Batman is a superhero without traditional superpowers. Unless you argue that he has the most powerful superpower of all time: virtually infinite money. But a new story about Batman changes that and makes everything even darker, which is a great success.
What story is it about? In addition to the many large series and films about superheroes, comics are also very popular. This includes Batman, who regularly receives new stories or versions of himself.
One of the most recent is the Absolute Batman, a new version of Bruce Wayne in an alternate universe. The big difference to the well-known superhero is the lack of money. But that doesn’t seem to bother many fans, because Absolute Batman #1 is the most successful comic of 2024 (via dc.com). In doing so, he changes a lot of the origin story.
If you want to know which Batman film is the best, then take a look at our ranking: All 13 Batman films in the ranking – which one is the best?
Robert Pattinson in the atmospheric trailer for “The Batman”
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The Absolute Universe gives Batman a new story
What is the Absolute Universe? This is an alternative universe that of course also offers alternative versions of the heroes we know. Not only do our heroes’ designs change, but also their origin story. Since the Absolute Universe is a darker version of the world we know, Batman is also much harsher.
In that universe, Batman’s parents were not rich, but were working class. There was a shooting during a trip to the zoo. Thomas Wayne saved the children, including his son, but died in the process.
Traumatized by his father’s death, Bruce planned to fight crime from a young age. He went to university, learned everything he needed for his plan, and returned to Gotham after graduating. He works there as a regular engineer, but at night he goes hunting for criminals.
Just because Bruce doesn’t have any money doesn’t mean he can’t defend himself. He is significantly beefier than the classic Batman, and his main weapon is a large ax, which is also his Batsymbol on his chest. He’s a bit reminiscent of the older Batman from The Dark Knight Returns.
In this universe, Batman is also much more brutal and brutal than you might think. In a fight shown by vidaextra.com, Batman chops off a criminal’s hand with his axe. He also comments: I heard that they can bring her back. There’s a hospital three blocks south of here. Or is it east? I can’t remember right now… But I would run.
By the way, there is also an Alfred Pennyworth, but he is not a butler, but a secret agent who has to take care of a criminal organization in Gotham. He also clashes with Batman.
How can I read Absolute Batman? So far, 2 issues of Absolute Batman have been published, but not in German. You can order the first 2 issues in English, but they are probably regularly out of print. Experience shows that anthologies appear when the storyline is over. But you’ll probably have to wait a while for a German version. If you’re interested in alternate versions of Wolverine, we have a list for you: The 7 Weirdest Variants of Wolverine We’ll Probably Never See in the MCU