Review – Absolute Batman #10: Locked in Ark M
Ray: Scott Snyder has been writing DC Comics for so long that it's hard to remember that he used to be very well-known as a hard-boiled horror writer. So he likes to remind us occasionally – Severed, Night of the Ghoul, and Dark Spaces: Dungeon are some of the most disturbing comics I've ever read. But it's even more surprising when it works its way into the main comics – and as disturbing as Arkham Asylum is in the main comics, it's nothing compared to what awaits us in Ark M. Batman broke into the compound in search of his friend Waylon, but found something else entirely – Bane, hulked-up beyond imagination and lusting for a fight. Bruce lost – in terrible fashion – and now finds himself locked up as one of Ark M's many captives and subjects. As the days tick away, Martha Wayne becomes increasingly determined to find her son, seeking help around the city – but few people are interested in the story of a missing blue-collar man. Trapped. Via DC Comics.
Bruce's part of the issue is one of the most harrowing things I've ever read in a DC comic, as the mysterious Dr. Arkham oversees Bruce's many escape attempts, brutal beatings at Bane's hands, and his slow recovery. With each escape, Bruce penetrates a little deeper into the compound, getting closer to information about Waylon's fate – and discovers one horror after another. The floors and the walls here even hold horrific secrets. Bane continues to be a haunting beast of a man, one whose sheer brutality seems almost mechanical. The reveal of what's become of Waylon feels inevitable – but also is revealed in a way that still packs a big punch. What surprised me is how far Bruce goes to escape – and how he's transformed by his time locked up. This issue is packed with disturbing visuals that could probably never happen in the main line, and the tension is through the roof throughout.
To find reviews of all the DC issues, visit DC This Week.
GeekDad received this comic for review purposes. Liked it? Take a second to support GeekDad and GeekMom on Patreon!
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