Understanding the context of “Absolute DC” is crucial. Snyder is not merely authoring “Absolute Batman” – he is a key architect of this initiative. The project’s central premise is to turn the familiar DC superheroes upside down. “DC All-In Special” #1, a creation of Snyder and Joshua Williamson, illustrates how the “Absolute” universe was born, with the latter half of the pages intriguingly printed upside down.
In this “Absolute” universe, masterminded by the God of Evil, Darkseid, Superman is an orphan on both Earth and Krypton. Wonder Woman has been raised in Hell, not Paradise, and Batman is a member of the working class, fighting outside the system instead of reigning over it. However, don’t worry, you can still enjoy “Absolute Batman” without this background knowledge if you prefer.
The first issue of “Absolute Batman” begins on the day Bruce becomes Batman. His journey doesn’t start outside a movie theater but during a school field trip to the Gotham City Zoo, where young Bruce is drawn to the bat exhibit.
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In this rendition, Thomas Wayne is a teacher rather than a billionaire industrialist/surgeon. During the field trip, a gunman infiltrates the zoo and begins shooting. Thomas is shot after ensuring the safety of Bruce and his classmates. Martha Wayne, who is absent, is spared her husband’s fate. (The identity of the shooter remains a mystery in this first issue – could it be Joe Chill, the usual suspect in the murder of Bruce Wayne’s parents, or someone else?)
Indeed, the origin of Absolute Batman is rooted in a mass shooting incident, not a mugging. This type of topical writing is typical of Snyder. He’s previously expressed his fondness for overt symbolism. In a blurb for his and Greg Capullo’s “Batman: Last Knight on Earth,” he shares his alarm about his own son having to participate in active shooter drills at school.
As one might expect from a teacher’s salary, Bruce Wayne does not inherit a multi-billion fortune from his father. He works as a Gotham City engineer, Martha resides in a modest apartment complex, and Batman’s secret base is located on the top floor of a vacant office building, not in a Batcave.
In a conversation with Polygon about “Absolute Batman,” Snyder stated that Batman’s strength as a character lies in his ability to inspire both the characters in the stories and the readers to conquer fear and improve. He wanted this Batman to be more relatable to readers: “Well, the first thing would be to strip away some of the resources, some of the privilege, some of the things that make [Batman] so much a part of the system.”
Whether this will put an end to the ongoing debate about all the “better” ways Bruce Wayne could combat crime instead of being Batman remains to be seen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the architect of the “Absolute” universe?
The “Absolute” universe is a creation of Snyder and Joshua Williamson.
What is the origin of “Absolute Batman”?
The origin of “Absolute Batman” is rooted in a mass shooting incident, not a mugging.
What is Bruce Wayne’s profession in the “Absolute” universe?
In the “Absolute” universe, Bruce Wayne works as a Gotham City engineer.
What is Batman’s secret base in the “Absolute” universe?
In the “Absolute” universe, Batman’s secret base is located on the top floor of a vacant office building, not in a Batcave.
Credit: www.slashfilm.com
