REVIEW: DC’s ‘Absolute Batman: Ark M Special #1’ Is A Canʼt Miss Entry
- Alex Batts
- 18 hours ago
- 2 min read
Absolute Batman: Ark M Special 1 is a One-Shot special that deep dives into the origins of Ark M - Absolute Batman's version of the classic Arkham Asylum. The special issue is written by Scott Snyder and Frank Tieri with art by Joshua Hixon, colors by Roman Stevens, and letters by Clayton Cowles. Ark M has been one of the most mysterious and fascinating elements of Absolute Batman, and this issue pulls the curtain back to reveal some horrific truths about the institution. It hits some well-trodden beats but, like most of the Absolute Universe, also offers up an original twist on a familiar concept.
The issue is split into two main narratives. One narrative, the voiceover of the issue, comes from the writings of Dr. Amadeus Arkham. The other narrative comes from an in-person conversation between Amadeus and a potential buyer of Arkham Asylum. The latter conversation takes place in 1945, while the former voiceover spans decades, from the mid-to-late 1800s up to the "present day" of the issue, 1945. The writings of Amadeus serve as a confession and biography of his life, and give the readers unfettered insight into the history of Arkham. The narration bounces back and forth flawlessly with the conversation between Amadeus and the mysterious buyer interested in Arkham.
To say this issue is dark would be an understatement. From the opening pages, it is downright haunting. It homages an iconic moment but wraps it in an utterly horrific context. The stage-setter propels the story forward, immediately gripping the reader. It consistently ratchets up the tension, following one heinous revelation with another. Readers expect Arkham to have a troubled past; what is presented here is legitimately nightmarish.
The art here, by Hixon and Stevens, is tremendous. The entire issue is dripping with atmosphere. Its depiction of violence, terror, and unsettling imagery is second to none. The paneling is varied and precise, giving moments time to breathe when needed and whisking the reader along elsewhere. Characters often look ghoulish, creating an added layer to the unsettling tone of the book. Every visual enhances the mood, and it's a spine-chilling affair.
Absolute Batman has been a watershed moment for comics. It's completely captured the zeitgeist, and with issues like this, it's easy to see why. Sometimes special issues - issues not part of the mainline numbered story - can feel a bit like fluff. That is far from the case here. This is required reading when going through Absolute Batman, with just as much, if not more, meat on the bone than a standard issue. It rides the line of connecting too many dots in an almost convoluted way, but is executed with such precision and style that it manages to be incredible.
Absolute Batman: Ark M Special 1 is a can't-miss entry in a can't-miss series.
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