Weird Science DC Comics: Absolute Batman #10 Review

First Impressions

Absolute Batman #10 from DC Comics is a visceral journey into the physical and psychological torment of Bruce Wayne, showcasing his incredible resilience against overwhelming odds. The sheer brutality of his containment and his ingenious methods of escape leave a lasting impression, highlighting the character’s unwavering will.

Recap

In the previous issue, Absolute Batman #9, Batman infiltrated the subterranean labs of the Ark-M facility to find a vast network of labs and prison cells, designed to subject prisoners to horrific experiments. Before Batman could leave with enough evidence to shut the place down, he was confronted and brutally beaten by Bane.

Plot Analysis

The issue opens with Martha Wayne expressing her deep concern for her son, Bruce, to Jim, as a doctor’s log details the arrival of Test Subject 27 (Bruce Wayne). Bruce, measuring 6’9″ and weighing 421 pounds, required six staff members to carry him in, resulting in one back injury. His “costume” triggered booby traps upon removal, causing numerous injuries to staff, and scans revealed more hidden contraband after he was stripped. The confiscated items included various pellets (tear gas, acid, explosive, sedative, hallucinogenic), a full lockpick kit, blow darts, finger blades, knuckle blades, toe blades, push daggers, French daggers, throwing shuriken, and a collapsible spiked war-club. Bruce remains heavily sedated, expected to be incapacitated for at least 48 hours.

Days later, Subject 27 escapes his environment, with initial visuals placing him in the southwest complex, possibly en route to the K.L.A.Y. biome. He is later apprehended by “the prime” (Bane) and returned for infirmary stay. A 45-day report on Subject 27 indicates that after recovering from his encounter with the prime, he remained combative, clearing guano from the floor and maintaining his environment. However, by twenty days in, he became docile and despondent, refusing to eat by thirty days, necessitating a feeding tube. Staff diagnose him as having fallen into “total submission”.

The doctor’s log is updated again, revealing that Subject 27’s docility was a performance. He extracted his own teeth for manual combat and adjusted his feeding tube to access stomach acid. Most impressively, he created a highly flammable compound, similar to gunpowder, by collecting guano and urinating on it for weeks. This compound was then used to explode his cell. He escapes again, forcing the staff to try and re-apprehend him.

The issue culminates in a confrontation where Batman, now in a powerful, armored suit, faces off against the monstrous, mutated Waylon “Killer Croc” Jones, who is revealed to be a friend of Bruce Wayne in this universe. Batman tries to communicate with him, and their interaction hints at a shared understanding of pain and survival. The final pages show the continuing challenges and transformations within this dark “All In” saga.

Detailed Review

Writing

The writing in Absolute Batman #10 is sharp and impactful, immediately drawing the reader into the grim reality of Bruce Wayne’s captivity. The clinical, detached tone of the “Doctor’s Log” entriesstarkly contrasts with the visceral descriptions of Bruce’s torment and resilience, creating a compelling narrative. The dialogue, though sparse in certain sections, effectively conveys the emotional weight of Martha’s concernand the defiant spirit of Bruce. The plot twists, particularly Bruce’s feigned submission and his inventive escape methods, are genuinely surprising and well-executed, showcasing his strategic genius even in dire circumstances. The pacing is excellent, with each “Doctor’s Log” entry moving the story forward while building suspense. The introduction of Waylon Jones as a mutated, yet still recognizable, friend of Bruce adds a layer of complexity to the narrative, hinting at deeper connections within this dark universe.

Art

The art by Nick Dragotta and Frank Martin is a standout feature of Absolute Batman #10, perfectly complementing the gritty and brutal narrative. The character designs, especially of the heavily mutated Bane and the imposing figure of Subject 27, are impactful and convey a sense of raw power and pain. The use of stark lighting and shadows enhances the oppressive atmosphere of Bruce’s confinement. The action sequences, though few, are dynamic and fluid, particularly Bruce’s escapes and his final confrontation with Killer Croc. The detailed rendering of injuries and the various items confiscated from Bruce contribute to the realism and brutality of his situation. The colors, muted and often dark, enhance the grim tone, while bursts of color are used effectively to highlight key moments.

Characters

The characterization in this issue is strong, even with limited dialogue for Bruce Wayne for much of the comic. Bruce’s unwavering will and strategic mind are powerfully conveyed through his actions and the “Doctor’s Log” entries detailing his resistance and escape attempts. Martha Wayne’s concern provides an emotional anchor. Bane, as “the prime,” is established as a formidable antagonist, and his brief interaction with Bruce underscores their complex relationship. The brief appearance of Waylon Jones, mutated but still a friend, adds depth to Batman’s world, suggesting that even in this grim reality, there are still bonds that transcend monstrous transformations.

Positives

The comic excels in its unflinching portrayal of Bruce Wayne’s resilience, showcasing his extraordinary ability to adapt and overcome even when stripped of everything. The detailed and gruesome descriptions of his self-inflicted injuries for escape, and his innovative use of bodily waste to create explosives, highlight a brutal ingenuity that is both shocking and impressive. The art perfectly captures the dark and oppressive atmosphere, making the reader truly feel the weight of Bruce’s suffering and his desperate fight for freedom. The revelation that Waylon Jones is a mutated friend, rather than just another monster, adds an unexpected emotional layer to the narrative, enriching the world and suggesting deeper connections amidst the chaos.

Negatives

While the issue is largely compelling, some readers might find the extreme nature of Bruce’s self-mutilation and the graphic descriptions of his bodily functions to be overly gratuitous, potentially detracting from the narrative for those sensitive to such content. Additionally, the narrative’s reliance on the “Doctor’s Log” for exposition, while effective, sometimes distances the reader from direct emotional engagement with Bruce’s internal struggles, presenting them more as clinical observations than lived experiences.

About The Reviewer: Gabriel Hernandez is the Publisher & EIC of ComicalOpinions.com, a comics review site dedicated to indie, small, and mid-sized publishers.

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Final Thoughts

Absolute Batman #10 is a triumph in its raw portrayal of survival and indomitable will. The writing is sharp, the art is visceral, and the characterizations are potent. It’s a dark, compelling read that redefines the limits of Batman’s endurance.

9.5/10