Absolute Batman (2024-) #9

Absolute Batman (2024)

by Scott Snyder, Nick Dragotta (Artist)

The latest development in saving the derelict and despondent of oursociety is a facility known as Ark M—a fully operational institution thathas played a rather sizeable part, on purpose or not, in the creation ofevil. And it’s active. So when Bruce tries infiltrate it and distill its secrets,a new villain from Gotham City arrives to deal with the problem…an oldadversary of Alfred's…a man known only as Bane.

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

Kindle Edition

Published June 11, 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

[Gabriel Lamonica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lesbian sex? No, just suspiciously girl shaped Bruce Wayne

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bane.
He's unhinged. And Batman is about to come face-to-face with him.



The setup for Bane is great here. Part monster, part enforcer, and the scary thing is how much he seems to enjoy his job.
Apparently, Alfred knows something about what he is or who he works for. I don't know, there's more to that story. The ending is a cliffhanger, and it almost seems to point to some larger overarching conspiracy, kind of like the Court of Owls.
Not sure I'm 100% on board with another one of those "evil from the dawn of time" storylines again.
Then again, why not? This is Snyder's chance to tell the weirdest Batman story out there.



Ok, so Bruce is scouring Gotham for his childhood friend, Waylon "Croc" Jones, who was taken by some nefarious group for (we assume) equally nefarious purposes. He's found where he thinks he's being held, and Alfred is supposedly helping him break into the building.
Hmmm. We shall see.

Recommended.

[Michael Hicks · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Bane co-creator Graham Nolan referred to Nick Dragotta's visual update of the villain for this issue of Absolute Batman as a "terrible abomination," I don't think he knew just how right he was, even if he was far too quick in his dismissal. To their credit, Scott Snyder and Dragotta take the piss out of Nolan's complaints, titling this installment, suitably, "Abomination."

This Absolute version of Bane is, indeed, an abomination, and in all the best ways possible. As he did with Mr. Freeze, Snyder presents a horrific twist on the character and teases up a few other story and character threads that we can expect to be covered in this new story arc.

Snyder also continues to show that if you're going to take such intimately familiar characters and give them a page-one overhaul in a brand-new universe separate from the main DC continuity, this is the way to do it. This book has been phenomenal the whole way through, and it doesn't look like Snyder and Dragotta will be slowing down anytime soon. I love not knowing what's going to happen next, or what direction they'll be pulling us readers in, but goddamnit, suddenly I wish it were July already.

[Rob Ryan · Rating 1 out of 5]

Bane looks bad and sounds bad. His dialogue and shrunken head are just terrible. I hated this issue so much.

[Sakari · Rating 5 out of 5]

absolute bane so freaky

[Raymond Paquette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved the introduction to Dick Grayson as an EMT. Batman's war is heating up, and Bane is here to take it down.

[Jadyn❀ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hey, that’s what Dick Grayson said in Titans season 1 episode 1 too

[James DeSantis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay, Absolute Batman #9? A total, fucking KNOCKOUT. This is genuinely what I've been waiting for since day one. Everything in this issue just hits differently, but it still tastes undeniably like Batman. We're talking phenomenal moments with his allies, top-tier planning, Bane being absolutely terrifying, and the world-building with characters we adore (Grayson!). Seriously, I can't get enough of it now.

[MrGlassWontBreak · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bruce goes on a rampage taking out criminals all over Gotham while looking for his friend Waylon. Alfred returns and he and all of Bruce’s friends find out Waylon is at Ark-M with help from Jim Gordon’s daughter.

Bruce breaks into Ark-M to rescue his friend but things do not go as planned, as he encounters Bane. This is so fucking good, let’s get some more of this batshit crazy story.

[Anna Quilter · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

ABOMINATION Pt.1.

Batman infiltrates the mysterious Ark M- where Waylon has been taken to and encounters - Bane.

Interesting premise which probably is going to take a while to lay out..

[Mia · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

This was so much fun.

[Izzy Batres-Patton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dick grayson mentioned! Also what the FUCK. In my opinion this is the best issue so far. I didn’t know this version of Bruce was capable of looking so pathetic AND the fact that Bane wasn’t even juiced yet doing all that?!? damn.

[Machiavelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolute Batman #9 kicks off a gripping new arc that dives deeper into the twisted purpose behind Ark M and the wider network of Arks across the world. There’s a heavy, unsettling atmosphere throughout as Bruce begins planning his next move with the team, trying to uncover the truth.

This issue also introduces Bane into the storyline and his presence is instantly chilling. The tease of a shared past with Alfred adds an unexpected emotional layer that could lead to something really interesting.

It’s gritty, tense, and clearly laying the groundwork for something big. The writing is tight, the pacing strong, and the mood? Classic Gotham dread. Great setup for what feels like a major arc. Love this! Hope it continues!

[Carly · Rating 2 out of 5]

found this pretty confusing. bane comes outta nowhere and i thought we were still dealing with mr freeze, but i also dont remember the previous issue very well. out of all the Absolutes, this one is still the weakest to me. this Batman isn't really all that different from any other Batman. he somehow has unlimited funds and all the gadgets, but hes not a billionaire. idk.

[Nightwing’s Thiccness · Rating 5 out of 5]

Graham Nolan is getting in the same camp as Rob Liefeld. He only likes alternate interpretations so long as they’re carbon copies of his creation with little to no wiggle room. This abomination is pretty effing cool and so glad this run of Batman is going strong, even if it’s not on venom yet.

[Zoey · Rating 5 out of 5]

A cameo of Dick Grayson???? I can’t tell yet if they’re going to do anything with his character or if he’s just an easter egg.

Also, Bane’s fight with Batman was terrifying. The way he treated Batman like nothing more than amusing entertainment demonstrates the divide between their physical capabilities.

[Nikhil Math]

I finallly got to the comic that started me on this batman journey. Wow, what a MOSTER bane is.

I have never really seen batman with fear before. It makes me feel bad for him. The stoic king has been broken.

[Saket · Rating 5 out of 5]

Diabolical Bane design.

Curious where this Ark M plot line is going, nice to see a AAA title deal with themes about institutional abuse of power and stuff.

[dusty · Rating 5 out of 5]

The tone and overall universe that Scott Snyder and Nick Dragotta are building feels so fresh, unique, and exciting that I genuinely find myself filled with adrenaline at certain points throughout this run. And this issue? The introduction of Bane was definitely one of those moments.

Alfred being one step ahead of Bruce in gathering intel on ArkM is such a smart and satisfying choice, especially since Bruce infiltrates the so-called “prison” only to come face-to-face with Bane for the very first time.

Alfred recalling the first time Bruce ever sounded afraid, when he first encountered Bane, was a total gut-punch of a panel. Bane’s confidence, ambition, and inhuman strength are both wildly entertaining and deeply unsettling. He is completely in control, clearly holding the upper hand over Bruce, and he uses that advantage mercilessly.

I finished this issue genuinely asking myself if Bruce is really ready for all of this. Bane is truly an opponent who feels, in many ways, larger than life.

[Ethan Collins · Rating 4 out of 5]

[4.5/5⭐️] The Absolute Batman series has been amazing and continues to get better with every new issue. Issue #9 spends plenty of time showcasing this universes interpretation of Bane and holy shit he is goated. Bane has always been one of my favourite villains of all time and this interpretation is sooooo good, his design, attitude, dialogue, and relationship with Bruce are so great and although he’s just started to appear this is easily one of my favourite takes on the infamous roided-up masked wrestler. Can’t wait to see the dynamic between Bane and Batman continue in the following issues.

[DonHeimscheißer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just got done reading Absolute Batman #9 and holy fuck was it good. The build up to Batman finally meeting Bane was awesome, you could actually feel the fear in Batman. And Bane’s design? So badass and also terrifying. It’s got me wondering… what does Alfred know that we don’t yet? Like, is he connected to Bane somehow? I know I’m behind an issue, but honestly, I’m glad it took me this long to get to this one. Now I’m really looking forward to reading #10 once I have it.

[Ramya · Rating 5 out of 5]

This issue is wild—pure chaos and high stakes. Batman dives into Gotham’s underworld to save Waylon, only to face Absolute Bane—a terrifying, super-intelligent beast of a villain who completely overpowers him.

Damn..The final showdown hits hard, and now I need the next issue.

[Antonio Escobar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Batman taking down ode criminals from the mob and sending them to the hospitals to the point where the hospitals are out of ambulances 😭😭😭😭

Absolute Bane is on one, bro is cracked to the max

[katie. · Rating 5 out of 5]

BAN E BANE BANE BANE BANE!!!!

[Tyler Denering Young · Rating 4 out of 5]

How do you make Bane impressive in stature next to chungus Batman? Easily, it seems

[Jerry Aguirre · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pennyworth narration about fighting the war and fighting the monster was absolutely fantastic.

In the first arc, the reader was left to believe that Batman can do anything! That, how is this Batman different from the original? He just took down a gang. Uhhhhh no. This was the only “easy” part. Now, going onto the third arc, I’m learning that :

- Batman has lost against Victor Jr. who has freezing powers among other things
- Batman is way out of his depth against Bane

So, this Batman is not like the OG. This man has his work cut out for him. He didn’t go around the world to master his craft. He trained at a boxing gym. And now he’s going against people with ACTUAL super powers. It’s an uphill battle. Thanks darkseid.

[Noah LeFevre · Rating 5 out of 5]

This universe lives by the rules of “the bigger, the better”

[zachariah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dick Grayson, in a completely different universe, still cleaning up after Batman is the type of thing I want to see

[Cybernex007 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oz: “Hey, man. I was just saying it’s @#$% crazy. I wasn’t saying we shouldn’t do it.”

All of the sudden…absolute Batman feels quite small. Welcome to the story Bane, it has not been pleasant getting to know you. This book puts Bane’s presence and mercilessness right into perspective at the start of this issue when he interrupts secret peace talks between Kahndaq and Qurac leaders…only to immediately put the two against each other, kill one, then force the survivor to spiral their countries back into war. Obviously after doing that the only logical place for him to go…is Gotham. One thing I love dearly is the double page title card spread that just has the entire issue filled up with bane’s muscles…with only his tiny head poking out in the middle with the worlds ABOMINATION across it. Just perfect.

Over in Gotham Batman is raging a war of his own against the criminal underworld trying to find Waylan. He has sent so many people to the hospital in such a short amount of time that they ran out of ambulances. They then tried using ride share…only to run out of those. There is even one story of an EMT using a rickshaw to get people to the ER. What should be unsurprising…that EMT’s name is none other than Grayson, D!! OMG, that’s what I’m talking about!! But Batman truly found out what happened to Waylon through a different source…Barbara Gordon, GCPD officer. Remember that cowl she took a while back? Turns out Batman knows she has it and can communicate back to her with it. And using her help they meet at the decrepit bat signal he has outside the zoo (so perfect), where she ends up handing him a file on Waylon…apparently they took him. Bruce has now fully brought in the rest of his friends into the bat circle, using their help, and pennyworths, they now have the information they need to try and get Waylon back. Well not really…but they know he is in Ark M under ridiculous charges of “breaking lockdown.” Harvey was able to dig up files on ARK M, turns out this has been a project since the 30s when JK industries bought the island where an old hospital used to stand before burning down. This does get me really curious about Joker and if he’s been around that long, or if it was passed down to him. Either way, the foundations of ARK M have been there from the start, and that also means they have a way to get in.

Elsewhere, mayor Hill is in charge and Gordon is packing up his campaign. He is ready for a change of pace and although his time is done…he can see the fight in Martha and wants to stand behind her for whatever she does next. So what is next for Martha Wayne? Oddly enough the issue then shifts into a memory. Bruce and Selina sitting on a bed in each other’s embrace…covered in money! As soon as they hear a knock on the door Selina is ready to grab the money and run…but Bruce walks over and confirms it’s Waylan. In his excitement he couldn’t wait to tell Bruce that he got it! He got the title shot against Bibbo Bibbowski. It’s funny that in his excitement and asking Bruce to help him train, does he finally stop at the end to ask what’s with all the money. I WONDER THAT AS WELL. But I will say I love Bruce and Selina’s relationship in this already! I heard there was talk of an AB Batman spin off series, if it follows Selina sign me up right now!

Some time has passed and Batman and Alfred have their entry into ARK M via the tunnels and waterways under it. This of course spurs Batman to get there by driving his dozer under water (as it has done before, lol) then swimming out with the appropriate breathing and communication gear. With Alfred guiding him through, Bruce is pretty unstoppable…until he reaches it way before he should have. According to the schematics Bruce was still at least a 100 meters below the complex…but from Bruce’s perspective he just found the real Ark M. And entire underground complex!! What in the Arkham games am I looking at?! Unfortunately for Bruce he doesn’t realize his communications with Alfred just dropped, and unfortunately Alfred is feeling very regretful for not telling Bruce everything he knows. It seems that Pennyworth has a past in the SIS where he learned a lot, including where he picked up files on Bane. Now are they implying he worked with Bane here, and somehow knows Bruce will come into contact with him? I’m not entirely sure. But if he was even suspecting that, then he should have told Bruce. As Bruce descends into the complex he comes across a room with a glass display case of a giant bat skeleton creature with almost human anatomy on the middle? LANGSTROM?! Is that you?! Bruce really doesn’t get enough time to find an infographic as suddenly Bane is standing over him! Bane horrifyingly treats him like a child, immediately kicking him over then giving him permission to advance. Batman driving his wings into bane seemingly does nothing. Batman goes for a punch, bane deflects, comments on the style, then uses his own style to disable Batman’s arm. Batman literally looks at his floppy arm dumbfounded. Bane goads him to continue, after all he has another arm. Batman tries a different style, bane comments on the choice as smart, then disables his other arm. But Batman better not stop now, he has two legs. Bane is one again impressed by the fighting style…and proceeds to disable his leg. Bruce is furious now, acting like the black knight from Monty python…he claims he only needs 1 leg to beat his juiced up ass. Here's the thing…bane, even towering over Bruce, hasn’t injected anything yet. Once he does, and begins to transform, Batman gets the look of a man about to be squashed. Bane is now large enough to lift Batman to his level! HOLY SHIT THIS IS PEAK! Using quick finger comparison math here…Bane is now about 2-3 absolute Batman high. Which would make him 5-6 Cobblepott’s high, lol. Bane introduces himself at the end, welcomes Batman to his new home, then claims they need to get him prepped for surgery. Saying that in front of the humanoid Nat Skelton is quite concerning.

[Derrick McCall · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Call me BANE."

Welp... Snyder gets his hands on Bane and, of course, he fits with the title of the arc... "Abomination". For as big as Absolute Batman is... Bane makes him look like an infant. Intelligent, strong, intimidating. He squeezing a man's head like a water balloon. What the actual fuck, Snyder?

LET'S GO!