The Absolute Universe is ever-expanding, but with special one-shots like Absolute Batman Ark M #1, the vision comes much more into focus. The new special delves into the creation of Ark M and its once-good intentions, and also how it was far closer to the main universe’s version than you might expect. Drenched in atmosphere and horror thanks to Joshua Hixson’s art, it’s a story that slowly unveils horrors while setting up new threats for the main series.
Written by Scott Snyder and Frank Tieri, Absolute Batman Ark M #1 is a somewhat quieter affair, with little action and only a smidge of Batman. That’s okay, especially if you like creepy horror tales of woe. The story is told from Arkham himself, back in 1945. He’s selling the asylum to a man who knows a lot about him, and vice versa.
Like any good gothic horror, the story takes us to Arkham’s childhood, where we learn his mother couldn’t bear to live without her husband and promptly kills Arkham’s siblings, never explaining why she left him alive. The story moves forward in time, detailing a classic American rags-to-riches story, and at its heart, Arkham truly wanted to help others. This leads to learning about a murderer in his care who looks a bit like the Joker, serving as a first hint that the Joker is all over this story.
Shocking page.
Credit: DC Comics
As the story progresses, from taking in a boy as his own to eventually seeing it fit to sell the asylum, the story creeps up on you, turning from the American dream of helping others to the realization that the whole damn thing is cursed. That curse is a surprise to Akrham and the reader, with a nice twist delivered before an epilogue set in the present.
Over the last six pages, we get to see Ark M now, with only a painting left of what was the asylum before. Fans of Absolute Batman cannot miss these pages, not only because we get to see Batman kicking butt, but because multiple villains are teased yet to be revealed. The final page adds an extra sense of danger for Batman as an iconic Absolute villain makes their debut.
Art by Hixson is great, bringing a moody, cinematic feel to the visuals through a heavier use of wider panels. The visuals can feel almost chilly in their gothic attitude, and shockingly disturbed. The latter is especially true with Akrham’s mother murdering the kids. The beady red pupils of Arkham’s Joker-looking patient are also a nice touch. Colors by Roman Stevens are also strong, with a subdued color palette that’s more realistic than a classic comic. The use of purples and sickly greens in backgrounds adds a certain sense of weirdness that suits the story.
Absolute Batman Ark M #1 is a chilling, lore-rich one-shot that trades action for atmosphere, successfully transforming Arkham’s origins into a tragic horror story while laying dangerous groundwork for what’s coming next. It’s not flashy, but it’s purposeful, and the final act makes it essential reading for Absolute Batman fans.
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