The DC “Absolute” comic series presents fresh reimaginings of iconic characters such as Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman (with additional ones upcoming). These comics introduce these heroes in action-packed scenarios (already in progress or “en media res”) and subsequently delve into their pasts to show how they transformed into these heroic personas, while also expanding the universe through intricate connections between supporting characters and rich historical lore. In issue #4 of Absolute Batman, writer Scott Snyder skillfully weaves an origin tale that explains why this iteration of Bruce Wayne/Batman sports his unique costume and possesses the special abilities associated with it.
WARNING: SPOILERS FOLLOW
In the DC’s Absolute Universe continuity, Thomas Wayne, instead of becoming a wealthy surgeon as initially established in the first issue, chose to become a teacher. This teacher heroically gave his life protecting Bruce and other students from a school shooting orchestrated by Joe Chill, an angry and violent gunman. However, in “The Zoo: Part Four”, we discover the tragic backstory behind that fateful school trip to the Gotham Zoo, which plays a crucial role in the design of the Batman suit Bruce later creates.
Absolute Batman’s Costume Was Born From Bruce’s Tragedy
It transpired that Bruce triumphed in securing a trip to the Gotham Zoo for his class, following his victory in the Young Engineers Competition that year. The contest’s task was to design an animal-themed bridge suitable for servicing one of the “Troubled Areas” where the zoo’s animals were being rescued from. In a surprising move, Bruce opted for a bat due to its imposing character; when his father raised concerns about whether intimidation was appropriate for a troubled population, Bruce modified his plan. He constructed a bridge featuring an adaptable structure of girders and robust lightweight materials that enabled the bridge to transform into whatever was necessary – and could even be folded into a bat shape with flight capabilities, allowing it to descend from aircraft and glide straight to people in remote, distressed regions. Inspired by his father’s advice, Bruce believes he has harnessed the essence of the bat: its adaptability to various environments and ability to learn, map, and optimize conditions for survival and thriving.
Following a devastating incident at the zoo and his father’s passing, an older Bruce Wayne revisits the concept he initially conceived regarding his bridge. After unsuccessful initial attempts to create a vampire-bat costume equipped with fangs capable of paralysis, Bruce taps into his engineering skills and invents the “Bat-thumb,” a gadget that allows him thumb press commands over the same Bat-bridge functions he had previously developed. It is now confirmed that the one-man army outfit and cowl worn by Absolute Batman are made of the same adjustable girders and fabric system that Bruce designed for his school project.
In this deeply emotional chapter, Snyder offers an insightful interpretation for what previously appeared as Absolute Batman wearing a symbiote suit. From the cloth on his forearms to the combat poses he adopts, the design and functionality of this new Batman costume harmoniously align with the character’s history and motivations. Earlier, the significance of the costume was inferred from Bruce merely encountering a bat and finding it terrifying; however, now, the Batman’s attire and his entire approach (Bruce working as an engineer for the city, planning Gotham’s layout, creating safehouses and supply depots, aiming to not only eradicate crime but also enhance infrastructure) all mirror the metaphor of a bat as an incredibly adaptable and meticulous creature that dominates and rules its domain.
It seems as though the True Batman now has a more tangible purpose and objectives, ones that appear achievable and less rigidly dogmatic. Moreover, these goals align consistently with the overall themes, even woven into the very material of his cape.
Absolute Batman is on sale at DC.
Read More
- HBAR PREDICTION. HBAR cryptocurrency
- IMX PREDICTION. IMX cryptocurrency
- FLOKI PREDICTION. FLOKI cryptocurrency
- XDC PREDICTION. XDC cryptocurrency
- MNT PREDICTION. MNT cryptocurrency
- TRB PREDICTION. TRB cryptocurrency
- JTO PREDICTION. JTO cryptocurrency
- LDO PREDICTION. LDO cryptocurrency
- OKB PREDICTION. OKB cryptocurrency
- Dandadan Shares First Look at Season Finale: Watch
2025-01-09 02:09