Rejoice! Absolute Batman isn't going anywhere anytime soon
By Mark Lynch
DC Comics Absolute Universe was a gamble. Some comic book fans may see it as a Temu version of Marvel Comics’ Ultimate Universe. Instead, it’s become its own entity providing new looks at classic heroes. Also, it should be acknowledged that alternate universes have been around in comic books for decades. Even longer than that in other mediums.
After Absolute Batman, Wonder Woman, and Superman debuted, the question of whether or not the series would continue came up. Projects like this can be mini or maxi-series for creators to get fresh ideas out. It's not a bad idea to get in and get out. However, good comic books should be allowed to grow and flourish.
If you’re enjoying DC’s new initiative, there’s good news. The Absolute Universe will be around for at least the next two years. According to writer Scott Snyder, Absolute Batman is an ongoing series and he wants it to be around for a long time.
Scott Snyder helped continue Batman’s comic book dominance back in 2011 with another alternate reality of sorts, New 52. Unlike the Absolute Universe, New 52 was DC’s main continuity/reboot for a while. Nevertheless, Snyder’s run of Batman was easily DC’s premiere comic book at the time.
While people thought New 52 titles Justice League, Superman, and Wonder Woman were hit or miss, the Dark Knight thrived with stories like The Court of Owls and Zero Year. It’s reasons like this that people should keep their faith in Scott Snyder’s vision for, as I like to call him, the Batman Who Lifts.
Snyder knows that there's more to Batman's life than just Bruce Wayne. Everyone around him is just as important. In this case, the series leans heavily on Alfred Pennyworth's narration. This is a big change from regular Batman comics where Bruce tells his story. The different perspectives give an unbiased opinion of the events that are happening.
Instead of Bruce saying what he's doing, someone else is witnessing and explaining it. So far, this has shocked Alfred a lot. Since Alfred is a world-traveling mercenary, reading his opinion and surprise at Batman's skills says a lot. He's seen more than most and is still taken aback by what he's observing. Hopefully, this will continue. It’s refreshing to read things from someone else's point of view, especially with this new and more ruthless Dark Knight.
Are you enjoying Absolute Batman? Do you want the series to go on for a while? Let us know on the Bam Smack Pow Instagram and Twitter.