Absolute Batman: Crucial information from the epic second issue

Absolute Batman returns with its second issue and it didn’t disappoint. The comic book debuted with a lot of action and the origin of Bruce Wayne becoming Batman. The next expounded on that by showing a young Bruce screaming as he’s covered in bats. This is clearly the reason he chose the bat to be his symbol.

The first step to Bruce becoming the Dark Knight may have been the biggest reveal, but it was far from the only noteworthy thing. Here are the other big takeaways from Absolute Batman No. 2.

Jim Gordon and Martha Wayne

Harvey Bullock and Jim Gordon’s daughter Barbara Gordon are checking on Jim while he's in the hospital getting his injuries from the Party Animals’ attack tended to(Absolute Batman No. 1). Then, of all people, Martha Wayne walks in to visit Mayor Jim Gordon. It was an unexpected moment, but not surprising.

“I actually think he would’ve liked Batman.” Martha Wayne talking about Thomas Wayne

Jim Gordon was one of the first Gotham Police on the scene at the zoo after Thomas Wayne was shot. He was likely the person who attempted to console Bruce after finding out his father died. Because of that connection, it makes sense that Thomas and Martha would bond after that moment and develop a friendship. However, don’t be shocked when you find out that they’re dating. There was something about that scene that seemed to be more than two plutonic friends talking.

Bruce's friends

Bruce finally meets with his friends (Harvey Dent, Oz, Eddie, and Waylon Jones) to play poker. During the game, they catch up but Bruce uses this opportunity to talk about the tech he found in the Party Animal's ape skulls masks. When Eddie (Riddler) sees it, he’s intrigued by the chips and wiring. Bruce asks if it’s further than what he (Eddie) doing to which he takes that as a challenge and says he’ll be borrowing the mask.

Writer Scott Snyder brilliantly introduced the other characters in Bruce’s life and what they’re doing. We know that Waylan owns a gym and got permits for a shady animal venture using Oz's connections from issue No. 1. That means Oz is still into crime. If that was missed, Bruce makes a sideways comment about Oz’s territory to which Oz says his business is “atypical”.

"For what it's worth, the Party Animals aren't moving in on anything. Far as I can tell, these guys are just out to wreck the city." -Oswald

Harvey Dent is called “****ing Two-Face” by Oz (Penguin) for working with him while being in politics. There was also a moment when Waylan wanted to take a picture of Bruce and Harvey said no pics because he (Harvey) can't be seen with Oz. That shows that Harvey Dent is up to some questionable things. 

With Bruce being Batman, we have to wonder if he’ll go after his friends if they’re criminals. If they’re doing illegal things, they should be stopped. Although, if they aren’t hurting anyone, maybe Bruce acts like it’s not happening. It wouldn’t be odd considering some of the things they’re doing could be victimless. 

Alfred and Batman team-up

Alfred has continued to keep a close eye on Bruce Wayne along with his extracurricular activities. He’s noticed a lot of things like the location of the Bat Caves around the city and how they form the bat emblem on his chest on a map. Alfred also noted that Bruce visits Joseph Chill (the guy who shot his father) and there are rumors that Bruce is meeting with a suspected resistance group called the Red Hood.

Later, Bruce gets a tip that ends up being a trap set by Black Mask. Mask tipped off the cops about where Batman would be and informed his Party Animals too. As the Dark Knight is escaping, he’s confronted by Alfred who says he wants to help. The two escape in Batman’s gigantic Bat Mobile.

Why did Alfred change his mind? Alfred says he has a way for him and Batman to help each other, but what about his bosses? They won’t be happy Alfred is disobeying orders. Also, it can’t just be about the Party Animals. This could lead to Absolute Batman and Alfred going after Joker. It was the mission Alfred was on before he was ordered to go to Gotham.

“Over the next two weeks, the Party Animals escalate their offense on Gotham. And in return, Batman escalates his offense on them.” -Alfred Pennyworth on Batman

Why is Absolute Bruce Wayne visiting Joe Chill? It's understandable that Prime Earth’s Bruce would go see his parent’s murderer. He's compassionate. Meanwhile, Absolute Bruce is an angry loner. That being said, maybe this is how he keeps his fury for fighting crime.'

Seeing the guy who killed his father could be a constant reminder of what his mission is. Or maybe Bruce is sympathetic to Joe because Joe was being used during the shooting at the zoo. For all we know, Chill was framed and Bruce is trying to help him out.

As for the Red Hood gang, is it run by an older Jason Todd or Dick Grayson? Is Barbara Gordon the resistance group’s leader and she created it to help protest things that are going on? Maybe Martha Wayne is somehow involved. She’s active within the community and wants to help Gotham. Whoever the leader is, the reveal should be great. Stay tuned to Caped Crusades to find out who it is.

Did you read Absolute Batman No. 2? What did you think? Let us know on the Bam Smack Pow Instagram and Twitter.