Absolute Batman #14 Review

Absolute Batman #14

DC Comics

Written by Scott Snyder

Art by Nick Dragotta

Colors by Frank Martin

Letters by Clayton Cowles

The Rundown: Batman faces off against Bane in front of everyone for a final time.

Batman and Alfred prepare for a public battle against Bane. While his former friends and enemies wait for the fight, Batman prepares his plan as Bane and his doctor prepare for battle. The media warns the public and the mayor makes a statement before warning Bullock to keep the police away from the stadium.

Bane enters the arena and faces off against Batman. Alfred is worried when he sees that Bane is pushing himself past the limits of the venom within him and Bruce realizes something is off. Something he decides to exploit through his own skill and help from Waylon and Selina. As Batman continues to push Bane past his limits, the battle ends for one of them and Bane will discover his benefactor has plans for his home.

The Story: Snyder crafts a dark, thrilling and entertaining story in this issue. The buildup and how Snyder uses tension and suspense throughout is masterful and I found myself in anticipation throughout the issue even before the final fight. The fight itself was epic and I loved the buildup of action, suspense and danger. There were some great surprises throughout the story and the final reveals made me excited to see what happens next.

The Art: Dragotta creates some beautifully detailed and visually stylish art throughout the issue. I loved the look of the fight and how visually visceral the violence was on the page.