Absolute Batman #9 Review

Happy new comic book day, comic book fans! This week brought us the next instalment in the Absolute universe, Absolute Batman #9, the start of the next arc Abomination. After months of teasing, Batman icon Bane is finally making his big debut and what a debut. Every month the Absolute Batman has delivered flawless comics, but this one sparked a little controversy – but let’s save that in the Absolute Batman #9 review below.

In Nerdy Nook fashion, this review will be spoiler free, but make sure you have read through the previous issues before continuing.

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The Review

Image by DC Comics

Last issue we saw Batman narrowly escape the clutches of Fries, who revealed a bigger plan for Gotham. In Absolute Batman #9, Batman and his team plan to infiltrate Ark M to get their friend back, but their mission is cut short when Batman finds a monster lurking in the depths – Bane.

Lets start by addressing the elephant in the room, the abomination himself, Bane. This arc has already started some controversy with the co-creator of Bane, Graham Nolan, referring to his appearance as an abomination – Scott Snyder took this rather well and even named this arc after the criticisms. However, he really is an abomination, just look at him, this is potentially the ugliest interpretation of Bane anyone could have produced… and for the love of God, where is his chin? That being said, once you get over the initial ugliness, the aesthetic really suits the Absolute Batman comics.

As expected, Bane truly is a force to be reckoned with. Right at the start of the comic we see him popping off a man’s head with his bare hands – this is the first time I have ever compared a Batman comic to Invincible, but it really was that level of graphic. I did not believe this comic could push the limit any more than it already has, but once again I am pleasantly surprised and left stunned.

Bane aside, you will be pleased to know that Absolute Batman #9 sets up a phenomenal second arc.

Image by DC Comics

This one, feels like a true Batman comic. Though the action is quite minimal, the detective role we often see Batman undertaking is the very heart of this issue and that is something that Absolute Batman has not done too often – although the action parts in this comic are very pleasing and some are truly some of the most iconic parts of the Absolute universe so far.

Once again, artist Nick Dragotta and colourist Frank Martin return to the series, and WOW do they bring this one to life. It can be quite dark at times, but there are pops of colour where necessary to intensify key moments. Despite what I said about Bane being so ugly (he still is, sorry), I really enjoy these two talented individuals work. It’s nice to have them back after a short break.

I guess the big question about this issue still remains, is it just a filler? In a sense yes, but I do not see a good reason why you would want to skip either this or the last issue – they really are a great story, potentially even top the first arc in much fewer issues.

Image by DC Comics

Absolute Batman #9, is a great start to the comic’s second arc filled with true and iconic Batman moments. Though some readers might find this issues pacing a little slow in comparison to what we have seen in previous issues, this allowed the issue to really build up to something big – it’s worth every penny.

What are your thoughts on the Abomination so far? Where is Banes chin? Whatever your thoughts and feelings, share them with us in the comment section of this article. Until next time, thanks for reading!

See also: Previous issue

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