DC Comics reviews 9/23/26 – JLU 23, Absolute Batman 24
Absolute Batman 24
This issue marks a major advancement on several subplots. Slade Wilson and his Robins are reeling from the death of Tim Drake, but Slade is already preparing them to get some payback on Batman.
Bruce Wayne is likewise reeling from Scarecrow framing him for the murder, which has effectively turned the citizens of Gotham against him just as Batman was starting to make an impact on the city. It’s all in service for Jack Grimm aka the Absolute Joker, who is seeing all of his chaotic plans coming together perfectly.
Scarecrow’s actions might have ran Bruce out of Gotham and Martha Wayne isn’t dismayed at the thought of her son actually getting a chance to lead a real life. Writer Scott Snyder returns to a lingering cliffhanger from Absolute Batman 18 assuaging any concerns that he’d forgotten to address Martha’s confrontation with the Court of Owls. Meanwhile, Barbara Gordon is following Bruce’s notes as she prepares to join the fight to save Gotham alongside him as Batgirl.
Naturally, Batman opts not to retreat and has his rematch with Scarecrow on his terms instead of being ambushed like his previous run-ins. Artist Nick Dragotta does a fantastic job making Scarecrow look every bit as nightmarish as he should in this title whether in his psychotic grinning portrait or his true form.
Dragotta’s art is a vital part of this unique take of Batman and his rogues and he continues to nail the distinct visuals in every issue. It’s basically Batman in a world of fantasy monsters and Dragotta still manages to make it feel like it fits in this grim, grounded world Snyder envisioned. Colorist Frank Martin is always dialed in on the eerie mood required for the title, which somehow he even translates to a bright sunny cornfield. Letterer Tom Napolitano gets very creative with the sound effect fonts and making Scarecrow’s dialogue look as creepy as possible.
Absolute Batman 24 delivers big time on the action, some key reveals and wonderfully sets up next issue’s big milestone confrontation of Absolute Batman vs. Absolute Joker.
Rating: 9.5 out of 10