Warning! This post contains SPOILERS for Absolute Batman #2Absolute Batman’slatest attack is a prime example that shows just how close he’ll get to breaking the classic no-killing rule of the original Dark Knight. Although only two issues of the new series have been published, DC’s newAbsolute Batmanproves that this version of Bruce Wayne is not messing around when it comes to punishing Gotham’s criminals. While he may not kill, it certainly seems like he’s far more comfortable toeing that line compared to what’s seen from the typical Batman in the main DC Universe.
As seen inAbsolute Batman #2by Scott Snyder and Nick Dragotta, Bruce Wayne’s ongoing war with the brutal gang known as the Party Animals continues to escalate all over the city. Continuing to push with no sign of retreating, this darker universe’s version of Alfred had already determined thatBatman is essentially a neverending “advance forward” aka Batman AF.To that end, there’s one moment in particular that painfully shows just how close Absolute Batman is to killing his prey in Gotham.
Absolute Batman’s War on Crime Is Far More Challenging
An Underdog Without The Typical Privilege
In this new Absolute Universe created by Darkseid, hope is scarce. As such, it’s been revealed that the Lord of Apokolips has created a reality in which heroes are the underdogs and aren’t truly accepted in the natural systems and orders of society. Likewise, many of their advantages and privileges are gone as well.
In Absolute Batman’s case, this version of Bruce Wayne does not come from wealth, nor does he live in a manor with a giant Batcave filled with cars, planes, boats, and an armory of gadgets thanks to near-infinite resources. Instead, Bruce Wayne is an engineer by day who grew up in Crime Alley. That said, he’s still resourceful in his war on crime, having created more brutal weapons and tools to aid in his crusade, such as an ax that takes the place of his chest logo,and his Batmobile which is a modified rigid hauler.
Absolute Batman Doesn’t Kill (But He Gets Awful Close)
This Dark Knight Is Filled With Rage
Because the challenge is harder, it seemsAbsolute Batman has compensated by being far more brutal in his tactics, especially compared to the original Batman of the main DC Universe. While the first issue saw Absolute Batman cutting off hands with his bat-shaped ax,Absolute Batman #2arguably hammers this idea home even further when he fights a group of the Party Animals in the Gotham Aquarium. Although he was vastly outnumbered, and it seemed as though he’d been backed into a corner, Batman still proves himself to be the victor by effectively using his environment around him (with extremely painful results).
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DC’s Absolute versions of Superman, Wonder Woman, and Batman are intense, and the Absolute Trinity is going to be a true force to be reckoned with.
After breaking the glass and flooding the floor,Batman clings to the roof while throwing pellets of chemically concentrated vinegar into the salt water, thereby creating hydrochloric acid which starts melting the feet and toes of the Party Animals. As such, it’s been made quite apparent that Absolute Batman has zero qualms about permanently maiming and injuring his foes. Additionally, Alfred himself has noted that Batman seems to enjoy and relish the pain he causes, wanting to send a message with every bone he breaks (and more).
Will Absolute Batman Ever Break The Classic No-Killing Rule?
It’s Not Hard To Imagine
This version of The Dark Knight is filled with so much rage. It’s a fact that’s been made more than evident via his brutal tactics and the lasting damage he inflicts. As such, it’s not difficult to imagine a scenario in which he might go too far, either by choice or by accident in the heat of battle.
“It will be fascinating to see how Absolute Batman’s war continues, and if he’ll ever be faced with having to maintain (or break) the classic no-kill rule…”
While this new Batman is just as intelligent and capable during a fight, the fact that he’s so much more angry and aggressive will likely result in some key consequences in future issues.Absolute Batman seems to have far less emotional control in comparison, and as such it seems like it’s only a matter of time before he takes a life in some fashion. To that end, it will be fascinating to see how Absolute Batman’s war continues, and if he’ll ever be faced with having to maintain (or break) the classic no-kill rule in the issues still to come.
Absolute Batman #2is on sale now from DC Comics.
Batman
One of DC’s most iconic heroes, Batman is the vigilante superhero persona of billionaire Bruce Wayne. Forged by tragedy with the death of his parents, Bruce dedicated his life to becoming the world’s leading martial artist, detective, and tactician. Recruiting an entire family of allies and sidekicks, Bruce wages war on evil as the dark knight of his hometown, Gotham City.
