 10

    Pastrami Nation - Nolan Smith

    Oct 20, 2024

    Absolute Batman turns the Batman lore on its head, offering a fresh, compelling take on the character we know and love. Snyder and Dragotta craft a Batman for 2024 that feels both revolutionary and true to the essence of the hero. Reimaginings can be hit or miss in the comic book world, but with this creative team, DC has struck gold. Be sure to grab a copy of Absolute Batman #1 while you can, and get ready for an exciting new direction in the DC Universe. Read Full Review

  • 9.8

    The Super Powered Fancast - Deron Generally

    Oct 09, 2024

    Dragotta delivers some beautifully detailed art throughout the issue. I love the gritty visual style of the world and its characters. The action looks amazing and I love the practical look of everything Bruce uses in the story. Read Full Review

  • 9.5

    Comic Book Revolution - Kevin Lainez

    Oct 09, 2024

    Absolute Batman #1 is an outstanding beginning to a brand new beginning. Scott Snyder and Nick Dragotta do an excellent job with the presentation of the Absolute Universe version of Gotham City. Everything is so picture perfect that you can't help but want to read the next issue right away. This is everything both new and long-time fans could want. Read Full Review

  • 9.4

    SciFiPulse - Ian Cullen

    Oct 11, 2024

    This is a solid first issue that does a good job of setting the story up. I enjoyed the book but am curious as to how this more working-class version of Bruce Wayne has managed to fund all of his studies as well as all of the hardware that he uses. Obviously there are a few clues as to how this has worked as we get references to Oswald Cobblepot and we also meet Killer Crock who runs the gym where Bruce Works out at. Quite how Cobblepot and other well-known Batman villains will get used in this alternative story as yet remains to be seen, but it will be interesting to find out if they best guesses about them will turn out to be true. Read Full Review

  • 9.0

    Weird Science - Gabe Hernandez

    Oct 09, 2024

    Absolute Batman #1 is a banger of a first issue that introduces readers to a new-ish kind of Batman, Alfred and Gotham City. Scott Snyder's knack for hard-hitting action and drama is on full display, and Nick Dragotta's art sings during the big fight. That said, Absolute Batman is almost too similar to regular Batman, so you may wonder why creating an alternate version was necessary.9/10 Read Full Review

  • 9.0

    The Comicbook Dispatch - Dispatchdcu

    Oct 09, 2024

    The return of what appears to be some formidable adversary from Batman's past, adds a layer of intrigue and danger to the story. This confrontation serves as a reminder of the challenges Batman will face in this new world that seem familiar to what we remember but with a unique twist. So, is Absolute Batman #1 worth reading? For fans of Batman and dark, gritty superhero stories, this issue is a must-read. Snyder and Dragotta have crafted a compelling and thought-provoking tale that reimagines the character in a brutal and unforgiving world. While the lack of familiar trappings might be jarring for some readers, the focus on character development and the exploration of Batman's humanity make this a worthwhile journey. Overall, Absolute Batman #1 is a powerful and thought-provoking reimagining of Batman, setting the stage for a compelling new series. Read Full Review

  • 9.0

    Graphic Policy - Logan Dalton

    Oct 09, 2024

    Absolute Batman #1 is the Batman comic for the kids that blast She Wants Revenge while watching their Bachelor's in Public Policy diploma accumulate dust in their mom's basement. (So, basically Jonathan Hickman and Marco Checchetto's Ultimate Spider-Man for Goth kids.) That's weirdly specific, but Scott Snyder, Nick Dragotta, and Cowles craft a new take on the Dark Knight that's civically minded while also having the best extended action sequence in years. Car chase scenes in The Batman and Batman Begins, eat your heart out! The added page count creates a flow for the fighting while still allowing time to flesh out the book's cast and world. Purists may thumb their noses at this title, but Batman is character that thrives with rebirths and reinvention. I just can't wait to see what cool shit Snyder and Dragotta do with him next! Read Full Review

  • 9.0

    Henchman-4-Hire - Sean Ian Mills

    Oct 12, 2024

    Not a grand reinvention so much as just a good, solid, entertaining Batman comic, with some of the major players shuffled around into new roles. Should be a fun read. Read Full Review

  • 9.0

    KPB Comics - Aun Haider

    Mar 22, 2025

    Absolute Batman #1 is a bold, unapologetic vision that makes it stand out. It doesn't just tweak the formula; it demolishes and rebuilds something new. Snyder's writing is a masterclass in balancing intense action with moments of genuine character development. Dragotta's art is a perfect match dynamic, gritty, and overflowing with detail. Read Full Review

  • 8.8

    Comic Watch - Dustin Gebel

    Oct 09, 2024

    Absolute Batman #1 is not quite the home run debut that Ultimate Spider-Man was, instead offering a mixture of interesting concepts and art with well-tread executions. Snyder offers nuggets of dynamic changes to the Bat-mythos throughout the issue yet struggles to create an interesting villain or thematic spine that strikes hard and fast. In contrast, Dragottas art comes out swinging, finding the right balance of new and old in the design work. The idea of brickhouse Bruce was treated as a joke in the lead-up to this issue but is executed brilliantly in the physical space of the page. When combined with Martins color, a real sense of harmony is struck in the depiction of Gotham as a place of terror and beauty. Despite some rocky narrative elements, Absolute Batman has enough potential to sell the first volley of the Absolute Universe. Read Full Review

  • 8.5

    Batman-News - Jackson Luken

    Oct 09, 2024

    Absolute Batman #1 goes out of its way to differentiate itself from its “normal” counterpart by subverting reader expectations with twists on classic Batman tropes, emphasizing the universe's distinctive tone. The story's over-the-top approach to its violent world manages to avoid coming across as self-parody thanks to the sincerity of Scott Snyder's writing and impressive artwork by Nick Dragotta. Read Full Review

  • 8.0

    Dark Knight News - Bryant Lucas

    Oct 11, 2024

    While I'm hesitant to declare the concept of Absolute Batman a homerun, I will say that the first issue was very good. Snyder's story delivers on his imaginative "what if ? premise. Dragotta's art compliments the story well, breathing life into what was likely a hefty script. Overall, Absolute Batman #1 accomplished its major goal: it has me excited for the next issue. Read Full Review

  • 8.0

    DC Comics News - Steven Brown

    Jun 03, 2025

    Absolute Batman #1 is a great introduction to Bruce Wayne and the world around him. Snyder has introduced a more brutal Gotham than I've read before, and I'm eager to see where it goes and what new relationships can be forged along the way. Read Full Review

  • 6.0

    DC Comics News - Matthew Lloyd

    Oct 09, 2024

    Overall, Absolute Batman #1 is technically a well executed and crafted first issue. There is a question of "why we should care about Bruce and why is Alfred more interesting? While the Easter Eggs and references should reassure the reader, there isn't a strong enough core concept for this version of Batman to bring me back. Maybe the violent, over the top approach is what some readers are looking for. Or, perhaps, it's what appeals to the creatives in the Absolute Universe. I don't think the majority of fans are looking for a recapitulation of the same ideas that Alan Moore and Frank Miller first utilized in the '80's and '90's. DC seems to have a desire to reinvent the wheel instead of just telling great stories that move established characters forward. Read Full Review

  • 6.0

    Comic Crusaders - Johnny "The Machine" Hughes

    Oct 15, 2024

    This book is without question well put together, with a script that twists and turns and looks to subvert the original premise into something new and different, which leads me to ask why bother with using Batman? If you want something new, create something new! The problem with that is that there would be no playing on existing tropes, no chance to to be oh so clever and pretentious, so much cleverer than the the main Batman who is stuck in his own continuity. However, no matter how well crafted, I really just don't care. Absolute Batman, more like Absolute bonkers! Read Full Review

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