Absolute Batman # 9 1:25 Nguyen Variant 8/25 CGC 9.8 4631836010

Absolute Batman # 9, released by DC Comics on June 11, 2025, is a major turning point in the Absolute Universe series, marking the first appearance and brutal introduction of Bane, an old adversary of Alfred Pennyworth. 

"Abomination, Part One" 

The issue begins with a "cold open" in Bialya, where Bane interrupts a peace treaty between two warring nations, brutally murdering one of the leaders and forcing the other to reignite the conflict, establishing his ruthless nature. 

• The Search: Back in Gotham, Bruce Wayne (Batman) is furiously tearing through the underworld to find his kidnapped friend, Waylon Jones (who in this universe is a boxer and childhood friend, not yet Killer Croc).
• The Conspiracy: With the help of Officer Barbara Gordon, Bruce learns Waylon was taken to a new, mysterious facility called Ark M under the pretense of a minor curfew violation. This facility is revealed to be a massive, sprawling underground complex run by the mysterious JK Industries.
• The Confrontation: Bruce infiltrates the facility but is immediately confronted by Bane. Despite Batman's impressive strength (this universe's Batman is notably large), Bane is a "freakishly huge abomination" and quickly outmatches him, using nerve strikes to paralyze Bruce's limbs.
• The Cliffhanger: Bane then injects himself with his version of the "Venom" steroid, swelling to monstrous, grotesque proportions, and picks up a defeated Batman, preparing him for "surgery".  
• Writer: Scott Snyder
• Artist: Nick Dragotta
• Colorist: Frank Martin
• Letterer: Clayton Cowles
• Publisher: DC Comics (Absolute Universe imprint) 
• Bane's Redesign: Artist Nick Dragotta reimagines Bane with an exaggerated, body-horror-inspired physique, which becomes even larger when he activates the red-tinged venom in his tubes.
• Supporting Cast: The issue continues to build on Bruce's unique "Bat-Family" of friends, including Martha Wayne, Jim Gordon, Harvey Dent, and Oswald Cobblepot, who plan an elaborate rescue mission.
• Critical Reception: Reviewers praised the issue's intense action, gripping atmosphere, and the formidable introduction of Bane as a villain who completely outmatches Batman, leaving readers eager for the next installment.

https://www.cgccomics.com/certlookup/4631836010/