“The Zoo” Part Three
Writer: Scott Snyder
Artists: Nick Dragotta
Color Artist: Frank Martin
Letterer: Clayton Cowless
Review by Bryant Lucas
The Dark Knight battles Gotham’s rising storm while the shadows of The Party Animals deepen in this month’s Absolute Batman #3.
Gotham City is spiraling into chaos, as Bruce Wayne’s internal struggles with the mounting external threats that loom over the city. Opening with a heartfelt exchange between Bruce and Selina Kyle, the story navigates the complexities of their relationship, offering a rare window into Bruce’s softer side. As the narrative unfolds, Bruce uncovers that the Party Animals are funded through a cryptocurrency known as Black Coin, adding a contemporary twist to Gotham’s underworld.
Meanwhile, Jim Gordon’s mayoral race adds political tension, further complicating the city’s fragile stability. As the Party Animals escalate their reign of terror, Bruce finds himself questioning the very limits of his crusade. The issue’s narrative threads converge seamlessly, driving home the idea that Gotham’s battle is as much about ideology as it is about physical confrontation.
Voices in the Dark
The writing in this issue is sharp, introspective, and layered with emotional weight. Dialogue between Bruce and Selina is crafted with care, offering moments of levity that contrast against the backdrop of Gotham’s deterioration. Accordingly, the issue does an excellent job of humanizing Bruce, peeling back his stoic exterior to reveal a man grappling with doubt and loss.
One of the standout elements is the thematic exploration of legacy and personal responsibility. Bruce’s hesitance to fully engage with Gotham’s political and social fractures contrasts with his mother’s steadfast dedication to Gordon’s campaign. This interplay underscores the multifaceted nature of the conflict, ensuring that the stakes feel both personal and far-reaching.
Shadowplay
Visually, Absolute Batman #3 is a tour de force. The art direction is bold, alternating between moments of quiet intimacy and explosive action sequences. The scenes with Bruce and Selina perched above Gotham are beautifully rendered. Suffused with shadow and soft hues that highlight their connection. In contrast, the depiction of the Party Animals exudes kinetic energy and disorder, visually reinforcing the chaos they bring to the city.
A standout visual moment is the flashback to the Zorro movie, delivered in a sepia-toned palette that adds a layer of nostalgia while anchoring Bruce’s trauma in a tangible way. The juxtaposition of these sequences with the main narrative adds depth, further immersing readers in Bruce’s fractured psyche.
Conclusion
Absolute Batman #3 is an exceptional installment in the series, deftly blending personal drama with the broader socio-political tensions of Gotham. Synder’s script draws readers into Bruce’s fractured mindset, while Dragotta’s art immerses readers in the city’s unraveling chaos. Together, they craft a tale that is as intimate as it is explosive.
Final Verdict: A step up from last month’s installment.
Images Courtesy of DC Entertainment