I'm so conflicted on this issue.
On one hand, I love everything. Writing, art and Bane's backstory is being told.
On the other hand, it feels like we are going back to Snyder being himself. And I hope he can keep it in check, because this was already going on a bit too much with how violent it wanted to be. Sure, it's Absolute line, sure the book has been violent before, but this time it felt a bit unnecessary?
I don't know, like I said, I'm conflicted. Because on it's own, I like it a lot. But I've read Snyder's writing for 10 years now. And this seems like a sign that we might go overboard with the violence. It fits with the series, but I hope the team can keep it in check.
I have same feelings with Mann's art. At times, it feels wonderful and very fitting. But on other, I am so used to Dragotta's art and how it fits this series, so that Mann's art felt like a different world. He draws Bruce in such different way that it might seem like a completely another character from another universe.
But these are small problems in the end. I am not sure how to feel on the cop out. It makes sense to actually see what is Bane's endgoal and not just have him say "I will break you". But it also felt like waste because so much time is focused on that.
I don't know. I get why this issue can work for so many people and I can see that. But I also feel conflicted. more
By: Scott Snyder, Clay Mann
Released: Aug 20, 2025
Learn the origin of Bane! What drives the muscle-bound behemoth, and how did he arrive in Gotham?