Warning! This post contains SPOILERS for Absolute Batman #5It looks like DC has grown tired of a commonBatmancriticism, and its newest version of Bruce Wayne is setting the record straight. As seen in the new Absolute Universe created by Darkseid where heroes are underdogs and hope is hard to come by, the new Absolute Batman lacks a lot of the typical resources compared to the main Dark Knight. However, this new Caped Crusader is proving that Batman has never needed billions of dollars to be an effective protector of Gotham City.
As seen in the newAbsolute Batman #5by Scott Snyder and Nick Dragotta,Bruce Wayne’s Batman is given the chance to operate on a level that’s more like The Dark Knight we’re used to seeing in the main DC Universe, one who has billions of dollars, multiple cars and planes, and an entire arsenal of cutting edge gadgets and technology. As it stands, the Absolute Universe’s Batman uses what he can get his hands on, working by day in construction and civil engineering rather than being the head of a major company.However, Batman still turns down an obscene amount of money in this new universe, proving Batman has never needed dollars to be a force for justice.
Absolute Batman Just Rejected 200 Million Dollars
Breaking His Deal With Black Mask
Having staged a one-man war with Black Mask and his vicious gang known as the Party Animals,Roman Sionis surprisingly offered Batman $200 million to simply stop coming after him for one week, promising to cut back on the Party Animals' brutal attacks before leaving Gotham for good, as his business in the city is nearly concluded. Naturally,Alfred Pennyworth, who in this timeline is a special agent working for a British organizationtasked with investigating Sionis, encourages Batman to take the money. Not only could Bruce use it to make a real difference in Gotham, but Alfred’s people could track the transaction and put Sionis away for good.
Get Ready, Absolute Batman Is About to Unleash Its Own Mr. Freeze
Another addition to Batman’s alternate rogues’ gallery is on the horizon as DC teases the arrival of the Absolute Universe’s Mr. Freeze in April.
However, this new issue seesBatman taking Black Mask’s money, but not spend it. Instead, he piles the entire 200 million in cash onto a floodlight to make an impromptu Bat Signal, a clear symbol that he’ll never stop fighting Black Mask for anything.While the cost may mean darker days for Gotham before the dawn, Absolute Batman draws an epic line in the sand, proving that he can’t be bought (and never needed the money in the first place).
This New Bruce Wayne Confirms Batman Doesn’t Need His Billions
All He Needs Is Batman
As if the Bat Signal didn’t already get the message across, Batman makes his stance even clearer when he tells Black Mask exactly why he doesn’t need his money:“See, Roman, I don’t need cars, or planes, or computers. I don’t need anything you have. All I need…is Batman.“Taking the fight to the Party Animals, Bruce shuts down the deal, much to Alfred’s surprise and frustration.However, this moment ultimately serves as some brilliant proof that the true power of Batman has nothing to do with wealth.
“At the end of the day…Batman just needs to be Batman, a man dedicated to fighting the darkness while working in the shadows…”
As has been established in previous issues ofAbsolute Batman, this new version of Bruce Wayne still has the same intense drive and focus to become a force and symbol of justice for Gotham, just like the main Dark Knight. While the tools (or lack thereof) may be different, the mission is the same.At the end of the day…Batman just needs to be Batman, a man dedicated to fighting the darkness while working in the shadows.
Wealth Is A Weapon, But It’s Not The Foundation For What Makes Batman A Hero
There’s Far More To Being Batman Than Money
People like to claim that Batman’s only real power is that he’s rich. Even Ben Affleck’s Bruce Wayne quips about it inJustice Leaguewhen Barry Allen’s Flash asks him what his powers are.However, there’s so much more to being Batman than dollar bills.
While the resources that money can buy undoubtedly help in the crusade, Batman wouldn’t stop fighting for justice in Gotham if he was suddenly broke. Recent years in the main DC Universe have proven as much,with Batman losing a good chunk of his fortune and even his manor.However, it’s awesome to see in the new Absolute Universe proving that having billions of dollars was never a prerequisite for Bruce Wayne becoming Batman in the first place.
