Absolute Batman's Version of The Batcave is One of His Most Exciting Changes, Hidden Right in Gotham's Heart

Warning! Spoilers ahead for Absolute Batman #1!The newest Batman has finally arrived in the DC Universe, and he's got a Batcave nestled deep in the heart of Gotham City. The Absolute Batman may not have wealth, but he's got secrets hidden all over his city, including a surprisingly brilliant lair.

After Darkseid's physical body was destroyed, his energy gave birth to the Absolute Universe, a twisted world where turmoil and hardship are woven into the fabric of reality. This world's Batman lacks the privileges of his Prime counterpart, but he's re-creating the best elements of the Dark Knight's lore thanks to his new background and improvisational skills.

Absolute Batman's First Batcave is Located in an Abandoned Tower

Batman's Makeshift Lair Overlooks Gotham City

In Absolute Batman #1 by Scott Snyder, Nick Dragotta, Frank Martin, and Clayton Cowles, MI-6 agent Alfred Pennyworth returns to Gotham for the first time in years to observe and get information on the terrifying new terrorist gang, the Party Animals. Alfred is ordered not to confront the Party Animals, but is given permission to engage with Gotham's new vigilante. At the same time, a young Bruce Wayne trains in his friend Waylon Jones' gym, preparing for another night out as Batman.

Gotham's mayor, Jim Gordon, holds a town hall for the citizens, all of whom are living in fear over the Party Animals. Unfortunately, the Party Animals attack the town hall and, after shooting Gordon, prepare to massacre the attendees. Thankfully, Batman is on the scene and takes on the gang singlehandedly. Alfred observes the fight, noting how skilled the vigilante appears to be. When Alfred tries to engage Bruce, Batman effortlessly disarms him and takes off with Pennyworth's gun. Alfred spends the next several days tracking Batman, discovering he's actually civil engineer Bruce Wayne.

Night comes and Alfred tracks Batman down to the top floors of several abandoned buildings in Gotham. These buildings were part of an investment scam by companies and oligarchs who had no intention of finishing them. But because Bruce worked on them, he knew he'd have free rein over them and set up an impromptu 'Batcave' of sorts filled with computers, weaponry, and a bike he'd stolen from Alfred. Once again, Pennyworth attempts to fight Batman, but Bruce turns the tables on Alfred and the hero easily escapes his lair.

Absolute Batman's Batcave Shows Off His Strategic Mind

The 'Batcave' is Wherever It Needs to Be

If there's one thing that Absolute Batman #1 proves, it's that Bruce Wayne doesn't need a fortune to be the Caped Crusader. He may not have the Wayne family fortune, but he spent a good decade learning everything he'd need as Gotham's protector, including engineering. Bruce's studies, combined with his career in the city's public works, have given him a deep knowledge of Gotham's hidden corners, including the unfinished tower Batman set up as his very first headquarters.

The Absolute Universe's Batman doesn't have the comfort of a secluded cavern far from the city to use as a lair. But his work has helped him discover places that the public isn't paying attention to. After all, who's really going to be looking at an eyesore that's just going unused? Even better, this 'Batcave' keeps him plugged into the city and allows him to keep a closer watch on criminal activity in Gotham. Sure, it doesn't have the frills of the standard hideout, but there's a serious advantage to Batman's low-key Batcave.

Despite Alfred finding Bruce's lair, he doesn't seem particularly bothered. With what Batman's seen in his career, he no doubt already has another spot lined up to serve as his next Batcave (knowing Batman, he probably has at least a dozen). The regular Batcave has always been in one fixed place and while that's had its pros, security's always been a major concern. Absolute Batman's hideout, however, doesn't need to be in one set place. He knows his city deeply and if one location is compromised, he could easily set up a new Batcave and not miss a step.

Absolute Batman's 'Batcave' is Perfect for Darkseid's World

The Absolute Universe Has Shaped a Better Batcave

Bruce doesn't have the safety net his more affluent counterpart does, so he's got to play things safe. With the worst parts of Gotham after him, he can't get too invested in one spot, so he builds a temporary one in a low-traffic area until it ceases to be useful. It's a great method in this world and one that's certainly going to keep him alive as his mission grows. While he might not be able to create a grand Batcave, his improvised hideouts nestled around the city are a brilliant way to keep Batman on top of things in Gotham.

Absolute Batman #1 is available now from DC Comics.

Batman

One of DC's most iconic heroes, Batman is the vigilante superhero persona of billionaire Bruce Wayne. Forged by tragedy with the death of his parents, Bruce dedicated his life to becoming the world's leading martial artist, detective, and tactician. Recruiting an entire family of allies and sidekicks, Bruce wages war on evil as the dark knight of his hometown, Gotham City.