Written by: Scott Snyder
Art by: Gabriel Hernández Walta
Colors by: Frank Martin
Letters by: Clayton Cowles
Cover art by: Nick Dragotta (cover A)
Cover price: $4.99
Release date: January 8, 2025
Absolute Batman #4, by DC Comics on 1/8/25, presents the origin story of how young Bruce Wayne transitioned from an angry young man to the Absolute Dark Knight.
Is Absolute Batman #4 Good?
Recap
When last we left Absolute Bruce Wayne in Absolute Batman #3, the Caped Crusader and Alfred escaped capture from the GCPD and the Party Animals Gang, but Alfred's plea to strike a deal with Black Mask struck home. When Absolute Batman's investigation uncovered Black Mask's participation in a global criminal network the vigilante had no chance of defeating, he decided the best course of action was to accept Black Mask's deal for a truce of compromise.Plot Synopsis
In Absolute Batman #4, the narrative shifts to an all-flashback issue with a guest artist.
In one thread of events, we see young Bruce having a thoughtful, meaningful series of talks with his father as Bruce develops the engineering model that earned him an award at school. The model, based on the adaptability of bats, goes through one iteration after another, embodying the life lessons Thomas Wayne imparts to his son about focusing on what truly matters for the task at hand.
In a second thread, we see the hurt of young Bruce Wayne when he asks to speak first during the sentencing hearing of Joe Chill. young Bruce is overcome with hurt and hate for Joe Chill over the loss of a perfect moment on a day when he truly felt his father's pride.
In a third thread, we see older Bruce Wayne trying out techniques, gadgets, and tactics as the legend of Batman is born. At first, he uses fangs with paralytics, bladed claws, and guns to incapacitate criminals, but the bloody tactics don't feel right. We see his tactics and use of engineering smarts evolve in much the same way his science project evolved from his father's guidance.
The issue concludes with Absolute Batman coming into his own to combat the gangster families of Gotham City and adult Bruce Wayne choosing to listen to an old speech.
First Impressions
If not for two drawbacks, Absolute Batman#4 would be an unqualified winner. Scott Snyder impressively interweaves heart, smarts, and layers of meaning into a story that gives you a complete picture of Bruce Wayne's mental and emotional transition into Batman. Still, the drawbacks will impact the score.
How’s the Art?
Gabriel Hernández Walta's art style is the first and biggest drawback of the issue. By all accounts, bringing in a guest artist for a flashback issue was DC's intention, but it would have served the series to find an artist whose style is at least loosely complementary to regular artist Nick Dragotta. Walta's sketchy, scratchy, indie style is a jarringly drastic departure from the series and not a pleasant one. Art quality is subjective on many (not all) levels, so your mileage may vary. Personally, I do not like this art.
What’s great about Absolute Batman #4?
The heart of what makes Absolute Batman #4 great is the heart Scott Snyder puts into it. This issue delicately constructs a deep, loving bond between a father and his son that makes the grief of Bruce's loss hit like a sledgehammer. The creation and evolution of Batman becomes so much more believable when you see the echoes of creation in the final designs, motivated by the lessons Bruce learned from his father. DC often shows Bruce thinking about his father's memory or occasionally interacting with his father when he was a boy, but this issue is the best representation yet of their relationship.
What’s not great about Absolute Batman #4?
Aside from the art, already noted above, it would have been beneficial to see how the decision Bruce makes at the end of issue #3 reflected in this issue somehow. Yes. Transition/cooldown issues are sometimes just that, but a little dovetailing is in order so as not to lose momentum on the series.
About The Reviewer: Gabriel Hernandez is the Publisher & EIC of ComicalOpinions.com, a comics review site dedicated to indie, small, and mid-sized publishers.
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Final Thoughts
Absolute Batman #4 is a qualified success for presenting the most heartfelt, authentic depiction yet of the relationship between young Bruce Wayne and his father, Thomas. Scott Snyder cleverly interweaves layers of meaning from Thomas's life lessons that eventually find their way into Batman's design. However, the sketchy, indie style from guest artist Gabriel Hernández Walta won't be everyone's cup of tea.
8/10
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This issue was by far the best in this series, the rest were very ordinary/boring and definitely overhyped. I appreciated the thought and reflection put into both the logistics and thought process of this Batman's operation and also the more personal aspects of his character ( a good one shot about who Batman is in general). I agree with your criticism however, as someone who has not been enjoying the main plot of this book, an issue apart from all of that main plot being the one that catches my interest, doesn't bode well for how I regard this series in general. Some difference shown between this Batman and the main one based on his answer at the end of last issue might have finally brought those readers not impressed with this series on board. Also the fangs bit was too much and ridiculous. 7 out of 10
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