Shocking: Absolute Batman Beats Big Bane in Epic Showdown

The First Impression

The Launch of the Absolute Universe

Unionjournalism has been closely following the launch of the Absolute Universe by DC Comics, a project that reshapes the DC landscape with a darker and more brutal tone. This new universe, formed in the aftermath of Darkseid’s battle and infused with his malevolent energy, presents a harsher, crueler DC Universe. The concept was first reported a year ago, but it has only recently materialized. Unionjournalism was one of the first to report on this significant shift in the DC Comics narrative.

A Harsher, Crueler DC Universe

The Absolute Universe is not the DC Universe as we know it. This new iteration is a grim reflection of the current world, where characters must shine brighter to survive. The stark realism of this universe is a departure from the traditional DC continuity, aiming to create a more relatable and contemporary setting. This shift is evident in the opening pages of Absolute Batman #1, where the familiar elements of Batman’s origin are twisted to fit this new, uncompromising narrative.

The Problem with the Opening

Despite its ambitious goals, Absolute Batman #1 stumbles in its opening. The comic attempts to redefine Batman for the modern age, but the execution falls short. The instigating moment that transforms Bruce Wayne is not the classic shooting in Crime Alley but a shooting at Gotham Zoo. This choice, while attempting to reflect contemporary issues, feels incongruous and misses the emotional impact of a school shooting. The comic’s decision to avoid triggering real-world events by opting for a zoo shooting raises questions about its commitment to relevance and impact.

The New Batman

A Working-Class Batman

Absolute Batman #1 introduces a new Batman, one that reflects the struggles of the working class rather than the privileged elite. This version of Bruce Wayne is a state school student whose father is a teacher, not a multi-millionaire. This paradigm shift is intended to create a Batman who is more relatable to modern audiences, grappling with issues pertinent to contemporary society. The comic aims to ground Batman in a more authentic and relatable context, making him a symbol of resilience rather than a distant hero.

A Bruce Wayne Without the Silver Spoon

In this new narrative, Bruce Wayne’s trauma is shaped by a zoo shooting rather than the tragic death of his parents in Crime Alley. This change is meant to reflect modern America’s struggles, but it feels misplaced. The emotional weight of a school shooting would have resonated more deeply with readers, especially given the prevalence of such tragic events in recent years. The zoo shooting, while unique, lacks the emotional resonance needed to drive the story forward.

A Batman for the Age

Absolute Batman #1 aims to create a Batman for the age, one who deals with contemporary issues rather than historical ones. The comic’s narrative structure and visual style, characterized by Edgar Wright’s fast-cutting technique and increased panel counts, add depth and complexity. This approach, reminiscent of Frank Miller’s Dark Knight Returns and We3, uses a higher panel count to capture both the grand action set pieces and the smaller, often overlooked moments in Gotham. This meticulous detailing fleshes out the city and its inhabitants, making the narrative more immersive.

The comic’s visual style is a blend of Frank Miller and David Mazzuchelli’s work, with a touch of Frank Quitely’s precision. The increased panel count allows for a more nuanced storytelling approach, slowing down or speeding up the reader’s experience as needed. This technique not only enhances the action scenes but also brings depth to the character interactions and the city itself. Gotham, in this iteration, is not just a backdrop but a character in its own right, filled with life and complexity.

The emotional maturity of this Batman is a departure from previous iterations. Bruce Wayne has dealt with his trauma in a healthy manner, using his pain to fuel his mission rather than allowing it to consume him. This Batman is not driven by psychosis but by a determination to make a difference. The comic’s focus on the people around Bruce Wayne, rather than just the criminals, adds a layer of realism and relatability to the narrative.

The Twist

The Shooting That Changed Bruce Wayne’s Life

The twist in Absolute Batman #1 is the zoo shooting that changes Bruce Wayne’s life. This event, while intended to reflect contemporary issues, feels less impactful than a school shooting. The choice to avoid a more emotionally charged event raises questions about the comic’s willingness to tackle real-world issues head-on. The zoo shooting, while unique, lacks the emotional weight needed to drive the narrative forward.

A School Shooting or a Zoo Shooting?

The decision to use a zoo shooting instead of a school shooting is a puzzling choice. School shootings are a tragic and all too common occurrence in modern America, and their emotional resonance would have added depth to the narrative. A zoo shooting, while less triggering, also feels less relevant to the issues the comic aims to address. This choice may have been made to avoid triggering readers, but it ultimately weakens the story’s impact. A school shooting would have provided a more relatable and emotionally resonant starting point for Bruce Wayne’s transformation into Batman.

Paul Jenkins on Batman Sitting Down

The Editorial Comment

Paul Jenkins, a renowned comic book writer, recently shared an insightful anecdote about his experience writing for DC Comics. During his tenure on the Dark Knight New 52 series, Jenkins wrote a scene where Batman sits down during an intense conversation. The editorial feedback he received was surprising: “We’re not sure you are ‘getting’ the character because it’s common knowledge that Batman never sits down.” This comment highlights a rigid adherence to continuity that can sometimes stifle creativity.

Jenkins points out that Batman’s penchant for standing is not an absolute rule. Alan Moore’s The Killing Joke and Frank Miller’s The Dark Knight Strikes Again both depict Batman sitting down, and even in the Bat Cave, he often finds a place to rest. The idea that Batman never sits is a misconception that can limit storytelling. Jenkins argues that good editing should focus on the interactions between characters and the flow of the story, not on trivial details like whether Batman sits or stands.

Jenkins’ experience underscores the importance of flexibility in comic book continuity. While certain elements of a character’s persona are sacred, others can be adapted to fit the narrative needs of a story. Batman’s posture, for example, can vary based on the context and the emotional weight of the scene. This flexibility allows for more dynamic storytelling and keeps the character relatable and engaging.

Unionjournalism encourages readers to explore the nuances of comic book continuity and the creative freedoms that writers and artists should have. Whether it’s Batman sitting down or a zoo shooting, these elements should serve the story rather than being dictated by rigid adherence to past continuities.

The History of Batman Sitting Down

The Debate

The debate surrounding Batman’s posture has simmered within the comic book community for years, with some staunchly maintaining that Batman, the Dark Knight of Gotham City, rarely, if ever, sits down. This stance is rooted in the perception that sitting down might signify a moment of vulnerability or rest, two elements that are often seen as at odds with the character’s relentless pursuit of justice and his physical and mental resilience. However, this belief is not without its detractors. The assertion that Batman never sits down is often met with a mixture of amusement and dismissal by those who have delved deeply into the character’s rich history and diverse portrayals across various media.

Does Batman Rarely Sit Down?

Examining the character’s history and various interpretations, it becomes clear that the notion of Batman sitting down is not entirely unprecedented. Even in the most rigid interpretations, where Batman is often depicted as an ever-vigilant, perpetually active figure, there are instances where the character does indeed take a seat. This behavior, however, tends to be reserved for moments away from the immediate chaos and danger of Gotham’s streets. The infrequent nature of such occurrences has led to the misconception that sitting down is an action Batman avoids entirely.

Is It Common Knowledge that Batman Never Sits Down?

The assertion that Batman never sits down has become a sort of myth within the context of comic book lore, often repeated and referenced in discussions about the character. However, this claim is more of a popular belief rather than a canonical fact. Throughout different iterations of the character, from the animated series to graphic novels, and even in recent comic books, Batman’s posture has varied, with some creators opting to depict the character in a seated position to emphasize moments of reflection or quietude.

The Importance of Character Consistency

Character consistency is a cornerstone in the world of comic books, where readers expect certain traits and behaviors from their favorite superheroes. For Batman, his perpetual vigilance and unyielding resolve form the core of his identity. While allowing the character to display a range of behaviors, including sitting down, can enrich storytelling, it is crucial to maintain a balance that respects the essence of Batman’s core attributes. This balance ensures that the character remains relatable and authentic to his established identity, even as he evolves with the times.

The Batman Sitting Down Tumblr

A Collection of Images and More

A dedicated Tumblr blog has emerged as a repository for images and discussions around the various instances where Batman is depicted in a seated position. This platform serves as a testament to the character’s dynamic nature and the diverse interpretations offered by different artists and writers over the years. The blog compiles a wide array of visuals, showcasing Batman in a seated position across different eras, styles, and narratives. This collection not only highlights the character’s adaptability and the creative liberties taken by his creators but also provides a rich tapestry of visual storytelling, demonstrating the multifaceted nature of Batman’s character.

Victor Rojas: From Boxing Coach to Comic Book Illustrator

The Inspiration

The transformation of Victor Rojas from a seasoned boxing coach to a burgeoning comic book illustrator is a testament to the power of passion and dedication. Rojas, with over a decade of experience in boxing, found his true calling in the world of comic book artistry. His journey began in the boxing ring, where he coached and trained fighters, honing his skills and nurturing his athletes’ abilities to fight their way through challenges. This experience, however, led him to realize that his true passion lay elsewhere—in the creation of a character that would embody the essence of resilience, courage, and human strength.

Leaving the Boxing Ring to Pursue Art

Rojas’s decision to transition from boxing to art was not born out of a desire to abandon his former career, but rather to channel his insights and experiences into a medium that could convey complex narratives and emotions through visuals. His transition was driven by a deep-seated belief that he could contribute to the world of comic books in a way that resonated with the core principles he had instilled in his boxing athletes: dedication, hard work, and perseverance.

Creating Takashi the Wanderer

Inspired by his life experiences and his deep understanding of the human spirit, Rojas crafted Takashi the Wanderer, a hero who embodies the same qualities that he had instilled in his boxing athletes. The story of Takashi is set in a post-apocalyptic world where traditional forms of combat have been forgotten. Takashi, a boxer in this new order, uses his knowledge and skills to bring change and hope to a world that has lost its way. The character’s journey is a reflection of Rojas’s own journey, and through Takashi, he aims to inspire readers to find their own inner strength and resilience.

The Journey

From Pen and Paper to Digital Drawing

Rojas’s creative process began with traditional methods, using pen and paper to sketch out his ideas. Over time, he transitioned to digital art, leveraging modern technology to enhance and refine his illustrations. This move to digital allowed Rojas to explore new techniques and styles, enriching his artistic expression and enabling him to create vibrant, dynamic visuals that capture the essence of Takashi’s world and his journey. The shift to digital drawing was not just a change in medium; it was a pivotal step in honing his craft and preparing for the challenges of creating a full-length comic book.

The Importance of Community and Feedback

Rojas emphasizes the pivotal role of community and feedback in shaping his work. He actively sought input from other artists and creators, leveraging the collective knowledge and experience of the comic book community to refine his approach and enhance the quality of his work. This collaborative spirit has been instrumental in guiding him through the complexities of character design, narrative development, and visual storytelling, ensuring that Takashi the Wanderer resonates with readers and critics alike.

The Final Product on Indiegogo

The culmination of Rojas’s dedication and effort is now available for the world to see. His work, Takashi the Wanderer, is featured on Indiegogo, where it has garnered attention and support from fans and backers alike. The campaign not only seeks financial support but also engagement and feedback from the community. Rojas’s journey, from a boxing coach to a comic book artist, is a compelling narrative in itself, serving as an inspiration for others to pursue their passions and transform their talents into meaningful creations.

Takashi the Wanderer

A Post-Apocalyptic World

Set in a dystopian future, Takashi the Wanderer unfolds in a world ravaged by catastrophe, where the remnants of society struggle to survive amidst the ruins. This backdrop serves as a stark setting for a narrative that delves into themes of survival, hope, and the indomitable human spirit. The post-apocalyptic setting provides a fertile ground for Rojas to explore the depths of human resilience and the relentless fight against adversity, themes that resonate deeply with the character of Takashi.

A Hero More “Hero” and Less “Super”

Takashi is envisioned as a hero who is relatable and grounded, emphasizing the human aspect of heroism over the fantastical. This approach to character development is deliberate, aiming to create a protagonist who embodies the qualities of determination and courage, but without the reliance on superhuman abilities. Rojas’s portrayal of Takashi is a tribute to the idea that true heroism is found in the everyday acts of courage and perseverance, rather than in the possession of extraordinary powers.

The Indiegogo Campaign

The launch of Takashi the Wanderer on Indiegogo marks a significant milestone in Rojas’s career. The campaign not only seeks financial support but also aims to engage with a broader audience, inviting readers to become part of the story’s creation. The project’s success on the crowdfunding platform is a testament to the strength of the narrative and the authenticity of Rojas’s vision. As the campaign progresses, it continues to draw significant interest from comic book enthusiasts and supporters of independent creators, highlighting the unique appeal of Takashi’s story and the broader themes it explores.