Absolute Batman's new origin shaped a scarier Bruce Wayne

Absolute Batman starts with Alfred Pennyworth assigned to track a band of disgusting killers called the Party Animals run by Black Mask. Pennyworth is told to observe but don’t engage them. However, his handler says another player is in town and to engage if he gets involved. That other player is Batman.

“Hello again, Gotham. It’s been a long time. So who are you these days? Who have you become while I was gone?” -Alfred Pennyworth

There was a lot to learn about Bruce Wayne during Absolute Batman. Thankfully, Scott Snyder is a master writer. He packed a lot of information without making the issue feel congested. It’s difficult enough explaining what’s going on with Alfred and introducing a different Black Mask and Joker.

Among the moments brought up is the tragedy that shaped Bruce Wayne into Batman and how he trained to become Gotham City’s protector. It shows the differences and similarities between the Absolute Universe and Earth Prime.

The death

The biggest part of most Bruce Waynes is the death of his parents. This universe changed that a bit. It was already reported that the Waynes weren’t rich. His father was a teacher and Martha is a social worker. You may have noticed the past and present tense regarding Bruce’s parents. Thomas Wayne was killed on a field trip to the zoo. His mother wasn’t there and is still alive.

Other than Thomas’ death, something happened that likely shaped Bruce forever. Bruce won a competition and part of the reward was a trip to the zoo. That was the field trip where Thomas was killed. There’s no way Bruce doesn’t think about that every day and regrets winning the award. Thankfully, Martha was there. She must have reminded him that it wasn’t his fault. While he listened, he surely didn’t believe it.

After Alfred’s confrontation, he learns that the vigilante he saw is Bruce Wayne. At first, young Bruce gets into trouble. Eventually, he gets it together and seems to create the blueprint for becoming a crime fighter.

"Whatever you hear, you do not open this door." -Thomas Wayne to young Bruce, and later Batman to Barbara Gordon

Bruce gets an athletic scholarship to a great college but gets injured within the first week. Alfred notes that the injury is probably faked. This allows Bruce to save his body for his true calling of becoming Batman.

After his injury, Bruce stays in university where he studies criminal psychology, applied science, military theory, and more. This should sound familiar. Earth Prime's Bruce also learned everything he could before becoming the Caped Crusader. So not everything is different.

After college, Bruce does everything to shape and learn about Gotham. He works in the power grid, water department, and citations. He doesn’t stop there. He interns in the town hall studying public policy (micro and macro). There wasn’t a part of Gotham City he didn’t know. So much so that he built himself a Bat Belfree in the towers of buildings he helped create. He knew the people would never go there so he was free to do what he wanted.

This was only the first issue. As Absolute Batman continues, writer Scott Snyder will likely tell more of Bruce’s origin story. He hasn't even gone into how his mother influenced him. Being a social worker certainly helped.

When more information is revealed, Caped Crusades will be here to report it.

Did you read Absolute Batman? What did you think of the first issue? We want to hear from you. You can email us at entertainment@fansided.com.