The DC Absolute Universe has caused quite a stir in the comic book industry by offering fresh takes on several iconic DC characters, and this reinterpretation extends to their villains as well. For instance, Circe is now portrayed as Wonder Woman’s adoptive mother, and Ra’s Al Ghul has been transformed into Superman’s archenemy. The alterations to the Absolute DC villains have been just as captivating as those for the heroes.
The “Absolute Batman” series, in particular, showcases a colossal, near-kaiju version of Bane. In issue #11, titled “Abomination Part III”, we are taken on a journey to revisit the origins of the man who once broke Batman’s back.
It’s debatable that “Abomination Part III” is more about Bane than it is about Batman, given that the Dark Knight has limited appearances in this issue. Instead, the narrative predominantly delves into Bane’s origin story set within the Absolute Universe, providing insight into his past as an inmate at Santa Prisca’s Pena Duro prison. This backstory explores how Bane’s father played a role in a failed uprising against the island’s tyrannical ruler. The comic adheres closely to Bane’s conventional origin, depicting him as transforming into a powerhouse both physically and mentally, with a turning point marking the first known instance of Bane demonstrating his ability to shatter his adversaries.
In issue #11 of Absolute Batman, we see how Bane rises to become a formidable villain in the criminal underworld, much like a horror story. The narrative details his willingness for the Venom experimentation and his criminal activities which cement his fearsome reputation. However, what stands out most is the brutal showdown between Batman and Bane, following Bane’s escape from initial capture, which can only be described as an unrelenting attack of epic proportions.
As a devoted moviegoer, I can’t find the right words to express how gripping and terrifying it was to witness Batman’s second confrontation with Bane in “Abomination Part III”. The narrative, under the watchful eye of an unseen narrator (although I suspect it might be Alfred Pennyworth), builds up to a breathtaking climax that makes the ‘make Batman twice as big’ command from Absolute DC seem like a modest request. Trust me when I say that the Batman in “Absolute Batman” #12 has not only grown physically, but also emotionally, having learned valuable lessons from his previous two encounters with this particularly fearsome Bane.
In the continuing saga of the Absolute Universe, “Abomination Part III” concludes in a suspenseful manner, suggesting a brutal confrontation between Batman and Bane may ensue in future issues. This story serves as both an origin tale for Bane initially and a learning experience for Batman secondarily, making it a fantastic extension of the epic struggle between these two powerhouse characters with genius intellects. The portrayal of Bane and Batman in this series demonstrates an unyielding ruthlessness and determination that they have never exhibited in any comic book before.
Rating: 4.5 out of 5
Absolute Batman #11 is on sale now from DC.
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2025-08-20 15:10