Absolute Batman (2024-) #11

Absolute Batman (2024)

by Scott Snyder, Clay Mann (Artist)

Learn the origin of Bane! What drives the muscle-bound behemoth, and how did he arrive in Gotham?

Genres: Comics, Dc Comics, Batman, Crime, Comic Book, Superheroes, Action

Kindle Edition

Published August 20, 2025

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

[Machiavelli · Rating 2 out of 5]

This issue frames Bane as an ominous, venom-fueled force, but the story never quite landed for me. The big twist undercuts the tension, leaving the violence feeling hollow and the payoff diminished. The art certainly brings menace and atmosphere, yet the narrative choices weaken what could have been a standout entry. On top of that, I’m not a fan of the 16-panel grid — the dense layout felt more distracting than dynamic, burying the action under text. I know many readers loved this approach, and I’m glad it resonated for them, but it just wasn’t for me.

[James DeSantis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really bloody issue, some fucked up moments that surprised me, and a ending that sets up a big WAR coming to Gotham.

[Michael Hicks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Scott Snyder and artist Clay Mann peel back the secrecy surrounding Bane and, holy fuck, this guy is terrifying. Some of the general history behind this now-iconic character remains the same, like having spent years as a prisoner enduring grueling hardships on the island of Santa Prisca, but other aspects are revamped to fit the mold of this darker, at times horrifying, Absolute universe, like the involvement of one particular unsmiling billionaire who's been teased before.

The violence here is off the charts, with one sequence showcasing Bane's ruthlessness that is positively gut-churning and sure to linger in reader's minds for a while. Guest artist Mann's art style works really well and feels tonally consistent not only with this mid-arc origin story but with series regular Nick Dragotta's overarching work on the issues preceding it. We're not through with Bane just yet, though, and the issue ends on a doozie that has me itching to find out what comes next as Absolute Batman hits its one-year mark with #12 next month.

[MrGlassWontBreak · Rating 4 out of 5]

We get Bane’s origin story here. He was born into a rebellion on a warring island, has been killing for his father ever since he was a child, and got offered a deal to save his home by Absolute Joker, which he accepted by killing his own father.

Alfred is scared shitless by Bane because he knows him, who he works for, and what he’s capable of, and now Bane’s out to break Bruce’s mind after breaking and rebuilding his body.

[Sava (Fang Runin’s version)]

Just gonna review previous issues here.
This is actually a really unique take on batman and the designs of the villains are pretty unhinged.

[Zoey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am horrified. Both for what could have been and for what will happen next. This could very well be the arc where Batman loses his friends entirely, and the canon villains are born.

[Nikhil Math]

Wow, so this book was confusing. Like I think this issue had by far the WORST writing in the series. I had no idea what was going on towards the end. I had to look up forums on what was going on and I found out a ton of people were just as confused.

But, let’s skip that. Can I become the absolute version of myself? What would that look like. What is my vision. What is the most extreme version of my vision? Super monk? I’d like to think it’s that, or do I just play this capitalistic game and win it? Can you even win capitalism? I think the greed that infects you into thinking you can win the rat race, makes you never able to win it.

If my greatest enemies saw me, how would I know I’m happy. Is it the money? Is it how I’m presenting myself? What can be going on in my life where I am so self assured I’m making the right decisions that I don’t care what anyone thinks about me? Is the solution to move out of state, start over, build myself back up to the man I want to be, or is that possible in the city I’m currently in?

All this is coming from this chapter from the series. So, maybe this is a good chapter.

Check it out. This book also makes me wanna get ripped.

[Stacy (Gotham City Librarian) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not going to lie, this issue stressed me out. But that’s due to an intriguing story. Snyder has always been good at writing the villains, and this Bane has fascinating motives. I’m legit worried about what’s going to happen next, but I trust that it will turn out alright in the end. And the art is so good, too!

[Raymond Paquette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great Bane story. I was a little confused by the timeline, but the last page sold it for me.

[Anna Quilter · Rating 4 out of 5]

ABOMINATION PT.4
August 2025

"...to become the hero Gotham needs"

Mixed with flashbacks of Bane's early fights and struggles...he clashes with Batman..

[dusty · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved Bane’s backstory here. You find yourself empathizing with him at first, only to quickly understand exactly how and why he became the abomination he is now.

What’s especially interesting is how every one of these encounters with Bane becomes a lesson for Bruce. He’s forced to realize that being Batman isn’t just about brute force; it’s about strategy, foresight, and being mentally one step ahead of his enemy. That lack of preparation leaves him nearly destroyed and strapped into a surgery room with his worst enemies standing over him.

You can see the fear in Bruce now, and it’s both terrifying and thrilling to witness. Watching him adapt, evolve, and become something more—as Batman always does—is incredibly exciting.

Scott Snyder is doing something truly revolutionary with this run, and I’m so grateful I get to experience it as it unfolds. I genuinely don’t know how things could possibly get worse for Bruce… but somehow, I know they will.

[Mia · Rating 2 out of 5]

Weakest issue so far

[Ksenia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not going to lie, I am kind of foaming at the mouth when it comes to this run, and, somehow, even after a brilliant start, it just keeps getting better and better. Some of the most brutal and downright inspired writing by the genius himself, amazingly interwoven with Clay Mann's stunning art. This issue in particular is as if Cormac McCarthy decided to write a Batman/Bane origin story treatment, with all its poetic violence. Yes, it is THAT good. So far, Absolute has been amazing monthly instalments and fantastic overall arcs. Abomination is going to be one of the sickest comics collections of all time, and we haven't even hit the Joker yet. Whew! What a blast!!!

[Carly · Rating 2 out of 5]

eh. it was okay. Bane isn't any different that im aware of. idk why but this title isn't doing anything for me. I'll keep reading for the crossover with Wonder Woman but i might drop it after that. who knows.

[Gavin Peterman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Holy Aura. Bane is him. This run is everything Batman should be

[Derrick McCall · Rating 5 out of 5]

"That's why he didn't go to YOUR door... but instead went to THEIRS. Because he knows the REAL way to BREAK you... is by breaking THEM."

Man... I really love that by being friends with Bruce, that's how he gets his Rogues Gallery. His friends are broken, ruined and corrupted just by knowing him... What a wonderful way to flip this character lore once more.

[Craig Schorling · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was insane! I love how wild this series is and the direction it is taking. The final pages have me so pumped for what's next. The fight was brutal and intenese. This issue will stick with me for a while.

[Colin Post · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clay Mann does a pretty good Dragotta impression! I like how Bane is set up as a foil to Batman - a force railing against an unjust world. Snyder’s writing is on point this issue as he weaves almost a fairytale rendition of Bane’s origin albeit a very, very dark fairytale.

[katie. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved Bane’s origin story in this one, it was such an interesting take on his past that I don’t think has ever been done before. It’s really interesting that they’re trying to make an army of Banes and Bruce is the perfect candidate. Again is just insane. Man got his arm chopped off and he’s still fighting. So excited to see Absolute Riddler, Two Face and Penguin.

[Frodo · Rating 5 out of 5]

que putísimo carallo

[Tojuan Gordon · Rating 5 out of 5]

absolute bane is absolute batmans dark mirror

[Jadyn❀ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I continue to be scared of this book!! Not sure I love the direction it’s taking Bruce. Always intrigued enough to need to know what’s next, though.

[Eric · Rating 5 out of 5]

Craziest re-imagining of Bane, he is terrifying, his backstory was stuff of nightmares. This series is just getting more and more insane.

[Cristhian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brutal.

Una de las mejores iteraciones de Bane en todos los tiempos.

[Marcus · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ooof! A really brutal issue, didn’t expect things to go like that. The ending has me really intrigued where they go next.

[DonHeimscheißer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This issue was fucking peak. Bane’s backstory was amazing, this whole issue was crazy and the ending was insane. I’m looking forward to the next issue !! 🐦‍🔥

[Corban Maynard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bane is the scariest guy I have ever seen

[Siegfried · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,5/5,0
This one was... a bit rushed.
I really enjoy this Bane, but he shows up too soon in this Batman history.
Also, holy fuck, he chops Bat's arms like nothing... this poor Bat is trully the one that suffers the most.
ANd the end? Fuck... tha's gotta hurt

[Bret Houghton · Rating 3 out of 5]

huh???

[Saket · Rating 5 out of 5]

EXCELLENT issue, I feel like it got to the core of this version of Bane very well. His brutal side is ubiquitous, so the focus on why he is who he is, how he operates emotionally and why he does what he does was wonderful. Scott Snyder keeps things fresh enough to barely even be a Batman story, it’s completely its own thing. And I love it.

Great dialogue in this one.

Hoping Clay Mann isn’t on the book again though, this one time change suited this issue. But pls Nick back next time 🙏