In Review: Absolute Batman (2024-) #9 – BANEd

BANEd by society, the latest development in saving the derelict and despondent is a facility known as Ark M—a fully operational institution that has played a sizeable part, on purpose or not, in the creation of evil. And it’s active.

So when Bruce tries to infiltrate it and distill its secrets, a new villain from Gotham City arrives to deal with the problem… an old adversary of Alfred’s… a man known only as Bane.

The Story

Having narrowly escaped near death in the last chilling issue, Batman—aka Bruce Wayne—has returned home only to learn that his best friend, Waylon Jones, aka Killer Croc, has been taken to Ark M.

Determined to rescue his friend, Bruce calls a meeting with his allies and invites Alfred Pennyworth. At the meeting, Bruce outlines his plan to infiltrate Ark M and bring Waylon back. However, Alfred, who knows more than he’s letting on, expresses serious reservations about the mission.

As Bruce breaks into Ark M, he is confronted by a terrifying abomination known as Bane. A brutal fight ensues, during which Bane systematically and methodically disables Batman, taking out his limbs one by one.

In this battle, Batman has been well and truly BANEd.

Artwork

Nick Dragotta nails the task of bringing Bane to life for the Absolute Universe and impresses right off the bat. The opening pages depict Middle East peace talks getting BANEd, with our favorite villain instructing the surviving diplomat on what to say when addressing his people about the sudden death of his counterpart.

The panel showing Bane crushing the politician’s face is just a small taste of the brutality to come.

Later in the issue, there’s a brilliant image of Batman’s figure fractured into sections, viewed through paneled windows—an inventive and fun visual.

Overall

Overall, this was a fun issue that adds several new layers to the mythology surrounding Ark M, while introducing one of the most iconic Batman villains to emerge in recent years: Bane. Prepare to be well and truly BANEd.