| Absolute Batman | |
|---|---|
 Textless cover of Absolute Batman #1 by Nick Dragotta | |
| Publication information | |
| Publisher | DC Comics (Absolute Universe) |
| Schedule | Monthly |
| Format | Ongoing |
| Genre | |
| Publication date | October 9, 2024 – present |
| No. of issues | 17 |
| Main character(s) | Batman Alfred Pennyworth Joker Killer Croc Riddler Two-Face Penguin Martha Wayne Jim Gordon Catwoman |
| Creative team | |
| Written by | Scott Snyder |
| Artist(s) | Nick Dragotta Gabriel Hernández Walta (#4) Marcos Martín (#7−8) Clay Mann (#11) Jock (#15) Eric Canete (#17−18) |
| Penciller | Nick Dragotta |
| Inker | Nick Dragotta |
| Letterer | Clayton Cowles |
| Colorist | Frank Martin |
| Editor | Katie Kubert |
Absolute Batman is an American monthly superhero comic book series published by DC Comics, featuring the character Batman. The series, written by Scott Snyder and illustrated by Nick Dragotta, began publication on October 9, 2024, as the first title in DC's Absolute Universe (AU) imprint.[1]
Premise
The series stars a 24-year-old blue-collar civil engineer named Bruce Wayne, who operates at night as the vigilante Batman, fighting crime with his self-designed equipment and armor. While doing so, he is stalked by an MI6 agent, Alfred Pennyworth.[2]
Publication history
By July 2024, a Batman-focused comic book series written by Scott Snyder and illustrated by Nick Dragotta was in the works as part of DC Comics' Absolute Universe (AU) imprint,[3] which is overseen by Snyder.[4]
Absolute Batman began publication on October 9 of the same year, as the first title under the AU imprint.[5]
Plot
Alfred Pennyworth is dispatched to Gotham City to investigate the terrorist organization known as the Party Animals, led by Roman Sionis. While in Gotham, he attempts to reconnect with his estranged daughter and learns that the criminal known as the Joker has evaded surveillance. Meanwhile, Bruce Wayne grows up in Gotham and witnesses the murder of his father during a mass shooting. Traumatized by the event, Bruce later commits himself to combating crime and eventually emerges as Batman.
Batman's first public actions disrupt a Party Animals plot to assassinate Mayor James Gordon. Pennyworth deduces Batman's identity but refuses orders to kill him. As Sionis intensifies attacks using both the Party Animals and corrupt police, Batman exposes Sionis's criminal activities. Although Sionis survives, Batman ultimately defeats him, and Pennyworth rescues the injured vigilante. An epilogue reveals that the Joker orchestrated events behind the scenes and has summoned Bane to Gotham.
Following these events, Gotham is placed under martial law after Hamilton Hill defeats Gordon in the mayoral election and authorizes construction of an offshore detention facility known as Ark M. Bruce Wayne investigates Ark M and uncovers connections to cryotechnology developer Victor Fries. Fries, operating as Mister Freeze, uses a prehistoric bacterium in experimental cryogenic research and causes extreme snowfall across the city. Batman confronts Freeze but is overpowered and forced to retreat.
Waylon Jones, Bruce's close friend, is later kidnapped, drawing the attention of the mercenary Bane. Batman attempts a rescue but is defeated and imprisoned, where he is subjected to experimentation involving a venom-based enhancement. He eventually escapes and returns to Gotham, where he allies with Catwoman, Waylon, and the Red Hood Gang to stop Bane. Batman defeats Bane by exploiting his reliance on venom, though the Joker remains at large.
Alfred later recounts the Joker's alleged origins, suggesting a long-running criminal lineage tied to the Grimm family. Seeking to restore Waylon's humanity, Bruce enlists Wonder Woman's help, ultimately acquiring a magical artifact capable of reversing his transformation.
Collected editions
| # | Title | Material collected | Format | Pages | Released | ISBN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | The Zoo | Absolute Batman #1–6 | HC | 176 | Aug 5, 2025 | 978-1799505242 |
| TPB | 978-1799505259 | |||||
| 2 | Abomination | Absolute Batman #7–14 | HC | 240 | Feb 3, 2026 | 978-1799507505 |
| TPB | 978-1799507512 |
Reception
The first issue of Absolute Batman had a print run of around 250,000 copies and by the end of 2024, Absolute Batman became the best-selling comic of 2024, with combined sales of first, second, third and black-and-white printings, selling just under 400,000 copies. Within the first eleven months, the first issue went through eight printings, with subsequent issues being reprinted as well.[6]
Absolute Batman was praised for its writing and art, being called "a bold reinvention" of the character[7] and "a masterwork of action storytelling",[8] yet criticized for "the flat characterization of its villain"[9] and the story's lack of consequences.[8] ComicBook.com gave credit for the "insane story" and "genuine appreciation for the emotional core of the character".[10]
In September 2025, Absolute Batman reached #5 on the New York Times Best Seller list.[11]
References
- ^ "Absolute Batman #1: Batman Has Lost Everything". FandomRadar.com. June 18, 2025. Retrieved June 19, 2025.
- ^ Bonomolo, Cameron (September 9, 2024). "Absolute Batman: Scott Snyder's Dark Knight Is "Chaos and Anarchy"". ComicBook.com. Retrieved October 21, 2024.
- ^ Johnston, Rich (July 7, 2024). "SCOOP: DC Comics Launch Absolute Batman At San Diego Comic-Con". Bleeding Cool. Retrieved October 28, 2024.
- ^ Cronin, Brian (July 18, 2024). "DC Reveals First Three Absolute Universe Titles". Comic Book Resources. Retrieved October 28, 2024.
- ^ Morrison, Matt (October 4, 2024). "Absolute Batman #1 Preview Reveals New Alfred Pennyworth". SuperHeroHype.com. Retrieved October 28, 2024.
- ^ Johnston, Rich (August 21, 2025). "PrintWatch: Absolute Batman's Eighth Printing, And Many More". Bleeding Cool. Retrieved September 17, 2025.
- ^ Champa, Madelyn (October 9, 2024). "I'd Given Up on Batman, But Absolute Batman #1 Has Changed My Mind (Review)". Screen Rant. Retrieved June 13, 2025.
- ^ a b Maximus, Marvel (March 19, 2025). "'Absolute Batman' #6 is a satisfying comeback story". AIPT. Retrieved September 17, 2025.
- ^ Gebel, Dustin (December 20, 2024). "Absolute Batman #3: Deal Or No Deal". Comic Watch. Retrieved September 17, 2025.
- ^ Drum, Nicole (March 19, 2025). "Absolute Batman Is the Most Insane Thing I've Ever Seen and It Rules (Review)". ComicBook.com. Retrieved September 17, 2025.
- ^ "Graphic Books and Manga Best Sellers". The New York Times. September 20, 2025. Retrieved September 24, 2025.
