Book Review: Absolute Batman Volume 2 - Abomination

Bane has always been one of the more intimidating of Batman’s foes in my opinion. He may be known for his bulky physique and luchador-style mask, but behind the physical attributes is a man of deadly intelligence.  Knightfall was the first official introduction for Bane in the world of Batman comic books and they wasted no time putting the villain in a whole new league with the way he was able to best Batman like no one else before him.  Ever since then Bane has gone through many iterations across many forms of comics and extended media with mixed results.  It’s often been said that no other story has been able to capture the pure menace behind Bane besides Knightfall, but I would argue Absolute Batman has met and arguably topped Knightfall’s impact with its introduction of the Absolute version of Bane.

Volume 2 of Absolute Batman, titled Abomination consists of issues 7 to 14 of the Absolute Batman series written by Scott Snyder.  Following on from the events of the initial volume, Gotham City is put under martial law by Hamilton Hill after winning the mayoral race against Jim Gordon. With Gotham still reeling from the carnage caused by the Party Animals, Bruce Wayne and his band of friends begin to take notice of the mysterious Ark M detention centre being built across Gotham Bay.  As Bruce seeks to learn the truth behind the detention centre, he unknowingly becomes embroiled in a far more deadly scheme when he comes face to face with Gotham’s newest threat; Bane.  Despite his best efforts, Batman soon comes to learn he is no match for the behemoth and he is put on the backfoot as Bane begins to initiate plans that will spell the death for Batman and anyone associated to him.

I love how much Volume 2 continues to build and expand on the foundation established in Volume 1.  The biggest thing you learn during your time reading this volume is how higher the stakes are.  Volume 1 was mainly driven to introduce you to the established characters and storylines of this world, but Volume 2 wastes no time in breaking everything down in a reckless and bloody fashion all thanks to Bane.  The way Snyder characterized Bane in this brand-new interpretation deserves all the praise I can give it.  This is more than a mere man; Bane poses a genuine threat that makes this version of Batman seem insignificant in comparison for the majority of the story.  Make no mistake, this is Banes story from start to finish and so much effort is given by Snyder to realizing Bane in his Absolute form and you will be captivated from start to finish just as I was.  I also adore how much Snyder works to drive things forward in this volume with the help of Bane.  His presence in Gotham is the brutal catalyst that changes the fate of all of the key characters for good or worse.

Speaking of brutality, I really want to recognize the effort the illustrators put into further defining the core art style of Absolute Batman with Volume 2.  Bane is designed to feel like he is too big to fit within the confines of the standard comic book panels in some really smart ways.  His stature and strength may seem notable from the initial impression but the comic goes to painstaking lengths to really visualize how much more lethal this man can become once he tops up on his trademark Venom.  The pain he’s capable of inflicting on Batman and his friends is put on full display in some truly gruesome ways and I have to give credit to the art team for not shying away from pushing the envelope of how much you can really get away with within the confines of this world and medium.

Abomination lives up to its name and the core goal of making the Absolute version of Bane a presence that demands your respect and attention.  His brutal tirade over Batman and Gotham City will leave long-lasting ramifications that I absolutely cannot wait to see play out.  Each volume of Absolute Batman so far has thoroughly impressed me and made me a devoted fan of this series for the foreseeable future.  While I know Volume 3 is a long away off, I know I’ll be there on day one to pick it up and experience what other horrors lay in wait for the Caped Crusader and company.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐