Hi pals. First off, I’ve shut down the comments on Friday’s post, and I’m going to consider the matter closed here for the time being. So, please don’t revive the discussion/debate in today’s comments. If something changes, I’ll put up a new post and start a new thread, but I think the topic has been covered sufficiently for the time being. Thanks to everyone for participating, and to Matthew for being a trooper.
Second, I’ll be returning to responding to your queries from the last Question Time post, as well as continuing the Final ’90s Countdown, in short order. I promise to finish both series sometime in 2026. Well, at least I’ll try with the Final ’90s Countdown.
Third, I know it’s an unpleasant world out there right now, and people are rightfully upset and afraid and angry at what’s happening. It may seem a bit silly focusing on comics like I am, but it helps to relax and center myself and escape from the world at least momentarily, at least for my mental health and yours as well. I’m not ignoring current events, but doing something quiet that I can control and enjoy really recharges the ol’ brain batteries. I hope everyone can find some similar respite.
Okay, I’m letting Wayne skip the question line a bit to answer this inquiry of his from last Wednesday:
“What is the deal with ABSOLUTE BATMAN?
[…]
“What is the main selling point? Is it violent like I’m the goddamn Batman? Is it Batman with no [other] bad guys or girls yet? I’m not checking Wikipedia.
“I want YOU to tell me why YOU buy so many copies and WHY it sells for you.You are in the middle of a desert, yet you sell more than the comic shop in downtown Chicago.”
Ever since Marvel hit it big with its fresh-start, continuity-lite (’til it wasn’t) Ultimate line, DC’s been trying to find a way to do something similar with their own titles. Essentially, “rebooting” their big characters with new hopefully-new-audience-grabbing titles and stories while still keeping the regular versions around in order to not alienate their already-existing readers. Sort of a have-your-cake-and-eat-it-too situation.
The initial two attempts were the All-Star line, started in 2005, which resulted in one genuine classic (All-Star Superman), and one still-as-yet-uncompleted run that received slightly more…mixed reviews (All-Star Batman and Robin the Boy Wonder). Both were not part of “official” DC continuity (however that usually stands), and were not connected to each other in any way. And while they both sold very well, the “All-Star” line faded out once the Superman story was done, and it became apparent that the Batman series had stalled out. Other series, like All-Star Batgirl and All-Star Wonder Woman, were planned but never released.
DC’s next attempt at an Ultimate-esque imprint as the “Earth One” line, a series of graphic novels aimed at the book market. And while a number of these were released, some with multiple volumes (like Superman: Earth One, have three volumes so far). I think, technically, this imprint may still be A Thing, even though the last graphic novel in the line, Green Lantern: Earth One volume 2, came out in 2020. (And Wonder Woman Earth One received a Compact Comics paperback edition within the last year.)
DC’s newest attempt at Ultimizing their comics, the “Absolute” imprint, certainly seems to have the most traction out, with current titles selling well, and new titles on the way. Unlike the previous imprints, “Absolute” has its origin in the regular DC Universe, via various Darkseid-related shenanigans that began in the DC All-In Special and are now coming to some kind of head in the DC K.O. event, currently running in a comic shop near you.
It’s possible, that at least for some readers, that connection means the comics “count” in their ongoing investment into the DC Comics Universe at large. And that pays off, in its way, with that current crossover I mentioned. I don’t know if that’s a significant factor in the Absolute line’s current popularity, but it’s not not one.
But when it comes specifically to the Absolute Batman series and why it’s popular, the biggest reason is that…
…it’s Batman.
And I know that sounds like a facile answer, but it’s really the big one. Batman is arguably the most popular superhero character of all time — or at least in the top three, behind Swamp Thing and Krypto — and having him headline the brand new imprint of comics is usually going to lead to big sales. Absolute Batman was first out of the gate with a comic book series, it showed everyone how this new line was going to work, and remains the flagship title of the imprint. It is the face of this publishing endeavor.
It helps that it stands alone, with (so far) only some minor crossing over with Absolute Wonder Woman, even though all the “Absolute” titles exist in the same world and the characters certainly will all meet each other. (Not counting whatever’s going to happen in DC K.O., of course.)
The quality of the art and writing is top notch, drawn by Nick Dragotta and written by Scott Snyder, with Snyder being already generally well-regarded for previous Batman work. I know when Absolute Batman was first announced, and the art was released, many fan reacted with “uh, Batman looks weird” but now that everyone’s seen it in action, those same fans are now “we love our chonky boy.”
But the two of them together have produced a work that is dense with information, both textually and visually. And given issue of Absolute Batman feels like it contains the equivalent of two other comics, and in these days of high prices and concern over cost-versus-content, it makes for an appealing buy. It feels…modern, taking these nearly 90-year-old characters and reinventing them via current sensibilities and storytelling techniques.
Now, I’m trying not to step too much on what WizarDru and William have already said in their correct and valuable responses regarding the actual contents of the books. These are new takes on old characters, from Batman/Bruce Wayne himself, all the way to his rogue’s gallery (many of who are, at least at first, friends of Bruce and privy to his secret). As William notes, emotion plays more into the proceedings, supporting the previous be-all Batman tropes of problem solving and punch-outs. And making Bruce poor, or at least not rich, puts paid to all the criticisms of “why doesn’t he stop crime with money” and “rich guy punching down, literally, on the underprivileged.” Every battle Bruce has is an uphill one.
And in concession to our online meme-full world, there are more cool elements in each story. More examples of pure radness and badassery that makes for lively discussion and scanned images on TikTok or Instagram or wherever. “Look at Absolute Batman just wiping out these white supremacists” sells more people on how cool a comic this is, making more people look for it, meaning more sales, more sell-outs, more reprints, so on and so forth. Making comics cool again, or at least these “Absolute” comics, can’t be underestimated as a factor, especially wit younger people not in the habit of buying physical media.
Another reason Absolute Batman sells well is for a reason that may not immediately come to mind unless you’re a comic shop owner observing comic sales. Or if you’re participating in this yourself…but investment. Not the kind of “investment” I mentioned previously, but “buy multiple copies, get ’em CGCed and put on eBay” kind of investment. The comic sells well, therefore there’s demand, therefore there’s opportunities. First appearances of Absolute Catwoman, Absolute Harley Quinn (that one kinda slipped past people), and of course Absolute Joker, that gets the investors excited.
Plus, the multiple printings each issue receives (#1 just had its tenth) attracts not just readers trying to catch up, but investment collectors who think the lower print runs on some of these may lead to a financial boon. And the more readers part = more demand for issues = more chances of higher prices on the secondary market.
I’m sure that’s not all the reasons, and that the sales on this book will continue like this forever. I’ve said a number of times that some days at the shop, I feel like I’m an Absolute Batman store and nothing else, as I get customer after customer, new customer after new customer, passing through my doors and asking where the new issue is, or where any issues are. And anything that’s getting new readers in is a good thing.
I’d never thought about it before, but this is the first time DC’s alternate takes all exist in the same universe like Marvel’s Ultimate books.
There really is something about inter-book continuity that connotes “this really matters,” isn’t there? Must be why there are so many attempted superhero universes littering the $1 bins in comic shops. Companies want to capture that sense of importance by creating a whole world.
It’s impressive that the Absolute books are connected but also maintain such distinct tones. The idea that Absolute Wonder Woman‘s gritty magic and Absolute Martian Manhunter‘s ’60s sci-fi aesthetics co-exist is wild.
I suppose that’s the way comics were back in the ’80s when I started collecting: heroes all lived in the same world but were largely left alone to do their own things. Why didn’t the Fantastic Four show up to help the X-Men? They were busy. Unlike the permanent state of crossover superhero books exist in now.
Absolute Wonder Woman is a high-quality comic book with bold character writing (especially Diana’s mix of radical empathy, pragmatism, and creativity in combat), excellent art, and good plotting. Absolute Martian Manhunter takes an experimental approach to sci-fi and mixes it with emotionally-charged characterization and quite possibly the best art on the stands. Both of these comics are what I want in a new take on old characters. I think both titles sell well, but don’t do Absolute Batman numbers despite being (in my mind) much better.
That said, I like Absolute Batman for the reasons Mike outlined in this post. For me, the sheer audacity of the comic carries it. Scott Snyder’s DC work has been an exercise in trying to top his previous story in terms of badass moments and escalating threats. Sometimes that worked, and sometimes it didn’t. Absolute Batman has been the comic in which that storytelling approach has been most effective. Nick Dragotta and the guest artists producing top-notch visuals every issue is a big part of the book’s success, and a reason to read Abs Bats every month on its own.
I’m glad Absolute Batman is generating so many sales. I hope a good chunk of the Abs Bats readers check out Absolute WW, MM, etc. and then move on to other comics, maybe even independents. Snyder has enough Indy work on his own to get them started.
Okay, so my (somewhat joking) question is, what do they call the inevitable oversized hardcover of this series? Absolute Absolute Batman?
Both Wonder Woman and Batman had Earth One books come out in 2021. There was also a “Batman: Earth One Complete Collection” released in 2022, so it’s probably done.
But like, they only got 13 Earth One volumes out over 11 years, so not exactly the most successful thing.
Thanks, Mike. That is what got me. TENTH printing. And, of course, when I worked at my LCS, there wasn’t a market for First appearance of Ultra, the Multi-Alien. (Remember 2020 and oh get Carol Danvers fought a villain named Corona?)
So I get the Absolute line, immediately thought of goddamn Batman, and even thought Frank Miller when I saw AB#1. I’m old. Ten years almost to the day older than you. I just don’t understand a tenth printing. Batman/Joker, OK. What kind of print run is that?
We had a guy back in the day who almost paid the rent. Five first issue of ANYthing (even REN & STIMPY). Ten of some other book on the horizon, maybe annuals. He wasn’t a speculator, he was doing this since 1989.
I know comic dealers must be happy. Maybe Chicago is just a grim place these days. Thank you on this really answering my question past friends saying “#1!” or “Batman!” One word answers.
You are one fab guy, Mike.
Absolute Batman works for me because it is just shamelessly drenched in the rule of cool, and doesn’t in the least believe in cringe.
My favorite part of it, thus far, is the scene where Batman is fighting off goons while Alfred is narrating going on about “advancing forward”, abbreviating it as “AF”, all of it to set up a shot of Batman, standing in front of the building he just blew up to stop his enemies. The building is crowned with a burning Batman silhouette, and the caption?
“Batman AF.”
How can you NOT like the sheer audacity of that?
No comments/thoughts on the Absolute KO Boss Battle–or whatever it is being hyped as–which will feature DC Absolute characters along with Archie characters (Sabrina, the Teenage Witch), Dynamite licensed characters, (Red Sonja), and other characters from diverse conis companies?
Also, how long until DC and Marvel pair up an Absolute character with an Ultimate character in a crossover story?
And, will they ever introduce an Absolute Aquaman, and then an Absolute Justice League can be formed featuring Absolute Batman, Absolute Superman, Absolute Wonder Woman, Absolute Flash, Absolute Green Lantern, Absolute Martian Manhunter, and Absolute Aquaman, in a nod to the original Silver Age JLA team?
And then could we get a Crisis event which would feature Original Golden Age Earth-2 JSA, original Silver/Bronze Age Earth-1 JLA, New 52 JL, Rebirth JL, and Absolute JL characters meeting and interacting with each other, like that time displacement event from several years ago that had 1939 Batman, Kamandi, Starfire, etc?
And as far as the All-Star imprint–or even Black Book, a limited All-Star All-Star Comics featuring the Golden Age JSA could be very cool. Start it in the late 1930s with Dr. Occult, Superman, Zatara, Crimson Avenger, and Sandman, and have it work it’s way through the 1940s, WW II, and the McCarthy era 1950s. Make it a bit gritty and steeped in historical events and including historical figures.
Jack: I don’t get what Alfred is saying, so I’m obviously the wrong generation. I have cerebral palsy, abbreviated for a century as CP. Only now CP stands for Child Porn.
I get that readers will like certain aspects about the books. I’ve seen Priest using the same method. And I never picked up any Ultimate books past The Ultimates, I do remember thinking hey, neat idea for new generations. (I kinda hate the word generations in general, but it is what it is.)
So I’m happy the comic shop owners are making money. And that readers are happy. But AF for advancing forward means nothing to me unless it is a game term or regular text messaging.
Which is fine. It comes down to why would DC put out a tenth printing? And its because they are selling copies. I’m happy. Mike explained it pretty good for anyone who isn’t buying the book. (I did try out Absolute Green Lantern and Absolute Superman, but quit on those. But they didn’t get tenth printings. And I get that it is Batman.)
RIP Sal Buscema.
Thanks for all of the great art!
Sean–
From what I understand, Absolute Aquaman has been discussed. I don’t know if that means he’s still to come or they decided against it. I suspect still to come.
And there already is a Justice League in the Absolute universe.
I’m enjoying the back and forth here.
Daniel T: possibly Absolute Aquaman shows up in another book first?
And, yea, Sean. RIP Sal. First time there was someone who died it was Ross Andru and young me didn’;t think that, well, Ross and others (not even thinking of Kirby) were illustrating work before I was born. I always remember that.
Daniel T.
Who is on the Absolute Justice League– only the Absolute characters with solo books, or other characters as well?
Since the absolute universe was created by Darkseid, the Justice League is comprised of villains trying to preserve the status quo where they in charge. Wonder Woman and Batman have just met in most recent issues (last month’s WW, this week’s Batman), they are the only two heroes to have interacted.
Absolute Green Arrow is announced, but has no release date. As far as I know, that is the only book that has has been announced beyond the current lineup. I would guess it is not coming until Martian Manhunter concludes (originally a 6 issue series, got expanded to 12). It seems like DC is trying to prevent the line from getting too big and unwieldy, so I wouldn’t be surprised if that sixth slot is used for a string of miniseries.
Wayne: I believe generally “AF” means “as fuck.”
It’s used in contexts meaning “very” or “extremely.”
“That’s cool AF.” “I’m tired AF.” “You’re stupid AF.”
“Batman AF” would probably be “Batman as fuck.” e.g. “That’s very Batman” or similar.
Matthew: I know about AF from having three nieces who text and drink too much White Claw. I guess I took “advancing forward” literally and likely wouldn’t have caught it because abbreviations I’ll get later go over my head at first. See, like Batman AF would make sense as soon as I waded through Alfred saying AF.
My nieces are commonly using you are as dumb AF why am I related to you? (Not referring to me.) White Claw,
I remember back in the days of AOL Messenger–a writer buddy and I actually wrote 75% of a story using that–my friend typed BTW and I was like what, he said By the way, and I was like you are saving five letters there?
I have cerebral palsy and can only type with one finger, and I still groaned back pre social media days. But hey, we can still tell people about the cop story and AOL Messenger and while a few people know or have AOL, Messenger is almost always a blank face.
So this is cool for the Absolutes. Now I want to hear how they abbreviate in Atlantis. I just hope Batman doesn’t think Catwoman is rizz. Letter abbreviations I’m used to. Not made up stuff.
Much appreciated and all the best. I’ve said it before, Mike has the coolest commenters.
Daniel T. And William O’Brien,
Thanks for the Absolute explanations. I finally looked it up and watched a few YouTube videos. I doubt if AI will buy any of the titles, as only the Absolute Martian Manhunter artwork appeals to me, but I do find the use of some Golden Age characters like Sandman and Wildcat intriguing; also Hawkman’s apparent heel turn.
I wonder if we will get–as the opposition to the malevolent, Legion of Doomesque “Absolute Justice”–the Absolute heroes/anti-heroes joining together as a team called “Absolute Batman & The Outsiders?”
“All-Star Batman and Robin the Boy Wonder).”
That thing never got finished, did it?
“Plus, the multiple printings each issue receives”
I think I’ll go for the TPB, for simplicity’s sake.