“The Zoo” Part Four
Writer: Scott Snyder, Nick Dragotta
Artists: Gabriel Hernandez Walta
Color Artist: Frank Martin
Letterer: Clayton Cowless
Review by Bryant Lucas
Bruce Wayne confronts his past as he sharpens his mission for the future in this month’s Absolute Batman #4.
Absolute Batman #4 taps the brakes on the series main narrative, shifting back to Bruce Wayne’s childhood. The issue explores the lessons Bruce learned from his father, Thomas, and how they shaped his path as Batman. The issue then pivots, showing how Bruce uses those lessons to tackle Gotham’s systemic corruption by disrupting an arms trafficking operation and reaffirming his mission to empower Gotham’s people. While the flashbacks provide rich emotional context for this new version of the Dark Knight, they bring the title’s ongoing narrative to a temporary halt.
Flashbacks and Philosophizing
Scott Snyder delivers a deeply introspective script, skillfully weaving together past and present to highlight the philosophical foundation of Bruce Wayne’s mission. The interactions between young Bruce and Thomas are touching and thematically poignant, providing readers with fresh insight into the man behind the mask. However, the flashback-heavy nature of the issue feels like a detour, especially coming at this point in the arc. With no forward movement in the main story, the pacing feels stalled, which may leave readers eager to get back to the central conflict. Snyder’s exploration of Bruce’s psyche is engaging, but it comes at the cost of narrative momentum.
Snyder’s script also features one of his more divisive calling cards: the Synder-pedia. Scott Snyder is obviously a well-read guy, and he makes that clear in his stories by fact dumping throughout the script. In Absolute Batman #4, Bruce explains EVERYTHING he’s learned about bats for his school project to his dad and consequently the reader. Its a peculiar choice, as the issue already feels stalled due to it’s preoccupation with the past instead of the narrative established in issues 1-3. However, it does establish Bruce as a precocious child, so for this situation the Synder-pedia serves as a form of characterization, albeit a somewhat frustrating one.
From Dynamic to Deliberate
The shift from Nick Dragotta’s dynamic art style in the first three issues to Gabriel Hernandez Walta’s more subdued, introspective illustrations is striking—and not always in a good way. Walta’s work is emotionally resonant, with textured linework and a muted color palette that compliments the reflective tone of the story. Frank Martin’s earthy hues further enhance the mood. However, this tonal and stylistic departure disrupts the visual continuity of the arc, making it feel disconnected from previous issues. While Walta’s art is beautiful in isolation, the change feels jarring within the larger context of the series.
Conclusion
Absolute Batman: The Zoo, Part Four is an introspective and thematically rich issue that deepens readers’ understanding of Bruce Wayne’s character and mission. Scott Snyder’s script and Gabriel Hernandez Walta’s evocative art work beautifully together to create a meditative chapter. However, the issue’s detour from the arc’s main plot and the jarring artistic shift may frustrate readers who were hoping for forward momentum.
Final Verdict: It’s a beautiful piece of filler.
Images Courtesy of DC Entertainment
