Much has been made of superhero comics becoming too political in recent years. This ignores the better part of American comic history, like how Captain America was punching Nazis before the United States joined World War II. The opening story of Absolute Batman 2025 Annual #1 seems to have been written specifically to annoy those who complain about comics discussing current events. However, regardless of how one feels about it, this volatile story only serves to make what follows pale in comparison.
Written and drawn by Daniel Warren Johnson and Mike Spicer, the opening story is set in the early days of Absolute Batman’s vigil. Bruce Wayne heads outside of Gotham to purchase weapons at a shop where no questions will be asked. However, when he sees several masked men with Neo-Nazi tattoos harassing a Hispanic man and his son, he steps in.
This proves to be a mistake. The only thing that saves him is a local priest, Father Peters, throwing himself between Bruce and his assailants. This sets the stage for a brutal brawl, as the young vigilante learns of the local racists planning to attack a homeless encampment alongside the local police.
Absolute Batman 2025 Annual reveals a major Dark Knight turning point
Beyond the timely message about bigotry hiding behind a mask of authority, Johnson’s story delivers a powerful moment. One that comes to define the Absolute Batman character. The artwork in this story is fluid and brutal, evoking the Batman comics of the early 1990s.
This first story is a hard act to follow. Unfortunately, the other stories in Absolute Batman 2025 Annual #1 don’t measure up. The middle chapter, ‘Sanctuary’ by James Harren and Dave Stewart, centers around Bruce Wayne’s first encounter with the followers of the Absolute Universe version of Black Mask. The story and art are both serviceable, and the action well-blocked. However, there’s nothing to really make it stand out as an Absolute Batman story beyond the costume designs.
The final story, ‘Let’s Learn About Bats’ by Meredith McClaren is notable for being unique. The story juxtaposes educational images from the bat-house of the Gotham City zoo against images of Absolute Batman in action. This subtly defines the character without a bit of dialogue.
All in all, Absolute Batman 2025 Annual #1 is not a bad book. It is uneven, however, with an opening act that steals the show. This book is certainly likely to provoke conversation, if not controversy, in any case.
Grade: 7/10
Absolute Batman 2025 Annual #1 is now available at comic shops everywhere.
