Get ready for a wild ride, comic book fans! DC's new series, Absolute Batman, is shaking up everything we thought we knew about the Dark Knight, and this time it's his origins.
A New Batman Origin Story:
We've all seen those heartbreaking scenes where little Bruce watches his parents get gunned down in Crime Alley, a tragic event that sets him on his path to become Batman. But this new version of the Batman story from DC Comics, starting with Absolute Batman #1 (written by Scott Snyder and illustrated by Nick Dragotta) changes all that.
This is no longer the same old Batman we know, even starting in this new Universe, there are key changes made that take him from the wealthy playboy we know to a working-class hero. That begins the new Absolute Universe which was published in 2024!
Martha Wayne Lives!:
In the very first issue of this exciting comic, the young Bruce goes back to Crime Alley to pay his respects. When he gets back to his simple apartment, it's his mother who greets him with her pearl necklace still intact! Yes, that’s right! In the Absolute Universe, Martha Wayne didn't die.
That is one giant change! DC comic fans never really got to explore a fully present mother's impact. So this could be an unexpected twist! What does this mean for Batman now that he has one of his parents? What a fascinating new world!
Rewriting the Classic Crime Alley Story:
This revamped Crime Alley origin keeps a few things the same. But even the things that appear to be similar to other stories about how Batman came to be, end up changing the game.
This takes you back into a zoo!
- Thomas Wayne (Bruce's dad) brings Bruce and his schoolmates on a field trip! The fun is short-lived.
- In the series Bruce had won an award for engineering before this trip! But during a tense moment Thomas Wayne gives Bruce instructions, "Whatever you hear, you do not open this door."
The heartbreaking end is a turning point as now Bruce doesn't lose his mother. But one of them has to go, unfortunately.
Martha’s absence adds something incredibly unique as she's not the person to go on adventures and has some really amazing impact that everyone is going to be talking about! For fans who really wanted to see what makes the mother different? Martha Wayne even gets a chance to work side by side with Mayor Jim Gordon!
Even delivering a really important speech!
Alfred Becomes the Enemy!:
It looks like Alfred Pennyworth has got his moment to shine and a role change! It changes everything we know about his role as Batman's right-hand man! Instead, Alfred gets involved in the battle against Batman, becoming an adversary!
It's not too clear what this means yet! The initial battle ended in a stalemate with the two having this kind of ongoing rivalry. One thing fans won’t be missing! Even if it looks weird!
- Alfred is Batman’s loyal protector, becoming Bruce's mentor after the deaths of Bruce's parents in past series.
- He will remain important as an iconic figure and a key piece of lore!
- But that’s what really shows just how changed things really are. In fact, this was made very clear.
Martha Wayne as Batman's Confidant:
But, what's going to happen here? Well, the series keeps creating these epic moments and has a remarkable change as Martha Wayne becomes the main confidant of Batman. As someone close and a mentor-like figure. Even while some might say Alfred was this in the past!
It makes a difference in Bruce Wayne's life that could totally change everything! Now that the mom is so well-known there’s nothing quite like the special dynamic of Batman keeping this secret from his Mom! Only time will tell if that changes down the road. This might add a unique layer! Unlike what we are used to seeing in other adaptations and iterations from DC Comics. We never really got a chance to have that type of character-driven moments.
A Different Batman:
Fans of DC Comics, might know Batman as the richest hero who has an arsenal of amazing technologies to keep the baddies away and protect Gotham. That’s going away now!
In the Absolute Universe, Bruce Wayne does everything from working hard at his job to living in an ordinary apartment with his Mother. Instead of relying on an immense support network from his bat family. He has to do all this alone! With little to no backing from his amazing friends. The heroes, we call The Justice League!
This reimagining helps change this amazing hero's look and it's no surprise! It's almost a total subversion of what we thought to be true!
What makes it particularly interesting? Fans that love DC Comics have some serious expectations around Batman's origins. This is the first time this particular series creates this kind of big shift to the lore! With Martha Wayne's amazing prominence in this iteration! Everyone will be thrilled! Not only the story itself. "Absolute Batman" gives fans so much to enjoy. One more change, we should add!
This series gives viewers another layer that is unique and completely changes the landscape around this very iconic comic and shows the incredible story of Batman's legacy.
