Absolute Batman: Ark M Special #1: The Arkham Horror

Absolute Batman: Ark M Special #1 is a masterclass in storytelling and somehow plants Absolute Batman even deeper into horror territory. Scott Snyder is joined by writer Frank Tieri, artist Joshua Hixson, and colorist Roman Stevens, along with letterer Clayton Cowles on this masterpiece special issue. The issue is dark, disturbing, and downright nightmarish, but shines light on the state of things in the Absolute Universe’s Gotham City, especially Arkham Asylum and its successor: Ark M. Snyder does what he does best, and frames the issue with a history lesson. It is unclear which writer contributed what, but the narrative tone and voice is consistent throughout, so it is safe to say that Tieri is an excellent addition. The first chunk of the issue tells the tale of how Arkham Asylum came to be, followed by how it came to an end.

Josh Hixson’s art is the secret to this issue. His pencils come off as simple but they add so much depth and capture the hidden horrors in all things. The visuals create a sense of dread and blur the lines between what is terrifying and what is not. Along with Roman Stevens’ coloring, the visuals of Absolute Batman: Ark M Special #1 keeps the reader on the edge of their seat and their heart pounding. The flashback section of this issue unravels like a classic gothic horror story, leaving the sense that things are not right but readers can’t put their finger on it until it is too late. That is exactly what the history of Arkham Asylum should feel like, and in turn, it justifies how something like Ark M rose from its ashes.