“Absolute Zero” Part 1
Writer: Scott Snyder
Artists: Marcos Martín
Color Artist: Muntsa Vicente
Letterer: Clayton Cowles
Review by Bryant Lucas
Batman goes deep undercover to unearth a chilling conspiracy in this month’s Absolute Batman #7.
A shocking death and a mysterious arctic compound pull Bruce Wayne into one of his darkest investigations yet. When longtime ally Matches Malone dies horrifically in Bruce’s arms, the clues point to Ark M — a new high-tech facility rising just off Gotham’s shores. Bruce discovers V-Core, a corporate offshoot led by Victor Fries’ son, is harvesting prehistoric microbes from ancient ice — not for preservation, but for power. As Bruce digs deeper, he realizes the cold doesn’t merely freeze; it transforms, mutates… and kills.
Freeze a Jolly Good Fellow
Scott Snyder continues to show why he’s one of modern comics’ most thrilling voices. Absolute Zero blends gothic horror with a tense techno-thriller in a way only Snyder can. The decision to center the story around Bruce’s grief and a chillingly reimagined legacy of Mr. Freeze adds emotional resonance, while the horror elements — especially Matches’ grotesque transformation — are as disturbing as they are compelling. The dialogue is sharp, particularly during the street vigil scene, which humanizes Gotham’s criminal underbelly. The structure is smartly layered, unfolding like an icy noir puzzle.
If there’s a critique, it’s that the issue walks a fine line between moody introspection and exposition-heavy sequences. Some panels verge on over explaining when the visuals already sell the drama. Still, the philosophical musings on life, death, and the preservation of both give the book its chilling edge.
Color Me Cold
Marcos Martín brings clean lines and expressive compositions to this issue, creating a sharp contrast between the grounded drama and surreal horror. His depiction of Gotham, blanketed in snow and neon twilight, feels simultaneously classic and futuristic. The panel layouts are dynamic, especially during Bruce’s infiltration of V-Core — full of motion and suspense.
But it’s Muntsa Vicente’s colors that steal the show. The glowing cyan of cryo chambers, the sickly red of infected skin, the violet shadows of Gotham’s skyline — they all combine to create a palette that’s as emotionally resonant as it is visually striking. The colorwork heightens the psychological dread of the story, especially in the haunting final reveal of Victor Jr. and his frozen parents.
Conclusion
Absolute Batman #7 delivers a deeply atmospheric tale that feels both intimately personal and terrifyingly global. With a smart script and stunning visuals, the issue takes a fresh angle on the Mr. Freeze mythology — one that’s more about existential horror than supervillain theatrics. Snyder, Martín, and Vicente have crafted a chilling meditation on legacy, grief, and the monstrous cost of holding on to the past.
Final Verdict: This issue is a slow freeze to the heart — gripping, grotesque, and gorgeously crafted. Don’t let it slip by.
Images Courtesy of DC Entertainment
