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It took me a second to figure out who you were referring to. I initially thought Alan Rickman? Really? That's interesting. Then I realized you meant Alan Ritchson which makes WAY more sense.
Absolute Batman #2
| Writer | Scott Snyder |
| Artist | Nick Dragotta |
| Cover Price | $4.99 |
SNYDER AND DRAGOTTA'S BRAND-NEW TAKE ON THE DARK KNIGHT RAMPAGES ON! Batman was born out of violence - a horrible tragedy that shaped the trajectory of his future. But when a vigilant MI6 agent starts tracking the lonely life of Bruce Wayne, he discovers the interconnectivity between a hero's shell life and the many layers of the Black Mask Gang. It's Batman versus Alfred Pennyworth!
CRITIC REVIEWS Back to Top
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10
Lyles Movie Files - Jeffrey Lyles
Jan 01, 1970Absolute Batman #2 is just a really fun read. Theres no continuity restraints and the creative team clearly seems to be having a blast just letting loose and unleashing their full imaginations on this highly enjoyable new spin on Batman. Read Full Review
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10
Geek Dad - Ray Goldfield
Nov 13, 2024The character work in this book is fantastic which makes it all the more surprising that the action is phenomenal as well. Read Full Review
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10
Get Your Comic On - Neil Vagg
Nov 14, 2024Absolute Batman #2 builds on the first issue, laying out the foundations for a fabulous first arc to the story. Scott Snyder masterminds a truly epic, seemingly limitless Batman story for the ages. The possibilities are endless. Read Full Review
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10
DC Comics News - Steven Brown
Jul 26, 2025Absolute Batman #2 was a good read and I'm eager to see the developing relationship between Batman and Alfred. Bruce's friends make an appearance in this issue for the usual poker night, and I think that was one of the best moments of the entire book. The use of Batman's rogue's gallery here as friends playing poker was quite interesting. I think that Harvey Dent and Penguin are my two personal favorites; however, apparently Selena will be making an appearance at some point as seen by the end of the book. Read Full Review
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9.7
Nerd Initiative - Ken M.
Nov 13, 2024Two issues in and the world of Bruce Wayne has never been more complex and explosive. Snyder's writing shifts gears to bringing the detective side of business into the forefront. Dragotta and Martin leave no questions as Batman's quest for vengeance grows with each panel. The new landscape continues to lock readers in for the long haul. Read Full Review
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9.6
SciFiPulse - Ian Cullen
Nov 16, 2024This second issue builds brilliantly on the characters and themes introduced in the opening book. I love how we're seeing Bruce Wayne grappling with survivor's guilt, which adds an extra layer of complexity to his decision to become Batman. He blames himself for his father's death, believing that if he hadn't won the science fair, they never would have visited the zoo where Joe Chill killed his father. Read Full Review
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9.6
The Batman Universe - BJ Shea
Nov 18, 2024Scott Snyder and Nick Dragotta introduce a lot of new plot points and a massive Batmobile in this second issue. There are still so many things to like, and I'm excited to see where it goes. Read Full Review
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9.4
Comic Watch - Dustin Gebel
Nov 13, 2024Absolute Batman #2 is another strong issue that continues laying the firmament for this more intense Dark Knight. Other than a weak villain, the book is firing on all cylinders, offering fresh and fascinating character dynamics at a rocketing pace. Dragotta makes expert use of the flow across the page, building up to jaw-dropping moments. Partnering with Martins colors, which sell that epic nature and the raw nerves of emotion, the issue results in both teeth-clenching action and a few moments of heart-stirring. This is a definite buy for Batman fans and offers a lot for those vaguely aware of the character in larger culture. Read Full Review
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9.0
Gonkbonk - Javier Reyes
Nov 12, 2024Absolute Batman #2 builds on its stellar debut by diving deeper into Bruce Wayne's character and the fascinating world around him. While the pacing slows down in this issue compared to the first, it sets up plenty of intrigue for what's to come in this bold new take on the Dark Knight. Read Full Review
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9.0
AIPT - Marvel Maximus
Nov 13, 2024Absolute Batman #2 gladly adheres to the "rule of cool, each page turn feeling like a museum exhibit that reveals a newer, bigger, cooler thing at every corner. Unfortunately, the creative twists on Batman's iconography pushing him to his highest highs don't necessarily entail many new characterizations or fresh interpersonal drama absent from his other appearances. At least not yet. For newcomers, however, this buy is a no-brainer that will get you hooked on Batman comics in no time at all. Read Full Review
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9.0
But Why Tho? - William Tucker
Nov 13, 2024Absolute Batman #2 (2024) is enthralling in its unpredictability. Every character or concept translated has a fresh story to tell or a brand-new design. Read Full Review
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9.0
Comic Crusaders - Al Mega
Nov 15, 2024With Snyder's rapidfire narrative combined with Dragotta's innovative paneling, the issue offers a kinetic new look for Batman's mission. Especially in the character dynamics, particularly Batman's conflict with Alfred, the story elevates and brings an extra layer of emotional resonance to the action. There are some minor missteps taken in regard to Black Mask, but Absolute Batman #2 is a must-read for those interested in a more unique, hard-boiled approach to the Dark Knight's saga. And here, it is an even better follow-through, setting the stage for even more exciting events yet to come in the upcoming issues. Read Full Review
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9.0
Pastrami Nation - Nolan Smith
Nov 23, 2024Absolute Batman #2 builds on the first issue, offering a deeper dive into Gothams dark corners while teasing a larger narrative. This issue is a phenomenal entry in whats shaping up to be a standout series. Read Full Review
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8.8
The Comicbook Dispatch - Dispatchdcu
Nov 13, 2024Absolute Batman #2 is a must-read for fans of the Dark Knight. Snyder's exploration of Bruce Wayne's psyche and the world of Gotham City is both thought-provoking and thrilling. The unexpected twist involving Alfred Pennyworth adds a new dimension to the story, promising a thrilling and unpredictable future for the series. Read Full Review
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8.8
Graphic Policy - Logan Dalton
Nov 13, 2024With iconic action sequences and emotional, nigh-operatic red and black flashbacks, Absolute Batman #2 continues to flesh out the nightmare world that has spawned a more brutal Batman while scattering some flecks of hope and companionship, especially in the relationship between Jim Gordon and Martha Wayne as well as the budding partnership between Batman and Alfred. Read Full Review
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8.5
Comic Book Revolution - Kevin Lainez
Nov 13, 2024Absolute Batman #2 keeps up the strong momentum established by the first issue moving forward. The world that Scott Snyder and Nick Dragotta has such a unique vibe even with so many things' fans may be familiar with. It's that familiarity that makes how different things are from Bruce Wayne's relationships to how the state of Gotham City is so much fun to discover. Where everything led to by the end created even greater excitement to read the next issue. Read Full Review
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8.5
Batman-News - Jackson Luken
Nov 13, 2024Absolute Batmancontinues to deliver on its promise of exciting action flavored with Scott Snyder's signature extreme style. More than that, however, it takes the time to build out its world and create a robust supporting cast, each with their own interesting twist on established formula. With its second issue, the series proves that it can keep the momentum from its dramatic debut going. Read Full Review
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8.0
Henchman-4-Hire - Sean Ian Mills
Nov 16, 2024Second issue holds up to the first, keeping the story going, while delivering its own crazy action and world-building. Read Full Review
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8.0
KPB Comics - Aun Haider
Mar 23, 2025Absolute Batman #2 takes time, but it's building something interesting. We dive deeper into Gotham's mess, and the conflicts brewing are seriously intriguing. Yeah, some lines might make you go, "Huh?" and a few scenes could've been tighter, but honestly, if you're a Batman fan looking for a fresh take, this is worth your time. Read Full Review
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7.0
Dark Knight News - Bryant Lucas
Nov 18, 2024Absolute Batman #2 fits the mold of a typical second issue. First issues often start with a bang, setting the stage with energy and excitement, while the second installment tends to pull back, laying groundwork for the story to come. For me, this issue is a bit of a mixed bag. Read Full Review
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6.5
Weird Science - Gabe Hernandez
Nov 13, 2024Absolute Batman #2is a mixed bag of an issue that doesn't match the energy and cool moments in issue #1. To Scott Snyder's credit, he fills in a lot of information quickly but in a manner that makes the comic readable, and Nick Dragotta's art is strong, but the issue feels at times overstuffed and unevenly paced. Plus, the Absolute Batmobile debut is both head-scratching and eye-rolling.6.5/10 Read Full Review
USER REVIEWS Back to Top
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10
*Gabe Hernandez should be fired out of a cannon, shot directly into the centre of the sun.
Upon his contact with the sun, the sun itself explodes - disintegrating Gabe Hernandez from being a comic book critic in this timeline and all others.
Perhaps there is a timeline in which Gabe Hernandez is not a joyless twat. He has the critical observation skills of a rodent with no eyes.
For all the great comics he has ruined with his shite, I feel he should be taken to task. Join me friends in slating him henceforth.
A bit of friendly banter we'll call it.
Batman turned up to 11.
How much more Bat? None. None more Bat.
For those disillusioned with the Zdarsky ru more+ Like • Comments (2)• Likes (5) -
10
It made my jaw drop and throw out explatives multiple times in 24 pages, it's awesome.
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10
The second issue of Absolute Batman continues the bold trajectory of the first, expanding upon the opening story arc. Snyder's writing demonstrates a deep understanding of Batman and a unique ability to reimagine the character. Dragotta's art continues to delight the eye.
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9.5
I was initially surprised to hear that Nick Dragotta would be the artist for this book; I just didn't see the vision. But holy cow, he has brought his A-game. I'm loving this series.
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9.5
The story continues in a brisk pace as Batman makes his presence known to his enemies and supporters. Snyder continues to color this new Gotham with various variations of iconic characters as new narrative possibilities begin to take root. Dragotta delivers a visual tour de force for one of the most unrelenting renditions of the dark knight I have ever seen. Mileage may vary but this is a bold and unapologetic take on a storied character and I am personally enjoying it.
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9.5
I have to say this book as some great lines to really characterize this Batman. My favourite is "Maybe that's what he is. All he is... one long advance forward." It paints an excellent picture of a relentless monster unstopping in his mission.
On another note, the Bat-Dumptruck instantly get this book a +1. Like that is one of the most epic vehicles I have ever seen Batman drive. If absolute Batman is just going to be bat-crap insane violence and action I am all for this. A different change of pace, yes but between the melting people in acid and the truck, this is... unique but still Batman enough to call him Batman. So much better than the mainline book. No competition. -
9.5
It is genuinely shocking how well this series is living up to its own hype so far. Some of Alfred's dialogue is a little silly, I found it hard to take the "Batman AF" line seriously, but this issue certainly has that Batman swagger down. This series is proof that the "go woke, go broke" crowd are talking out of their ass, too, I like Barbara in this and don't care what race she is. Martha being alive is super-interesting, too. Bad-ass action and I also really enjoyed Bruce's card game with his childhood friends - this world's Two-Face, Penguin, and Killer Croc. Very engaging series so far.
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9.0
Another masterclass from Snyder.
The action scenes in this comic are so badass! It's genuinely so cool!!
As for the story, it comes along very nicely so far. The pacing is great and we get a lot of exciting information about the story and this new world. I also really like how Harvey, Oz, Wilson and Nygma basically serve as Bruce's information network. It's awesome. -
9.0
Great second issue. Really enjoyed the poker scene and the moment between Jim and Martha. The pacing around the Batmobile reveal needed some fine tuning. However, the fight scenes were fantastic.
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9.0
well holy sh*t.
i am absolutely floored. Nick Dragotta's art is working really well for me in this issue (considering I was not really a fan of Nick Dragotta's art in Zeb Wells Spidey run). But the dialogue is bearable, the story moves at a tight well-pace, and the reimagined characters are a breath of fresh air. -
9.0
I'm enjoying this a lot, but if this was main continuity Batman I'm sure I'd feel differently. I like that it's a separate universe story.
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8.5
Snyder & Dragotta are Killing It!!! I really like the story. I like how new it feels, but also feels like Batman. The story is sound, and it feels like a Batman story. As I'm reading this, all I can see in my head is Alan Ritchman as Batman in this. Let's talk about the fantastic art as well. It works so well! I'll be going over this in my podcast, Lunchbreak Reviews," and probably talk about as much as I can.
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8.0
A bit of slower issue compared to the excitement from the debut, but the reveal of the new Batmobile might have been worth the cover price alone!
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8.0
Still enjoying this, but this was also a bit of a slower issue. A slower pace isn't automatically bad or anything, but you have to make it work. Furthermore, I didn't find Dragotta's art to be as good as it was in the first issue. Nonetheless, there's a good amount of interesting things going on, so, hopefully, the next issue sees things pick up a little bit.
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8.0
(Cover Date: January, 2025)
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8.0
Batman AF!
Snyder you clever devil. Nice word play. This was all about the brute force, at least the memorable parts of this episode. What do we actually learn about anyone? Well, let's see... Harvey works a city Hall, Ozwalt has some "atypical" business and Eddie is a tech wiz. I'm not entirely clear if they're in the know as far as Bruce being Batman.
Martha Wayne and Bruce Wayne drifted apart after Thomas Wayne was murdered. It's Joe Chill who murdered Thoman, and Bruce costs him in jail. That's quite a dynamic for Bruce.
Again, love the Mercenary Pennyworth archetype. But more than that, love that he's the narrator. He gets to expose the myth of the Batman to the readers from the POV of a highly trained and sk more -
7.0
Art: 3.5/5
Story: 3.5/5
Total: 7/10 -
6.0
"Batman AF" 😆
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5.0
Beating around the bush and wasting time
.Despite the artwork and mass sequences nothing goes correctly -
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2025 In Review:
