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Absolute Batman (2024)
Absolute Batman (2024-) #8
Batman is in the fight for his life against this icy new threat. But in the end, what terrifying truth will be unearthed about Ark M and…Joker?
Kindle Edition
Published May 14, 2025
99 people are currently reading
153 people want to read
About the author
Scott Snyder
1,779 books5,119 followersScott 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 114 reviews
September 22, 2025
They really reinvented Mr. Freeze by removing the bulk armor and freeze gun and giving him the manic agility of a Mr. Zsasz with that crazy man strength.
It's a treat to see Marcos Martin work on a character from DC or Marvel. Even if its just a two-part arc Martin makes the most of it to remind readers that he's still a creative force, continuing the solid run of excellent Absolute Batman issues.
It's a treat to see Marcos Martin work on a character from DC or Marvel. Even if its just a two-part arc Martin makes the most of it to remind readers that he's still a creative force, continuing the solid run of excellent Absolute Batman issues.
May 14, 2025
Batman Absolute issue 8 remains a strong read, delivering intense visuals and some truly kickass fight sequences. It's also a welcome moment to see Bruce acknowledge his need for help. However, the absolute standout is that final page, which masterfully sets the stage for Bane's arrival and hints at the even more horrific challenges Bruce will face.
September 28, 2025
ABSOLUTE ZERO
" but the ice isn't salvation..it's the memory of what we want to forget...it's vengeance"
an interesting arc...that maybe could have been expanded?
" but the ice isn't salvation..it's the memory of what we want to forget...it's vengeance"
an interesting arc...that maybe could have been expanded?
December 24, 2025
Bruce is almost turned into a frozen zombie by Doctor Freeze but he manages to escape. His friends forgive him for keeping Batman a secret, but scold him for being reckless with his life. Some guys capture Waylon and take him to Ark-M.
Marcos Martins art her is very refreshing, too bad he’ll only be handling it for two issues, I heard things start getting really dark when Bane shows up, which starts in the next issue. Can’t wait.
Marcos Martins art her is very refreshing, too bad he’ll only be handling it for two issues, I heard things start getting really dark when Bane shows up, which starts in the next issue. Can’t wait.
May 22, 2025
Just finished Absolute Batman #8 was solid, but the Mr. Freeze arc wasn’t my favorite - cool moments, but just okay overall. Batman pushing through the pain and the strained team dynamics keep it interesting, though. Looking forward to Bane stepping in next!
July 31, 2025
More and more I am delighted with this reinterpretation of facts. Dr Fries's design is disturbing, it reminds you of the look of The offspring alien, in the film Alien Romulus, or the frightening design of The Crow in the Skinning The Wolves comic.
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July 30, 2025This just keeps getting darker and darker, and wow. It is starting to be a horror comic book. like genuine horror. I guess that is how batman should be protrayed as though...
May 15, 2025
Good issue and I think it is better than seven with the way it ties in things with Bruce’s friends with the past. The Mr. Freeze arc could’ve been an issue longer but the way they are setting up Ark M and Bane for the next arc it will most likely be heavily tied to these issues.
September 27, 2025
9/26/25
Pretty damn cool... pretty damn cool.
Pretty damn cool... pretty damn cool.
December 10, 2025
One of the most powerful, if not the most powerful, elements of this arc is Bruce’s relationship with his friends. Watching them finally confront him, telling him outright that he’s intentionally throwing himself into suicide missions because he wants to die like his father, is absolutely heartbreaking.
The moment they explain that Thomas Wayne’s death wasn’t what made him a hero, but that it was his choice to act and to protect others from the shooter, was incredibly impactful. That, they argue, is what Batman should be. This version of Bruce is clearly carrying an enormous amount of demons, and his personal journey feels exciting and deeply emotional all at once.
It’s also so refreshing to see a younger Bruce who is still undeniably Batman, yet has strong, genuine relationships with the people around him.
Also, I thought last issue’s cliffhanger was wild, but this issue’s surprise involving Waylon? Yeah. I think we all know where this is heading. And I absolutely cannot wait.
The moment they explain that Thomas Wayne’s death wasn’t what made him a hero, but that it was his choice to act and to protect others from the shooter, was incredibly impactful. That, they argue, is what Batman should be. This version of Bruce is clearly carrying an enormous amount of demons, and his personal journey feels exciting and deeply emotional all at once.
It’s also so refreshing to see a younger Bruce who is still undeniably Batman, yet has strong, genuine relationships with the people around him.
Also, I thought last issue’s cliffhanger was wild, but this issue’s surprise involving Waylon? Yeah. I think we all know where this is heading. And I absolutely cannot wait.
July 12, 2025
I liked this one—it’s action-packed. Batman gets captured by a mutated Mr. Freeze in Arkham and is forced to relive painful memories while frozen. He manages to escape, takes on Freeze in a brutal fight, and discovers he's been using people like puppets. The issue ends on a tense cliffhanger: Bruce finds out his friend Waylon has been kidnapped.
October 18, 2025
Excited to see where this series leads. It’s weird seeing Batman so young yet so chungus but I also don’t dislike it. He even has a Spawn cape! Would def watch as an animated series for sure too. Time for Bane next
May 15, 2025
I’ll be real absolute Batman isn’t my favorite of the absolutes but it’s not bad. I like the route they’re taking with some of the characters.
I like this issue has Bruce choosing to keep fighting and find a way back to life. That was good.
I like this issue has Bruce choosing to keep fighting and find a way back to life. That was good.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 21, 2025
The weakest issue so far.
September 30, 2025
Va cada vez mejor. Cada vez más bruto
November 4, 2025
Never thought Mr. Freeze could be this creepy, and unsettling. Also that tease at the end! I'm excited and scared.
November 29, 2025
Really dives into the importance of being vulnerable
Great 2 issue story arc
Amazing
Great 2 issue story arc
Amazing
September 26, 2025
Reallyyyyyyy enjoyed this one, although I did feel a little bit disorientated by the two storylines being told at once.
May 12, 2025
Huge shout out to my comic store for giving this to me early! Absolute Batman more like ABSOLUTE PEAK
May 25, 2025
MR FREEZE IS SCARY IN THIS 😭😭😭
August 23, 2025
"Then LIVE."
An odd book. Will this carry over into the Bane arc? Will I see more of Victor Jr.? This one just seemed to end without wrapping what happened within. Art still wasn't my favorite but it really grew on me.
Overall, liked it, cannot wait for Bane.
An odd book. Will this carry over into the Bane arc? Will I see more of Victor Jr.? This one just seemed to end without wrapping what happened within. Art still wasn't my favorite but it really grew on me.
Overall, liked it, cannot wait for Bane.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 16, 2025
Absolutely chilling. This was such a solid issue and Mr Freeze continues to stay one of the most horrific characters in this universe. He just hurts to look at. With the memories of the conversation Bruce had with his friends at matches memorial, before coming to face Mr freeze, still racking through his mind. We see as this issue unfolds during the present and the past. Bruce wake up in this issue to find that Freeze has dragged him and stuck him in a cry pod, all while being surrounded by the tons of other wealthy socialites that froze themselves to escape the present and flee to a better future. But here’s the thing, according to freeze it isn’t salvation…but vengeance creeping up on every bad thought they’ve ever had. They stay awake and alive the entire time…in utter agony…and Bruce is about to join them.
As all k the worst thoughts of agony flood Bruce’s mind as the chamber begins to fill up and lower his body temp, we are also brought back to that argument with his friends as we see Bruce and Waylon get into a full on fight. Waylon sees him as a coward, they know how he jumped onto black mask’s boat without a way out…it was a suicide mission and they can’t just accept that. And as we see Bruce fighting with everything to deploy the weapon in his cast and break free before he is frozen, we also learn at the memorial the horrific theory that a lot of us had…just like Bruce blamed himself for winning the class trip to the zoo…Matches blamed himself for Thomas death because he was the last one to the door and Thomas had to run out to get him. Turns out that kid in the first issue really was him, and it ate him up inside…and Waylon and the others refuse to see that happen to Bruce.
As Bruce is able to deploy the mini batarang and break free from the containment, we see Freeze is at his control center in contact with someone. Seems that not only is the recent snowfall his doing, but he also introduced a modified ancient bacteria that also someone uploads the genetic data of whoever it touches to his boss. I’m not sure who he is working for, but he basically handed a kill switch for over 92% of Gotham city. But as freeze is assuring his boss that no one will coming knocking for Malone’s death…Batman crashes down the door in full gear. Batman is still recovering from being almost frozen and can’t show it at all, but he has come equipped with a flame thrower accessory on his arm!! Genuinely so satisfying to see that blue freak get a face full of hot flames. Unfortunately Batman still has to control himself and keep his distance, so when the blue freak does quickly move in and slam Batman through a wall…he barely had a chance to react. With Batman in the wall, this gives Freeze a chance to activate a secret weapon of his. He then goes over to the control panel and opens up all the other containment units for the other frozen people, activating them like his own personal frozen army. As they slither out from the darkness and pounce on Batman, their frozen bodies fall apart to his fists but there overwhelming numbers being to take Batman down. At the same time we flash back to the memorial as Waylon asks Bruce if he wants to die. He then brings up Thomas, “he didn’t want to die and it wasn’t his death that made him a hero. You hear me? It was his life.” At Waylon throws down a lit match, the world around them lights up as a beautiful memorial to matches is finally seen through the darkness. Waylon continues to say that the hard part is not letting everything get to you, they are all survivors and Batman needs to be one too. So Batman here’s the question: “do you want to die?” This question echoes through Bruce’s head as the frozen bodies pull him down, but his answer is louder: “NO!” Bruce is able to knock the frozen army off of him, and then run to the hole in the wall to break out of the building and get away. It’s been amazing the entire time, but the art in this issue is amazing at this moment. Especially the vibrant use of colors, I love it so much. Immediately upon getting out Bruce tries to call Waylon and once he gets to his voicemail he immediately warns him about something in the snow and to get the others. Unfortunately as the issue comes to an end we find out why Waylon doesn’t pick up, and why he doesn’t hear Bruce say thank you for everything he told him. We see as Waylon gets back to his gym…only for a few men in suits to approach him then chloroform him. They proceeded to take a dna sample and claim that he is the perfect specimen and to “take him to ARK M.” YOU’VE GOT TO BE KIDDING ME?! NO!!!! I swear if they are doing generic experiments, UGH. He doesn’t deserve this!!
As all k the worst thoughts of agony flood Bruce’s mind as the chamber begins to fill up and lower his body temp, we are also brought back to that argument with his friends as we see Bruce and Waylon get into a full on fight. Waylon sees him as a coward, they know how he jumped onto black mask’s boat without a way out…it was a suicide mission and they can’t just accept that. And as we see Bruce fighting with everything to deploy the weapon in his cast and break free before he is frozen, we also learn at the memorial the horrific theory that a lot of us had…just like Bruce blamed himself for winning the class trip to the zoo…Matches blamed himself for Thomas death because he was the last one to the door and Thomas had to run out to get him. Turns out that kid in the first issue really was him, and it ate him up inside…and Waylon and the others refuse to see that happen to Bruce.
As Bruce is able to deploy the mini batarang and break free from the containment, we see Freeze is at his control center in contact with someone. Seems that not only is the recent snowfall his doing, but he also introduced a modified ancient bacteria that also someone uploads the genetic data of whoever it touches to his boss. I’m not sure who he is working for, but he basically handed a kill switch for over 92% of Gotham city. But as freeze is assuring his boss that no one will coming knocking for Malone’s death…Batman crashes down the door in full gear. Batman is still recovering from being almost frozen and can’t show it at all, but he has come equipped with a flame thrower accessory on his arm!! Genuinely so satisfying to see that blue freak get a face full of hot flames. Unfortunately Batman still has to control himself and keep his distance, so when the blue freak does quickly move in and slam Batman through a wall…he barely had a chance to react. With Batman in the wall, this gives Freeze a chance to activate a secret weapon of his. He then goes over to the control panel and opens up all the other containment units for the other frozen people, activating them like his own personal frozen army. As they slither out from the darkness and pounce on Batman, their frozen bodies fall apart to his fists but there overwhelming numbers being to take Batman down. At the same time we flash back to the memorial as Waylon asks Bruce if he wants to die. He then brings up Thomas, “he didn’t want to die and it wasn’t his death that made him a hero. You hear me? It was his life.” At Waylon throws down a lit match, the world around them lights up as a beautiful memorial to matches is finally seen through the darkness. Waylon continues to say that the hard part is not letting everything get to you, they are all survivors and Batman needs to be one too. So Batman here’s the question: “do you want to die?” This question echoes through Bruce’s head as the frozen bodies pull him down, but his answer is louder: “NO!” Bruce is able to knock the frozen army off of him, and then run to the hole in the wall to break out of the building and get away. It’s been amazing the entire time, but the art in this issue is amazing at this moment. Especially the vibrant use of colors, I love it so much. Immediately upon getting out Bruce tries to call Waylon and once he gets to his voicemail he immediately warns him about something in the snow and to get the others. Unfortunately as the issue comes to an end we find out why Waylon doesn’t pick up, and why he doesn’t hear Bruce say thank you for everything he told him. We see as Waylon gets back to his gym…only for a few men in suits to approach him then chloroform him. They proceeded to take a dna sample and claim that he is the perfect specimen and to “take him to ARK M.” YOU’VE GOT TO BE KIDDING ME?! NO!!!! I swear if they are doing generic experiments, UGH. He doesn’t deserve this!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 3, 2025
Following immediately on from part 1 of 'Absolute Zero' we see Bruce and his 'friends' memorial gathering turn confrontational with one of them whislt they try to put the past into persepective These scenes are spliced into the ongoing action with Batman falling into an unexpected trap during his in investigation, chaos ensuing, and a revelation realised that may mean doom for all the people of Gotham.
Meaningful character development for Bruce and his 'friends' during the memorial scenes are the standout as they provide more insight into the events of the 'Zoo incidnet'.
The action here is great, though, and see Batman in a more vulnerable but precise foghter this time around none of the outright murderous brutality he has shown the party animals.... maybe here, Batman emphasizes with the villain's quest to save his parents. Though this may be the last we see of this villain for a while.
I'm really loving the colour palate for this arc that really does work well with the fight scenes.. the use of the bold typography creates a certain heft and weight to the hits given and sustained by Batman.
Meaningful character development for Bruce and his 'friends' during the memorial scenes are the standout as they provide more insight into the events of the 'Zoo incidnet'.
The action here is great, though, and see Batman in a more vulnerable but precise foghter this time around none of the outright murderous brutality he has shown the party animals.... maybe here, Batman emphasizes with the villain's quest to save his parents. Though this may be the last we see of this villain for a while.
I'm really loving the colour palate for this arc that really does work well with the fight scenes.. the use of the bold typography creates a certain heft and weight to the hits given and sustained by Batman.
June 30, 2025
Maaaan, this issue was cold. No pun intended, but it happened so enjoy it.
In this issue, we’re back with Bruce on his mission to find out what happened to his late friend, Matches, in the last issue. He stumbles upon a cryolab that seems to have some have some tie-in to the illness that affected Matches. In this search, Bruce comes across what seems to be the Absolute version of an early Mr. Freeze, who gets ahold of Bruce and tries to put him on ice.
During these moments, Bruce is remembering a meeting he is having with his old group of friends that found out about his Batman persona, and are reminding him that the goal is to fight and LIVE. Just as his father was trying to do before his untimely end.
Without delving into too much, this issue is a nice little breakaway point to move on the storyline for Bruce in his Absolute variant. Nothing crazy in this issue combat wise, but the story arc in it definitely picks up the slack.
An easy 4.2/5 star issue, just not as thrilling as it could’ve been. But that may be due to me taking a long hiatus from reading these.
In this issue, we’re back with Bruce on his mission to find out what happened to his late friend, Matches, in the last issue. He stumbles upon a cryolab that seems to have some have some tie-in to the illness that affected Matches. In this search, Bruce comes across what seems to be the Absolute version of an early Mr. Freeze, who gets ahold of Bruce and tries to put him on ice.
During these moments, Bruce is remembering a meeting he is having with his old group of friends that found out about his Batman persona, and are reminding him that the goal is to fight and LIVE. Just as his father was trying to do before his untimely end.
Without delving into too much, this issue is a nice little breakaway point to move on the storyline for Bruce in his Absolute variant. Nothing crazy in this issue combat wise, but the story arc in it definitely picks up the slack.
An easy 4.2/5 star issue, just not as thrilling as it could’ve been. But that may be due to me taking a long hiatus from reading these.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 9, 2025
In this comic, Bruce battles within himself the reason why he is Batman. He and Waylon, mostly, get real.
Bruce went on a suicide mission to stop black mask and now that has his friends questioning what his plans are. Does he not care about dying? So the comic tackles the issue of why he’s Batman.
Apparently, Bruce and matches both blame themselves for the death of his father. Matches blames himself for being the last kid to enter the bat enclosure which forced Bruce’s dad to go out and get him, which caused him to die. Bruce blames himself because they were at the zoo BECAUSE of winning some contest. So Bruce was being Batman, just like his father.
His father defended the kids even tho he knew it meant death. Likewise, Bruce is defending Gotham without caring if he lives. So Waylon here tells him that his father was a hero because of the life he led. So he’s telling Bruce stop trying to be a martyr and start being like how his father led his life: being an inspiration to others. Wanting to live !
Who was Victor talking to?
AND BATMAN LOST !
Bruce went on a suicide mission to stop black mask and now that has his friends questioning what his plans are. Does he not care about dying? So the comic tackles the issue of why he’s Batman.
Apparently, Bruce and matches both blame themselves for the death of his father. Matches blames himself for being the last kid to enter the bat enclosure which forced Bruce’s dad to go out and get him, which caused him to die. Bruce blames himself because they were at the zoo BECAUSE of winning some contest. So Bruce was being Batman, just like his father.
His father defended the kids even tho he knew it meant death. Likewise, Bruce is defending Gotham without caring if he lives. So Waylon here tells him that his father was a hero because of the life he led. So he’s telling Bruce stop trying to be a martyr and start being like how his father led his life: being an inspiration to others. Wanting to live !
Who was Victor talking to?
AND BATMAN LOST !
October 14, 2025
Another fantastic issue! Every time I think this series can’t keep topping itself, it proves me wrong. I keep waiting for it to dip in quality, and it just doesn’t. This installment wraps up the Mr. Freeze arc and smoothly sets the stage for the upcoming Bane storyline.
What really stood out was Bruce’s realization that he isn’t as alone as he believes. Seeing how much the people of Crime Alley care about him was powerful, and it also did a great job developing Waylon and strengthening their bond. The action with Mr. Freeze was solid, and I appreciate that his story was left unresolved, leaving the door open for more down the line.
Overall, this was an excellent addition to the Absolute Batman series. I couldn’t recommend it more. Grade: A
What really stood out was Bruce’s realization that he isn’t as alone as he believes. Seeing how much the people of Crime Alley care about him was powerful, and it also did a great job developing Waylon and strengthening their bond. The action with Mr. Freeze was solid, and I appreciate that his story was left unresolved, leaving the door open for more down the line.
Overall, this was an excellent addition to the Absolute Batman series. I couldn’t recommend it more. Grade: A
October 7, 2025
I am loving the concept of Bruce’s longtime friends being so involved in his life. They are more then just backdrop they inspire and help show a way beyond just batman, beyond just trying to die a good death. But to live a good life that maybe leads to a good death maybe not but that’s not what’s important. it’s the struggle on surviving and with others that makes life so meaningful and bruce in so many ways has been ignoring that and trying to essentially live life recklessly and see what finally stops him. This time, it was his friends that stopped him and reminded him, there’s more then one way to do it and to not do it alone.
November 18, 2025
Um…still not sure what’s going on.
This Freeze is still a very odd character and this issue didn’t add nothing to his ethos. The only thing of interest is how he freezes his victims in this universe. A psychological and torturous process that nearly breaks Bruce Wayne.
This series is still holding on to Bruce’s alternate villain best friends. They still have nothing to offer besides cementing Batman’s moral (which we already know). Still not enough information on Ark M yet either. This issue offered literally nothing.
This Freeze is still a very odd character and this issue didn’t add nothing to his ethos. The only thing of interest is how he freezes his victims in this universe. A psychological and torturous process that nearly breaks Bruce Wayne.
This series is still holding on to Bruce’s alternate villain best friends. They still have nothing to offer besides cementing Batman’s moral (which we already know). Still not enough information on Ark M yet either. This issue offered literally nothing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 114 reviews