#nickdragotta

Review: Absolute Batman #16 - "Bat Out Of Hell"

Writer: Scott Snyder Writer/Artist: Nick Dragotta Colorist: Frank Martin Letterer: Clayton Cowles   Reviewed by: Steven Brown   Summary Absolute Batman #16 - Bruce Wayne is on a desperate hunt to help his friend Waylon, now transformed into a monstrous crocodile roaming the sewers, consumed with a deadly hunger. Batman’s last option for a cure is to turn to a god for help…but will he have to descend into the depths of hell to get it?

Positives Absolute Batman #16 brings in the Absolute Universe version of Wonder Woman in the second part of their Absolute crossover. Here, in a last act of desperation, Bruce calls on Diana using an ancient coin. When Diana shows up, Bruce tells her about his friend Waylon Jones, also known as Killer Croc. Thanks to Bane, Croc has been transformed into a monster and Batman wants to know if Diana has any means to change him back. What starts here is a journey through Diana's world, going literally through hell to save his friend.

Negatives This series continues to impress me, and I have no complaints about this issue.

Verdict Absolute Batman #16 was a great read. I love this version of Wonder Woman and her teaming up with Batman is always awesome. There are some funny parts in this issue too which makes it more hilarious because of their seriousness in battle. I really can't wait for their next team-up in the future.   Score: 5/5

Absolute Batman has been the buzziest DC release in years, and now its artist, Nick Dragotta, is openly dreaming about an anime adaptation—specifically one made by the powerhouse Japanese studio behind Cyberpunk: Edgerunners.

During an AMA on the League of Comic Geeks forum, Dragotta was asked whether he’d had any conversations with DC Studios co-chief James Gunn about bringing the hit series to screens. While the artist made it clear he’s not privy to any behind-the-scenes plans, he didn’t hesitate to champion his preferred version.

“I’m not in the know, but I know DC makes and licenses quality stuff so I’m excited to see what comes,” Dragotta said. “Personally, I’d love to see a Studio Trigger anime of Ab Bat.”

For fans of both DC Comics and modern anime, Dragotta’s wish immediately sparks the imagination. Studio Trigger—known for its explosive visual style, expressive character animation, and bold storytelling—has developed a passionate global fanbase through shows like Delicious in Dungeon, their standout contributions to Star Wars: Visions, and most famously, the critically acclaimed Cyberpunk: Edgerunners. The idea of that same creative energy applied to Gotham City is enough to send speculation soaring.

The timing for such a dream isn’t entirely far-fetched, either. Absolute Batman has been one of DC’s biggest publishing success stories in decades. Written by Scott Snyder and illustrated by Dragotta, the series reimagines Bruce Wayne not as a billionaire playboy but as a young blue-collar civil engineer in his early twenties. By night, however, he begins a raw and rough early phase of his vigilante life. In another twist on the mythos, Alfred Pennyworth is reinterpreted as an MI6 agent who monitors Bruce rather than serves as his loyal confidant.

That fresh approach struck a chord with readers. The debut issue, which launched in October 2024 as part of DC’s new Absolute Universe imprint, became the bestselling comic of the year and even broke through to mainstream success, hitting number five on the New York Times bestseller list. With momentum like that, fans are already guessing where the property might go next.

While there are currently no confirmed plans for an Absolute Batman adaptation, the DC Universe continues to expand. The next major project, Lanterns, arrives on HBO in early 2026, starring Kyle Chandler and Aaron Pierre as Hal Jordan and John Stewart in a grounded, investigative spin on the Green Lantern Corps.

As DC Studios moves deeper into Chapter One of its revamped slate—with titles like Supergirl, Man of Tomorrow, and more on the horizon—there’s plenty of room for new interpretations of iconic heroes. And if Dragotta gets his wish, perhaps one day fans will see a kinetic, neon-soaked anime take on Gotham from the minds at Studio Trigger.

Review: Absolute Batman #14 - "Abomination: Conclusion"

Writer: Scott Snyder Artist: Nick Dragotta Colorist: Frank Martin Letterer: Clayton Cowles   Reviewed by: Steven Brown   Summary Absolute Batman #14: Tonight, all eyes are focused on the stadium in Gotham City where the match between Batman and Bane will be taking place! Batman plans on ending his rivalry with Bane once and for all.

Positives Scott Snyder held nothing back in the conclusion to his "Abomination" story arc. Here, Batman calls out Bane publicly and it has been broadcast to everyone in Gotham. Mayor Hill comes on TV and denies the claims of corruption and declares a city-wide curfew. However, these orders do not come directly from Mayor Hill, someone else is pulling the strings. And they want to make sure that Batman fails. Under the bright lights of Gotham City's stadium, Bane makes his entrance to an already waiting Batman. Thanks to Harley and the Red Hood Gang, drones fly overhead, broadcasting this match for the entire city to see. Bane doesn't care, however; he's prepared for this spectacle, and Batman, thanks to Alfred, is ready as well.

Negatives I have no complaints about this issue.

Verdict Absolute Batman #14 was a great read and the fight between Batman and Bane is legendary. With both being tacticians and savage in their fighting, this was a good read and a satisfying conclusion. However, it seems that someone else is waiting for Batman after his encounter with Bane. Bane on the other end, deals with the consequences of his encounter with Batman, and honestly, I feel bad for him. Although not dead, he certainly wishes he was, I'm sure. This was a classic match between two adversaries, and I can't wait to see what's next in this series!   Score: 5/5

The recently relaunched Batman series is heading back to the printers as Batman #1 gets a third printing and Batman #2 gets a second. This all comes on the heels of the release of Batman #3 this past week, so needless to say, the Dark Knight is crushing it! Check out the official press release below for all the details!   BATMAN #1 RETURNS FOR A THIRD PRINTING BATMAN #2 GETS A SECOND PRINTING BATMAN #3 HITS SHELVES TOMORROW! A third printing of Batman #1 features a new cardstock variant cover by Nick Dragotta

DC's Caped Crusader relaunched in September with a smash-hit new flagship Batman comic book series by Matt Fraction and Jorge Jiménez that's selling faster than Jiménez' newly designed Batmobile. With new issues dropping monthly, the series is experiencing multiple sellouts and has a wave of reprints coming to shops that prove Gotham City's never been brighter.

DC today announced that Batman #1 is returning for a Third Printing with a stunning new cardstock variant cover by Nick Dragotta, plus updated trade dress on Jorge Jiménez's original main cover. Batman #1 Third Printing arrives on December 3.

Next up, Batman #2 is getting a Second Printing, arriving November 19 just two weeks after the highly anticipated release of Batman #3, which hits comic shops tomorrow, November 5. In Batman #3, the Riddler makes his play for arguably the most important item in all of Gotham City, setting off a chain of events that could change everything. With momentum building and fans eager for more, each new issue deepens the mysteries for DC's Caped Crusader and raises the stakes in Gotham. With two sold-out printings of Batman #1 and overwhelming demand for Batman #2, Matt Fraction and Jorge Jiménez's bold new take on Gotham City has quickly become one of the year's most talked-about comic books. Fans and collectors are racing to secure copies, and with reprints on the way, now's the time to add this series to your pull list. First printings of Batman #1 and #2 may still be available at select comic shops, while supplies last.

The excitement doesn't stop there. With new villains like the Minotaur debuting in Batman #4 this December and the mysterious Lady Death Man arriving in Batman #5 this January, Matt Fraction and Jorge Jiménez are just getting started. Each issue pushes Batman deeper into a neon-tinged Gotham City, and fans won't want to miss a single page.

For more on Batman, Gotham City, new characters the Minotaur and Lady Death Man, and more, follow @DCOfficial on social media or visit DC.com. Dive deeper into the world of DC with the DC UNIVERSE INFINITE digital subscription platform. Learn more and start your free trial at DCUniverseInfinite.com. DCUI is not available in all countries and is not intended for children.