Absolute Batman: Scott Snyder’s Dark Knight Is “Chaos and Anarchy”

Absolute Batman: Scott Snyder's Dark Knight Is "Chaos and Anarchy"

As a seasoned fan of the Dark Knight, I can’t help but feel a surge of excitement when I hear about the new take on Batman, particularly in Scott Snyder’s upcoming series, Absolute Batman. Having grown up with the classic tales of Batman: Year One and Batman Begins, I find it intriguing to see the character evolve yet again, this time as a unifier rather than just a fear-inducing vigilante.


Over a decade since Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo kicked off a fresh take on Batman comics as part of DC’s New 52, Snyder has now fully committed to an expansive collection titled “Absolute Batman.” During his five-year tenure in the DC Universe, Snyder introduced significant elements such as the Court of Owls, the partnership between Jim Gordon and the Batcop, and the Superheavy Bat-bot Rookie. He also penned intense Joker stories like “Death of the Family” and “Endgame,” and provided a new origin story for The New 52 titled “Zero Year.” Now, Snyder is reimagining the Batman saga again within DC’s new Absolute Universe.

On October 9th, the creative duo of Snyder and Nick Dragotta (known for DC’s T.H.U.N.D.E.R. Agents and Image’s East of West) will debut Absolute Batman #1. This launch is a part of DC All In, an all-encompassing initiative that kicks off with the 64-page one-shot DC All in Special #1 on October 2nd, co-written by Snyder and Joshua Williamson (Superman) with artwork by Daniel Sampere (Wonder Woman) and Wes Craig (Deadly Class).

Apart from the new directions taken by Chip Zdarsky, Jorge Jimenez, Carmine Di Giandomenico on the bi-monthly Batman series and Tom Taylor and Mikel Janin on monthly Detective Comics following the events of Absolute Power, it’s worth noting that Absolute Batman is the initial major title in the Absolute Universe. This universe also presents its own trinity, which includes the upcoming Absolute Wonder Woman by Kelly Thompson and Hayden Sherman (available Oct. 23rd) and Absolute Superman by Jason Aaron and Rafa Sandoval (set for release on Nov. 6th).

Absolute Batman: Scott Snyder's Dark Knight Is "Chaos and Anarchy"

In this unique take on the character, we have Gritty Batman, where Bruce Wayne is portrayed as a resourceful and robust engineer, unlike his DC Universe counterpart who inherited vast wealth. Instead of growing up in luxury, our version of Bruce, or Absolute Bruce, spent his formative years amidst the rough streets of Gotham City’s Park Row, infamously known as Crime Alley, where traditionally Batman’s parents meet their untimely end in most stories. In this rendition, Martha and Thomas Wayne are working-class parents, not wealthy benefactors. Lastly, Alfred Pennyworth is depicted as a rugged ex-MI6 agent and mercenary, rather than a butler. He often finds himself at odds with Gotham’s newly emerged vigilante.

As a devoted fan, I can relate to Snyder’s apprehension when it comes to revisiting this iconic character. The prospect is daunting because I was fortunate enough to collaborate with one of my dearest friends, Greg Capullo, along with Jon [Glapion] and FCO [Plascencia], on stories that resonated deeply with me for a considerable period. Revisiting such a cherished partnership feels like treading on hallowed ground. However, every so often, an idea arises that stirs me – an idea where Batman’s upbringing deviates from the norm, and his character development is shaped in a unique way if his family didn’t have the financial means they typically do. If given the chance, I believe I could alter the mythology in a way that offers a fresh perspective on this beloved figure.

Snyder explained that this version of Batman is significant to the plot. In Crime Alley, our Batman encounters villains in an unusual manner. Instead of embodying order and system like the main universe’s Batman, this one represents chaos and anarchy. He’s a powerful, instinctual creature. He’s intelligent, strategic, and all those things, but he’s also a force to be reckoned with, much like raw, untamed nature.

In Zack Snyder’s unique portrayal of Batman, he expressed a desire for the character to confront immovable obstacles, such as colossal civilians and seemingly unchangeable systems. Snyder explained that Alfred represents the perspective of someone who believes in compromise due to these insurmountable challenges. However, for Batman, he’s a stubborn youth who doesn’t accept this view. Instead, he thinks you should repeatedly collide with these obstacles until they eventually give way and change.

Absolute Batman: Scott Snyder's Dark Knight Is "Chaos and Anarchy"

In the universe of Absolute, creator Snyder hints that it’s Batman’s villains, like the Riddler, who possess the power and resources that Batman often lacks. In this fresh take on Gotham, Bruce Wayne is portrayed as a minor disturbance in the system, while Batman’s rogues assume a unique and significant role. This new interpretation of the disruptive vigilante presents him as targeting not only the criminal underworld but also serving as a catalyst for change in stories like “Batman: Year One” and “Batman Begins.

Rather than intimidating villains into hiding, this character aims to encourage good individuals to step forward and take action. He serves as a unifier, tackling adversaries with harmful, self-centered beliefs. These people believe the world revolves around them, but facing such individuals inspires him. He declares, ‘I’ll be the one to confront them. I’ll show bravery against them, so you can find courage to overcome the challenges in your life that seem impossible.’ In essence, that’s who Batman is.

In the city of Gotham, ruled by a criminal gang with a skull emblem and led by a villain known as the Black Mask, this resourceful vigilante, often seen wearing a cape, takes on the battle against crime. The story unfolds from this point in October, as depicted in the comic book “Absolute Batman”.

Absolute Batman: Scott Snyder's Dark Knight Is "Chaos and Anarchy"

“Snyder expressed concern about Bruce, as there are instances when it seems like he’s targeting those less fortunate in his primary world. This can be challenging to avoid, especially for someone who comes from a generational billionaire family. The aim here was to portray him consistently taking on challenges that appear insurmountable. In Gotham City, crime rates have skyrocketed by 500%, and there’s a new gang causing chaos everywhere. The mystery behind this gang and the reasons for their actions form a significant part of our storyline.

In the DC All In Special #1, available from October 2nd, I’m diving into a tale where Alfred is trying to grasp who this enigmatic character is. After some harrowing experiences unique to our universe, Bruce embarks on a journey that eventually leads to the creation of Batman.

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2024-09-09 22:40