Initially, the colossal and muscular version of Batman left quite an impact on comic book enthusiasts. This wasn’t your typical Batman; he was a towering mass of muscle that made even tough guys like linebackers and Killer Croc feel self-conscious. He seemed capable of lifting a medium-sized Sudan with ease. Naturally, given our knowledge of Batman’s backstory, we wondered what Bane would look like if this was indeed Batman. We eventually found out several months later when the creators of Absolute Batman unveiled their new interpretation of Bane. Standing at a staggering ten feet tall and built like a mountain of meat, it sparked jokes about him being “Swole” Bane. However, we were mistaken. That wasn’t the optimal version of Bane; that was just Bane without Venom. After ingesting Venom, Bane isn’t just a monstrous figure or a mountain; he becomes a grotesque aberration.
Swole Bane is Here
In issue #8 of the relentless saga, Batman is seen relentlessly pursuing Gotham City’s criminal underworld to find out what befell his companion Waylon. Joined by Harvey, Oswald, Edward, and Alfred, they uncover that Waylon has been subjected to an enigmatic experiment at Ark M, a discovery that leads them to devise a plan to infiltrate the facility so Batman can save him. As Batman readies himself for the mission, Alfred hesitates to disclose the dark truth about Ark M’s origins, knowing it’s merely a fragment of a larger, sinister puzzle. He is unable to prepare Bruce for the chilling revelation that stepping into Ark M will open his eyes to an unsettling truth: he won’t be battling the corrupt powers ruling Gotham; instead, he’ll find himself engaged in the timeless struggle—the eternal conflict between tyranny and righteousness.
In the depths of Ark M, submerged below water, Batman stealthily enters with Alfred providing guidance via building blueprints. Yet, they both discover too early that Batman’s descent has led him to an unforeseen, fully operational underground prison. As he navigates this covert site, a wall bearing the remnants of a colossal bat catches his eye, hinting at Man-Bat experiments being conducted there. It won’t be long before we see Kirk Langstrom. Meanwhile, while examining the skeleton, Bane unexpectedly appears and assaults Batman. Despite his imposing size, Bane moves with surprising swiftness and fighting prowess, effortlessly deflecting Batman’s attacks and crippling each limb with mere pokes at joints. Batman boasts that even with only one leg, he can subdue a drug-enhanced brute like Bane, but Bane warns him that he hasn’t yet unleashed the Venom. Moments later, he injects it.
Swole Bane is Beyond Words
Approximately two months ago, Graham Nolan, co-creator of Bane, labeled the Absolute version of Bane as monstrous. Whether he was aware in advance or it was an unexpected play on words, the Absolute Bane debuted during the “Abomination” storyline, which couldn’t be more apt. This new version of Bane is no longer a man at his physical peak due to an addictive steroid; instead, he has been transformed into something inhuman. Already towering enough to ruffle Andre the Giant’s hair as a starting point, but when he ingests Venom, he expands to a size that surpasses human limits. Simply gaze upon him.
Given that Batman stands at 6’6″ and Bane appears capable of lifting him with a hand as large as Batman’s entire torso, it’s reasonable to assume Bane towers over fifteen feet tall, possibly even reaching up to nineteen or twenty feet. This is an unprecedented size for the character, making him truly intimidating. Much like his initial portrayal, he demonstrates exceptional combat skills, superhuman strength, and the unique ability to break Batman’s resolve. Upon realizing Bane’s true power, Batman kneels in submission, acknowledging his own vulnerability. Captured by Bane, Bruce finds himself at Ark M, a place where he intended to rescue a friend but may now struggle for his own survival. This new version of Bane is downright terrifying, reminiscent of his initial appearance, but with the crazy meter cranked up to maximum. He’s nothing short of a monstrous abomination.
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2025-06-13 04:40