Written by Tanner Stein
Absolute Batman #21 hits the ground running, continuing the thrilling Straw Man arc. Writer Scott Snyder and artist Nick Dragotta return, and readers are treated to everything they could want from a Batman comic and more.
The issue begins with Bruce continuing the fight against the Robins, who have been sent to take down Batman. The action in this story has been amazing, and that is no different here. Each Robin, sporting their ginormous mech suits, fights uniquely, allowing for some great banter between the characters. While Jason Todd, Stephanie Brown, Duke Thomas, and Tim Drake all get their moments, this fight really solidifies Dick Grayson as the standout amongst the group. For the Robins, being a hero is about taking down Batman, but for Dick, it’s about protecting Gotham.
Dragotta’s large set pieces help to show the destruction that this battle wreaks, leaving a section of Gotham crumbled to the ground. This fight shows off the fighting style of Absolute Batman, one that differs from his mainline counterpart. Using his entire suit to his advantage, his chest logo hammer is on full display, along with his weaponized cape, allowing some brutal attacks against the giant mechanical suits.
While the beginning fight scene jumps in hot, the rest of the story allows for some calmer check-ins on the rest of the characters. The aftermath of Jim Gordon’s death has left a stain on Gotham, leaving his daughter Barbara at the forefront. Absolute Batman #21 allows for some great character moments, some of which occur at Jim Gordon’s funeral. The people of Gotham aren’t blinded by the light that the Robins bring, and many, including Barbara, see through the cracks.
The funeral gives us a moment to step back into the lives of Bruce’s closest friends, who, after Bane mutilated them, turned into more sinister versions of themselves. Oswald Cobblepot has fully taken up his mantle as “The Penguin,” as we see flashbacks of him massacring opposing gang members. Bruce’s other friends include Harvey Dent, aka “Two-Face”, who is slowly starting to succumb to the madness. Still holding out hope are Edward Nygma, aka “The Riddler,” and Waylon Jones, aka “Killer Croc.” They are all slowly closing in on their more villainous side, meaning it’s only a matter of time till they’ll need to decide whether they are with Batman or against him.
The best moments of Absolute Batman #21 come right at the end. In only four pages, Bruce is finally introduced to the madman behind it all, Jack Grimm. Snyder and Dragotta are firing on all cylinders during this interaction. Grimm, aka “The Joker,” finally reveals himself, leading to an instant breakdown from Bruce. Dragotta’s design for The Joker is one of the most unique takes on the character. The quiet demeanor of Jack Grimm, juxtaposed with the loud and terrifying look of the Joker, makes this version an instant classic. The issue ends with teasing another iconic Batman villain for Bruce to fight.
Absolute Batman #21 has everything that you want from an amazing Batman comic. Huge action, deep character moments, and incredible reveals all packaged into a tight 20 pages. Snyder’s setup for the rest of The Straw Man arc leaves readers instantly wanting more, while still helping to build an overarching great story.
