Deron Generally
Deron Generally
Absolute Batman #1
DC Comics
Written by Scott Snyder
Art by Nick Dragotta
Colors by Frank Martin
Letters by Clayton Cowles
The Rundown: A foreign agent comes to Gotham and finds himself encountering the local legend known as the Batman.
Alfred Pennyworth returns to Gotham City on a secret mission for the organization he works clandestinely for. A mission that will have him observe a new and violent group operating within the city that even the police cannot stop. A mission that will also bring a vigilante known as the Batman to his attention.
At the same time, Bruce Wayne finds himself dealing with not only the dark elements within the city, but also his own tragic past. A past that will prompt him to use his skills and training to become a creature of darkness that will fight to stop the crime around him. It will also pit him against Alfred in a tense cat and mouse game.
The Story: Snyder creates a dense, deeply engaging story in this first issue. It is an impressive feat to craft a new story for these familiar characters, but Snyder manages to create something fresh an interesting and at the heart of it is an incredible dynamic between Batman and Alfred. There is a wonderful cat and mouse feel to their interactions as each reveals they know more about each other than they let on. There is some great action throughout the story and Snyder creates an incredibly interesting version of Bruce Wayne that is more grounded and a darker, more cynical Alfred. I found myself both wanting them to join forces, but also being enamored by their conflict.
The Art: Dragotta delivers some beautifully detailed art throughout the issue. I love the gritty visual style of the world and its characters. The action looks amazing and I love the practical look of everything Bruce uses in the story.
Absolute Batman #1
