Absolute Batman (2024-) #3

Absolute Batman (2024)

by Scott Snyder, Nick Dragotta (artist)

Batman and Alfred have formed a tentative alliance, but the Black Mask has some new friends too…and they’re coming to Gotham to wreak absolute havoc. Plus, discover the dark secret that will rock Bruce to his core and make him question everything…

Genres: Comics, Dc Comics, Batman, Comic Book, Graphic Novels, Superheroes, Graphic Novels Comics

Kindle Edition

Published December 18, 2024

About the author

Scott Snyder is the Eisner and Harvey Award winning writer on DC Comics Batman, Swamp Thing, and his original series for Vertigo, American Vampire. He is also the author of the short story collection, Voodoo Heart, published by the Dial Press in 2006. The paperback version was published in the summer of 2007.

Reviews

[Jadyn❀ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Black Mask is so unsettling. I hate him so much. That’s what makes him a great villain for a Batman you can’t help but root for.
I really like the community aspect they’re building for Bruce through his friend group. These characters we’ve mostly seen as villains for so long are reimagined as loyal friends who make valued contributions to Bruce’s life and Batman’s operations, whether they know it or not. The protection of Gotham is a team effort. Speaking of the friends, it was nice to see Selina in the flashback. I hope we get to see her again, maybe in current day.
And there’s the return of Julia Pennyworth. A great way to add emotional depth to an Alfred who hasn’t raised Bruce. Good stuff, interested to see where it leads.

[seana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Baby Bruce with his little gang is the cutest thing ever.

[Christian Schultheiss · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m still all in and excited for this series and even without a lot of action, the tension was delivered pretty well and the juxtaposition of the party animals and all the unique slightly different misfits of Gotham is just so very fun and you take that and mix it with a Bruce not necessarily as flush with cash as the normal Mr. Wayne and you’re in for a fresh yet familiar take on one of the most beloved action hero’s in a more real, gritty, and personal manner. The only one I’m really struggling to get behind character and design wise personally is black mask himself. He seems scary and unhinged but not in a fun way and of all his mask iterations this fish bowl one is the worst to me and makes taking him serious that much harder. He literally looks like regular shows Mr.Benson finally cracked and went to the dark side. 3.25/5

[Mia · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Baby Batcat is so cute, and I really enjoy Bruce relationship with his mom . Some characterization is corny.

[Stacy (Gotham City Librarian) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Still on board with everything Snyder is doing here. I love the relationship between young Bruce and the other characters, and I’m a big fan of how he’s writing Selina especially. This version of Batman started out with limited resources but still developed the skills necessary to fight crime. But Snyder is also showing why, when faced with an overwhelming threat, Batman may still need those resources. This whole run feels like a response to all the people with obnoxious criticisms about the character and why he operates the way he does. It’s so good!

[Jason D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

it’s strong and consistent

This book is why you come back to comics after countless overhyped crossovers. It’s what I like about books. Different takes on classic characters

[James DeSantis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty good but not great. It kind of borderline just okay at times. I think this Bruce isn't really clicking for me, cause the idea of him is so much better than the general plot around him. But overall still a fun read just not great like I hoped.

[Anna Quilter · Rating 3 out of 5]

still interesting to watch a non classic Batman..
but found #3 and #4 ...a bit of a letdown.

[Murphy C · Rating 4 out of 5]

7/22/25

[Raymond Paquette · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don’t believe that ending. Bruce is either up to something or will regret it. Otherwise this story has made Batman interesting again.

[Pranay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loving the story, the art and the new take on various characters.

[Christian M. T · Rating 4 out of 5]

This issue opens with its police chase in the Bat Tank scene that commenced in issue 2 which continues throughout this issue that keeps the intense pace up for the first part!
The art is immaculate here, which is brilliantly showcased in its choreography with narrow escapes, witty remarks and explosive moments that kept me on edge until its slightly humorous end!

We are treated to another interesting 'den' scene where batman meets a 'friend' and their new friend for help and advice. I enjoy these scenes, which again shows bruce working outside of the cowl with undesirables.

The flashback scene of young Bruce Wayne and Selina Kyle in the cinema watching Zorro is a sweet moment that shows us their shared history and his early connection to Selina. The subtle interplay of innocence and foreshadowing gives the scene some emotional weight that seems to be slowly approaching the 'Zoo scene'....

Onto issue #4

[Shreyas · Rating 3 out of 5]

Black Mask is scary and totally unhinged. I also love how the villains we know from the original continuity are part of Bruce's inner circle in this iteration. Bruce's interactions with Selina during his childhood was cute. I love the dynamic within this small yet close-knit circle of friends. Alfred is badass, and we get a twist in his origins, considering he hasn't raised Bruce in this world. Alfred being a secret operative was a totally badass decision, in my opinion. This book was the weakest of the arc so far, but it doesn't bother me much considering it is the middle book of the arc and does a lot of setup for the oncoming conclusion.

[Frank · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whenever I read Batman comics I try to read with Kevin Conroy’s voice in mind, but it doesn’t seem to fit this version of Bruce. He’s has certain speech patterns and casual conversations with friends that just don’t align with the Conroy Batman in my mind. I think this issue solidified the voice sounding more like a Steve Blum; for whatever reason that’s where my head went

We’ll have to see where his self-made self goes after the end of this issue.

[Keegan Schueler · Rating 4 out of 5]

More of a setup issue compared to the others but really enjoyed the opening action and diving more into what the villain is trying to accomplish. This version of Batman is also continuing to evolve in the serious as his past is more explored and new decisions have to be made which is carrying this series as a whole.

[Marcus · Rating 3 out of 5]

Still pretty solid, this issue continues the worldbuilding of issue 2 with Bruce still struggling to find the edge against Black Mask and his own doubts. I’m enjoying the series but Bruce himself….this version isn’t quite clicking with me yet though so far the monologues and inner thoughts have been from Alfred’s perspective so maybe that plays a part in the disconnect.

[Corbett Hoxland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Worth the time and read

It's real. Not this crazy alien invasion, super Hi-Tech army, just real people doing really bad things and those trying to stop them. Love the new direction, sorely needed for readers born in the last 30years and about someone struggling to find their way
Great job folks

[Arch Joseph · Rating 5 out of 5]

No pun intended, but this is ABSOLUTELY SPECTACULAR so far.

Watching the plot grow into how Bruce will become a rich @$$ superhero vigilante?!?! This is an amazing variant on such an iconic character. Even the consistent call backs to his childhood is done expertly.

Cannot wait to read more!!!

[Derrick McCall · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Eyes ahead."

The tweaks to Batman lore from Scott Snyder is something that'll always have my trust. Issue three is no exception. Beautifully drawn and filled to the brim with love, Snyder really loves and cares for these characters that never feels manufactured.

And every issue is just filled to the max with the absolutely coolest shit. The next issue cannot come soon enough.

[Mikey Baker · Rating 4 out of 5]

a bit slower than the first two, but clearly setting up for something big. black mask establishing himself as a strong enemy for Batman, and the threat of what Arkham could do as a private institution is interesting

[Joe Riley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good comic it was so heartwarming to see Bruce with all his friends after his father’s death. I thought it was another great edition to my, now 121 DC comics strong, collection. I hope Absolute Batman continues to be such a good comic.

[Drstache33 . · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't wait for more of this series omg

[Kurtis · Rating 3 out of 5]

pretty uneventful

[Bennett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loving this take on Batman. Super new and fresh, and I eat up every scene with his friends. Really hoping this continues beyond the one volume planned.

[Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

love it one of my favorite series so far

[Eric · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great issue, i wonder where its going to lead, the showdown between batman and the leader of the party animals is approaching and its so good.

[Nikhil Math]

I love where this comic is going. It is going to be my new special interest, I just know it.

[BRAMBILLA SIMONE · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Ti si sono aperti gli occhi, Bruce? Cominci a mettere insieme le tessere?"

[Carter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shaping up to be a truly original take on Batman. Loving this more and more.

[Jose Cortés · Rating 5 out of 5]

Menudo pasote. Es totalmente mi mierda. Dadme más de esto. Lo estoy disfrutando muchísimo