Warning: Spoilers for Absolute Batman #2The big, beefy Batman of DC's new Absolute Universe has already shown off his physical prowess on the battlefield, but it's his ingenuity that makes him a truly impressive fighter. In this version of continuity, Batman has just performed an astonishing feat during a fight that even the classic Batman couldn't have pulled off, officially cementing him as the superior tactician between the two Dark Knights.

The preview for Absolute Batman #2 by Scott Snyder, Nick Dragotta, Frank Martin, and Clayton Cowles features a new look at Batman's ongoing battle with the Party Animals gang, led by Black Mask. The Absolute Universe's Alfred Pennyworth observes as Batman encounters the gang in an aquarium. Even though he's outnumbered, it's the Party Animals who turn out to be outmatched in this scuffle, as Batman's quick-thinking turns the tables in his favor.

Batman combines his scientific and tactical genius to swiftly defeat the Party Animals in a fight that puts his original counterpart to shame and demonstrates that this Absolute variant of the character is a serious powerhouse - in more ways than one.

"He Plans Everything": Absolute Batman Uses His Surroundings to His Advantage

Batman Learns to Fight Smarter, Not Harder

In his battle with the Party Animals, Batman gains the upper hand by utilizing the gear at his disposal. He gets backed into a corner and releases spikes in his suit that shatter the aquarium glass, drenching his opponents in water. Then, he activates a chemical reaction that turns the water into hydrochloric acid to burn them all. As Alfred says in his narration of the scene, "A fighter who knows the terrain takes advantage." This line establishes what makes Absolute Batman such a proficient fighter, as he both understands his Gotham turf and possesses the technical know-how to integrate that understanding into his tactics.

Batman can be considered a strategist in any universe, but in the Absolute Universe, his battle smarts are hard-earned. This change to his lore in the Absolute continuity is that he studied chemistry, hence his knowledge of chemical compounds that aids him in his fight. Batman's mind is his greatest asset in this world, even more than his bulky body.

Absolute Batman vs. Batman: Who Would Win in a Fight?

The Absolute Universe's Batman Is More Resourceful Than the Original

Given that high-end technology to inform his strategic thinking, whereas this Batman has to scrape together his tactics from what he has on hand. He's more innovative, forced to use his mind to make up for his lack of endless resources. It's difficult to say which variant would definitively win in a fight, but the Absolute Universe's Batman has proven he has the potential to outsmart the original.

Absolute Batman #2 will be available November 13th, 2024 from DC Comics.