If you’re a regular reader of this space, you know that I am a big fan of the ABSOLUTE BATMAN comic book series. As its regular reviewer here at BOF, I’ve given this title high marks since its debut. With that said, the one-shot ABSOLUTE BATMAN: ARK-M #1 may be the best ABSOLUTE BATMAN story yet…and Batman isn’t even in it!
ABSOLUTE BATMAN: ARK-M #1 is the disturbing origin story of Arkham Asylum and its successor, Ark-M, which also expands upon the dark history and lore of Gotham in the ABSOLUTE Universe. Furthermore, readers learn more about the backstory of Jack Grimm, this universe’s version of The Joker — who we previously learned is a “centuries-old evil” — and his horrific ties to Arkham Asylum and its founder, Amadeus Arkham.
The issue is framed through Amadeus Arkham recounting his tragic life, as he transitions from being a young, idealistic humanitarian to an old man, broken by the horrors of the institution he founded and the people he tried to help.
ABSOLUTE BATMAN: ARK-M #1 is audacious, unnerving, and wonderfully written by series regular Scott Snyder with Frank Cieri. It is a must-read for not only fans of ABSOLUTE BATMAN but also for those who enjoy psychologically deep gothic horror. AND…
It also provides further proof that while ABSOLUTE BATMAN may look different at the surface, it’s still very much BATMAN — and all that entails — deep down at its core. – Bill “Jett” Ramey
GRADE: A