Normally, it’s a bit of a red light flashing when, four issues in, a title changes its main artist. Not so for Absolute Batman #4 from DC Comics, which switches out Nick Dragotta for Gabriel Hernández Walta for another blockbuster issue of this title, jumping back in time to give us the origin of Thicc Bruce.
Written by Scott Snyder, with a plot credited to Snyder and Dragotta, the previous three issues of “The Zoo” arc hinted at what went down the day Thomas Wayne was murdered. While we don’t see the act itself in this issue (thankfully), the book jumps backward and forward in time to depict a vital conversation between young Bruce and Thomas, the immediate aftermath at the trial of Joe Chill, and then walking us up to the beginning of Batman in this new, Absolute Universe.
As usual for Snyder’s writing, everything is ridiculously well-researched (if you’re looking for a plethora of bat facts to pull out at your next cocktail party for weirdos, look no further). But more importantly, all the choices fans made fun of when they initially saw this Swole Batman are retroactively justified here in a way that makes both logical and emotional sense. Bruce’s circumstances are different, so he becomes a different Batman than the one we know and love.
The key part here, though, is that it makes emotional sense. We see how the loss of Thomas — not Martha, who is still alive — led to the man Bruce Wayne is today. It’s heartbreaking, full of rage, and tightly ties a son’s love for his father to his eventual war on crime.
None of this would work, though, without Walta. Dragotta’s art is kinetic, Walta’s is softer and warmer and perfect for the story in this issue. Sure, Dragotta would have made it work, but having Walta’s rounder lines makes the whole endeavor feel more down to Earth and relatable. A lot of this issue is focused on Bruce as he goes through various emotions (love for his father, joy at discover, heartbreak, anger)… Walta excels at this sort of acting, though he acquits himself with aplomb as well in scenes of action.
The colors by Frank Martin, too, are muted, and reminiscent of the clear antecedent for this issue, Batman: Year One. Whereas previous issues have presented flashback sequences flattened, with almost a thin film removing them from our present reality, that’s gone here. It’s a gorgeously rendered book that shows this art team working at the height of their powers.
There’s an argument to be made that you can read this issue first, then go back and read Absolute Batman #1-#3. But that would defeat the “Batman AF” power of those first three issues. Jumping back now gives us a pause, and lets us understand Bruce better as he heads into a key decision for his future, and the future of Gotham City in the next issue.
Overall, this is another fantastic issue of this title that continues to explore and expand the mythology of the Absolute Universe. When are we getting Walta back for Absolute Batman: Year Two?
Absolute Batman #4 Rating:
Absolute Batman #4 Official Synopsis:
Absolute Batman has established himself as an extremely large force to be reckoned with. But how did he get to this point? How did he push himself? And how did the tragic events of his childhood, and the advice of his father, shape the man who he became… literally?
Guest artist Gabriel Hernández Walta joins for this essential origin issue of Absolute Batman to explore Bruce Wayne’s past, and his inevitable future to go BIGGER. Don’t miss this pivotal issue!
Comic Book Club Live Info:
Discover more from Comic Book Club
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
I enjoyed the issue, but really miss Dragotta’s art. Is this a permanent change or temporary?
Just temporary! They’re going to do some more fill-ins coming up every few issues, but Dragotta is the artist long-term.
Weird to see you praising the art. It absolutely ruined the issue for me. I will not buy another book drawn by Walta. Many people I know feel the same. He was a poor choice for this book.