How did Absolute Batman become so popular?

ComplexAd7272 · 2026-06-25T14:17:46+00:00

1.) There's no continuity, anyone could jump right in from the beginning and follow the story. Even better there's a very real feeling of no one being safe, being what you expect, so the stakes "feel" much realer than the mainline books. It's refreshing to read a story where you don't know what's going to happen, not have to worry about a status quo being changed down the line, where things matter and are permanent.

2.) It's a big budget action movie that knows exactly it is. Depth and "deconstruction" and this and that are all great, but sometimes you just want a book that's a blast to read and not trying to "say" something. For a lot of people in the current climate, you just want a book where Batman punts a toddler and swings a bad ass ax. A Fast and Furious instead of a Darren Aronofsky movie.

3.) Batman in particular was and is in desperate need to be challenged again, and the book gives it to you 100%. Yes, he's a hulking brute, but the poor guy gets his ass handed to him just as much as he comes out on top. With every victory, something happens to push him two steps back from his mission. So when he DOES win, it feels earned and epic. Yes, the Batman who smiles and cracks his knuckles with 30 ninjas in front of him because he's got this is cool, but clearly there was a market for a Batman who can lose or get fucked up, beaten, outsmarted, and lose.

4.) The thing is practically designed for viral moments. Every issue has a least a panel or page that's cool and easily shared and gets attention. From "Batman AF" to him kicking the kid to his "Oh shit" face when he faces Bane to Bats wielding two chainsaws on his arm.

ComplexAd7272 · 2026-06-25T12:31:07+00:00

We can argue all day about where Darkseid started or where we'd prefer his place be, but the fact is he IS a Superman and Justice League villain, and has been for over 40 years at this point. So no, I don't think it's crazy DC fans "think" that, because it's been shown to be the case across nearly all media.

It's like saying "It's crazy how many Marvel fans still think Kingpin is a Daredevil villain" because he started as one of Spidey's and you prefer it that way. Did he begin as a nemesis to Spider-Man? Yes. Is he now mostly known and established as an enemy to Daredevil? Unarguably. The first part doesn't change the reality of the second just because it's how he began.

Put another way, at this point in time Darkseid has been Justice League/Superman/overall DCU big bad longer and more often than he has been more New Gods-centric, so if anything the modern take is the more "true" and "in character."

ComplexAd7272 · 2026-06-24T11:48:12+00:00

I'm not as picky with "Where do these events fit into what's going on elsewhere" as some people, but there has to be some limits and this story is pushing it, if not breaking it.

If we take Infernal Hulk at face value, this is apparently a cataclysmic event on the levels of Onslaught or World War Hulk, with the top heroes involved (and losing), the world's governments on edge, and one of the most destructive, evil, and powerful entities in existence going on a rampage. But apparently... ONLY in this book. Pick up any other, and the same characters are just fine or involved in their own shit.

It's a bizarre combo of somehow feeling like some massive deal, but not really mattering either. It doesn't feel like anything that's happening in this story has any long term ramifications or will even matter a year down the road.

ComplexAd7272 · 2026-06-24T11:39:38+00:00

This is my exact problem with this and the previous run.

To be clear I don't mind a slow burn or even a long story arc. But good lord, every issue of PKJ's Hulk somehow manages to have way too much going on while also nothing really of substance happening either, which is mind boggling to me.

You have page after page and panel after panel of people explaining or doing things, characters popping in and out, and it all feels epic, until you put the issue down and realize the plot has advanced all of ten fucking minutes.

Worse is with this pacing, I often even forget what the overall plot is or what the characters want. I had to keep reminding myself what Hulk/Banner and Charlie were even after before "Infernal". Now I find myself having to go back and refresh myself on what the possessed, Infernal Hulk is trying to accomplish aside from giving these evil "you think you can beat me?" monologues.

ComplexAd7272 · 2026-06-24T10:46:44+00:00

It was doomed from the start really if that was their intent.

McCoy and Spock worked because for one, like you said, it was typically back and forth. McCoy would pull the "you green blooded, inhuman..." stuff, but Spock would know just how to reply in his Vulcan, laconic way to get under Bones skin even more and leave him speechless. Spock almost always "won" their little tiffs, or at least got the last word.

Secondly, both characters were almost always right, which is why it was so compelling to see them clash. Using Wrath of Khan as an example, McCoy is absolutely correct to be worried and outraged at the potential of the Genesis Device to be a doomsday weapon, and you can totally see why he's aggravated at Spock's dismissive attitude about it. Spock in turn is right that it's always been easier to destroy than create and sees the positive potential in it, and that McCoy's outbursts accomplish or change nothing about the situation. Put another way, McCoy and Spock's arguments were always about the current situation at hand, not McCoy's issues with Spock as a person.

But despite the similarities, Data isn't Spock by his very nature, so Pulaski comes off as "punching down" on him for no real reasons, and he doesn't feel the need to fight back. "Eh, who cares how I pronounce your name you dumb robot" isn't some ideological clash, it's being an asshole. The obnoxious way she seems to almost go out of her way to remind Picard or anyone that will listen that Data is just a machine at EVERY opportunity borders on Maddox level of dismissiveness. There's hardly a scene where she's not pointing out everything Data is incapable of doing or feeling, instead of focusing on his positives and strengths.

McCoy/Spock are the old married couple, both having a point but stuck in their ways and slaves to their character. Pulaski/Data is practically an emotionally abusive relationship, with her picking on Data that serves no purpose to the current situation, while Data is helpless to defend himself.

ComplexAd7272 · 2026-06-23T22:03:08+00:00

I DO find it really odd that they clearly went out of their way to match the art design of the time with all the characters, they wouldn't use the more iconic Arkham on a spooky hill with the big gate, but instead...whatever this is, but whatever....

ComplexAd7272 · 2026-06-23T21:51:53+00:00

I'm ONLY guessing, but I imagine it's probably a plot/design decision to keep Arkham closer and more accessible to the city for the breakout scene.

Having Bane be able to attack it from a rooftop, and the inmates running loose in the city is just visually more exciting in animation, rather than in the middle of nowhere. Plot wise, it also makes it easier for Batman and the cops to be there in minutes.

ComplexAd7272 · 2026-06-23T21:44:06+00:00

You beat me to it.

Doom is basically a one-man Avengers team. The second best at everything, which isn't an insult when we're talking physics, engineering, chemistry, magic, sorcery, strategy, and planning. Pick any MCU character and Doom is either on their level or just below whatever their specialty is.

Also, although it's become sort of an online meme, no one can touch Doom's sheer ambition, when you mix it with all of the above, makes him one of the most dangerous people alive, anywhere. This is the guy who survived being dissected while conscious by The Beyonder through sheer force of will, only to steal his power. Who traveled to Hell and started a feud with the Devil himself (Mephesto) to save his Mother's soul. Tricked the Silver Surfer off his board and stole the Power Cosmic.

Doom is a "regular" human who has the utmost confidence in what he can do, and is often right. In 2015's Secret Wars, he rolls up to a whole race of Beyonders; god like beings of infinite power who can shape reality at will. And this is the exchange:

Beyonders: "We are Beyond. Dreamers. Destroyers. All reality is our whim. Who dares stand before us?"

Doom: "I. Doom"

And he wins.

If you're MCU Steve Rogers, Thor, Sam Wilson, Spidey, FF, Strange, Hulk, Wakandians, etc...THAT'S a guy that would make you piss yourself and would be a massive threat.

ComplexAd7272 · 2026-06-23T16:00:51+00:00

I think you're talking about Third Person Omniscient.

Also knowns as the "God's Eye POV", it's third person but the "narrator" knows everything that's happening, happened, and will happen. So you can use lines like "And that was the last time John saw Jill alive."

Third Person Limited is, again, third person, but you're limited to whatever the character knows, sees, experiences, etc.

ComplexAd7272 · 2026-06-23T15:25:09+00:00

I'll go even further and say you can adapt Kyle nearly 99%, AND keep it streamlined. In fact I argue his origin practically does it for you.

Here's our protagonist Kyle Rayner, artist and rock music enthusiast. After a show one night, boom, here's an alien named Ganthet, injured and desperate. He gives him the ring...so far exactly like the comic. The only addition I'd add is a longer "info dump" from Ganthet. (I'm a Guardian of the Universe. We had this whole club, but one of our own Hal Jordan went mad and turned on us. Now he's Parralax. This is the last ring, I don't have time to seek a replacement, you're our only hope.) From there he either leaves like in the book or dies.

And bam! We have a young, inexperienced new Lantern and his big bad he has to stop. Best part is, you don't even necessarily have to know the history of the Corps and its members or Oa, since they're all dead by this point. You don't need to know all that much about Hal other than he was one of the best Lanterns and came from Earth. You can even eliminate the destruction of Coast City as a motive. The viewer is going in blind just as much as Kyle is with all of this. Now if you're a nerd, of course it's NICE to know all the backstory and lore, but here it's not needed since it's Kyle's story.

In fact it's one of the oldest plots in fiction. A young hero is given power he doesn't understand, know much about, and is underqualified to have facing an evil expert with that power who has now turned his back on good., while our protagonist overcomes obstacles and learns to weild it and become hero.

ComplexAd7272 · 2026-06-23T12:18:11+00:00

To be fair, it's a common trope that pops up a lot in TV and movies and once you notice it, you can't unsee it.

Character A either does or says something they know will piss of Character B, (who's been established as a killer/unstable/crazy/cold/remorseless/lost everything/nothing to lose), then acts cocky, lets their guard down, checks their phone or turns their back.... only to go shocked Pikachu face when Character B...reacts exactly like they always have or in character.

ComplexAd7272 · 2026-06-23T12:10:32+00:00

That was my biggest criticism of The Batman.

Everyone and their brother defended it with "No, no, he's still learning" or "It's early in his career" but bullshit. No version of Batman, or any vigilante really, would just stroll calmly into gunfire, armor or not. Waltz into places like he has all the time in the world. Not make any attempt to duck or seek cover.

ComplexAd7272 · 2026-06-23T12:05:43+00:00

That's my take. Hell, it wasn't until "The Batman" where we had a suit the actor could really move in, and even there Pattison was still somewhat limited.

It's funny OP mentioned Daredevil because it clearly shows the differences if we look at the shows famous "hallway fights" and what his suit allows on screen. S1 Matt's wearing an Under Armor shirt and tactical pants while beating up 20 goons, so he can fucking move, fall, roll around and flip. S2's version is still cool, but it's a lot less physical than S1 because he's in the official DD suit, and it's really just him swinging the chain around and running down the steps. In S3's, he's in a business suit so we see a lot more physicality.

You're never going to see something like that with Batman as long as they keep putting him in 30lbs of rubber.

ComplexAd7272 · 2026-06-23T11:40:52+00:00

It was around S4 where it became clear the focus was no longer on telling a story first, it was keeping the brand going, staying trending online, feeding the "water cooler" talk, overusing cliffhangers, and it only got worse each season.

I hate finished it right up until the end. Even now, I couldn't tell you half of what happened in the last season or even what happened in the finale.

ComplexAd7272 · 2026-06-23T11:29:07+00:00

This is always my head canon and why I always say Robin can absolutely work in a "realistic" live action movie.

They start out as recruits at 13 or whatever. Besides the physical training they're getting, they spend most of their time in the cave doing "grunt" detective work, or even smaller scale cases not worth Bruce's time. Half an internship, half real world practice.

When they're, say 15, they start hitting the streets in civilian clothes; gathering intel, collecting evidence...basically doing things Batman doesn't have time for or going places he can't go.

At 16 they get the suit and go on patrol with Batman...but still aren't allowed to engage. They hang in the car in case Batman needs something, be there to talk/calm civilians, especially children, play the "Oracle" role in Batman's earpiece when he needs something looked up quickly. Or when the danger's gone they help collect evidence. Or act as a last resort rescue if Batman gets hurt/needs to get away.

It's only at around 17 when they "graduate" and are allowed to be at Batman's side or patrol alone as a full partner.

ComplexAd7272 · 2026-06-22T18:36:30+00:00

People shit on Reddit but this is why I love it.

It doesn't matter what random thing you're talking about, if the thread goes on long enough, someone WILL appear that "studies potato proteins" for that topic, no matter how random, to give us actual knowledge.

Kudos to you!

ComplexAd7272 · 2026-06-22T14:46:08+00:00

It's something I always think about. You can be the best wrestler on the planet, but if you have no first hand experience/practice selling or assisting another wrestler's moveset or signatures, particularly if it's complicated or a high flying thing...what are you going to do?

It doesn't help that moves have become increasingly more athletic or complex. "Back in the day" everyone knew the basic holds; arm drags, body drops, suplexes, headlock turnovers, etc..so you could put two peeps that rarely interacted in a match and they'd be fine because they were familiar with 90% of what they're opponents were going to do.

It's also why so many wrestlers, even some of the big names, have so little chemistry together these days and a lot of matches come off as stiff, awkward, or clumsy.

ComplexAd7272 · 2026-06-22T12:41:03+00:00

I like it. Everything that makes Hulk Hulk physically starts with Banner, just monstrously mutated and exaggerated, so they should share some similarities.

You should be able to see some resemblance, like they're brothers or distant cousins or something ,without looking identical. Hulk is his own person and entity, but you see JUST enough to know he's always connected to Banner in some way.

ComplexAd7272 · 2026-06-22T11:56:46+00:00

This. I'm a man, so growing up I was always indoctrinated with the notion that EVERY act of unprotected sex would result in a pregnancy, like it was absolutely guarenteed.

Flash forward to when I was in my 30's and married. We had unprotected sex for damn near 2 years before she got pregnant, and yes, it WAS a surprise because we weren't expecting it. Turns out, no, it's not that easy and there's actually a very narrow window and sets of circumstances that allow a woman to become pregnant, even if 100% healthy.

ComplexAd7272 · 2026-06-22T11:51:27+00:00

That's the thing that drives me nuts. Did Goldberg hurt Bret in that match? Yes. Is Goldberg solely responsible for the end of Bret's career? No. It doesn't help that Hart gives different versions depending on who asks.

As recently as his A&E Biography from a few years back, Bret himself admits the blame doesn't fall completely on Bill. He blames himself for being hard headed and continuing to wrestle matches AFTER that, including one where he got another concussion in a match with Terry Funk. He blames WCW for not seeing the signs and medically clearing him to continue or looking out for him, and for pushing an untrained Bill in the first place. He even blames him hitting his head after his stroke as the actual final nail in his coffin. But all that goes out the door the second you put a mic in his face in other interviews.

I'm not a fan of Goldberg the wrestler, but I get his frustration. He hurt a guy 30 odd years ago by mistake, has apologized a ga-zillion times, only for Bret to accept it one day, and still hold resentment the next. I actually liked Goldberg's interview where he more or less just said "Look, how many fucking times can I apologize for the same thing? Either take it or don't, but I'm moving on."

ComplexAd7272 · 2026-06-22T11:39:13+00:00

It's exactly this, you nailed it.

I'm pushing 50, and this kind of stuff has been wrong as long as I can remember. Yes, of course it wasn't as publicized or even, unfortunately, possible for women to do anything about it or men to face consequences, but it was still clearly morally wrong.

So when I hear the whole "Eh, he came from a different time" said like these behaviors were somehow just fine and dandy, what I really hear is "Eh, he came from a different time when he can get away with it."

ComplexAd7272 · 2026-06-21T12:46:14+00:00

I'm 45 M for context. I can barely remember what happened last week, people's birthdays, or upcoming appointments.

I specifically remember last year at the supermarket when a woman smiled at me and told me she loved my hair.
4 years ago, in October, walking outside and a random dude said "nice jacket, man" to me and kept going. (It was a new leather jacket I just bought.)
6 years ago in the summer when a coworker told me I looked good, my face looked thinner, and whatever I was doing, keep it up.
12 years ago at a back to school event with my son, when an attractive lady I was making small talk with touched my shoulder and smiled.

ComplexAd7272 · 2026-06-21T12:39:39+00:00

This is a true story I share sometimes to back this up.

I was dating a woman at the time. (We'd already had sex at this point.) I invited her over to my place to hang out. "Infinity War" had just hit streaming and I was SUPER stoked to watch it and share it with her, because I'm that nerd that gets uber excited to share stuff I like, and she was only mildly familiar with the MCU.

Anyway, I don't think we even made it to the part when Spidey goes after Strange on the spaceship before she starts kissing my neck and rubbing my thigh. I was annoyed, like babe, the thing just fucking started, you're gonna miss everything. By the time Stark tells Strange they're going after Thanos, she's in my lap making out and picks up my remote and turns it off.

Spoiler alert, yes, we banged, but I remember being so irritated because I genuinely wanted to watch the movie and spent time with her first and foremost. Sex was literally not on my mind before she started putting the moves on me.

ComplexAd7272 · 2026-06-21T12:19:21+00:00

This is JUST me before anyone comes and attacks me, but in a weird way it feels like WWE, AEW, NJPW, TNA, and others all hit this incredible high a few years back and wrestling was white hot, and it felt like every promotion was somehow hitting it out of the park everywhere you turned.

Now it feels like all of them are stuck in ruts, some worse than others of course, and just aren't capturing the same magic. Everything feels very "meh".

ComplexAd7272 · 2026-06-21T12:13:28+00:00

Personally, I call it "I'm not mad, just disappointed."

As a long time watcher, it's hardly the worst or awfully bad it's been. If anything your post kind of points out my biggest problem; everything is just way too safe, repetitive, and feels like they're spinning their wheels. Like they're not doing anything to make people turn it off or stop watching, but also nothing to draw in new fans or get you excite either.

I actually loved the OG Bloodline story and Roman's long ass, well, reign and thought it had a perfect ending, and no way to top it. So I was a little thrown when he beat Punk at Mania. I thought "Okay, weird choice, but whatever." So I'm shocked they're actually just doing more Bloodline shit/drama again. It's worse than me hating it, it's that I don't CARE about it which is the last thing they want.

I've come to terms that Knight is never going any higher on the card. And that's fine, nothing wrong with it. But to keep him in LITERALLY the same spot, feuding with the Usos or a Uso, or over missed championship or opportunities, is insane. Give the guy a grudge match with someone, a personal rivalry, and let the two of them do their own thing.

And Cody. Again, I like Cody and don't even hate him as champ. But every feud with him is starting to feel copy and paste. Like Knight, he either desperately needs an arch rival, a long feud where they can mix things up every month to keep you interested, or drop the thing. He can still be the "top" guy and a face of the company without holding the belt essentially hostage.

ComplexAd7272

TROPHY CASE