WARNING: Contains Potential Spoilers for Absolute Batman #2!

Batman may be one of DC’s greatest minds and most elite fighters, but he’s always fighting with a built-in disadvantage—and now, DC is finally itting it. Fans have speculated about this for years, but the publisher’s latest Batman-centric release makes it official. As for whether the Dark Knight can ever overcome this weakness? The answer is a definitive no.

While Batman’s disadvantage against his foes is clearly exemplified in the Absolute Batman narrative, it’s a disadvantage that carries across all continuities.

Scott Snyder, Nick Dragotta, Frank Martin, and Clayton Cowles’ Absolute Batman series has been building toward a showdown between the Dark Knight and Roman “Black Mask” Sionis from the very start, and in issue #5, that moment finally arrives.

Under the pretense of accepting Black Mask’s bribe to stay out of his and the Party Animals’ chaos, Batman meets with the villain—only to make a bold statement by burning the offered money into the shape of a bat. The message is clear: he won’t back down, and he can’t be bought. This defiance ignites an all-out battle between Batman and Black Mask that ultimately proves that Bruce’s 'No Kill' rule will always leave him at a disadvantage against his foes.

Batman Will Always Be At a Disadvantage Against His Foes Because of His ‘No Kill’ Rule

Comic s Come from Scott Snyder’s Absolute Batman #5 (2025) – Art by Nick Dragotta

Absolute Batman #5 sees the Dark Knight taking on Black Mask’s Party Animals, who overwhelm him with sheer numbers and weaponry. Batman holds his own impressively, even finding the focus to lecture Sionis, saying, “All the crime the Party Animals committed. All the arson. Robbery. The murders. It was manufactured by you. So you and your boss could profit. You don't care...how many people die.” Black Mask’s response is as chilling as it is revealing: “Nope. Fortunately, though. You do. Fire.” Sionis' command to fire is directed at the snipers positioned on the rooftops, who begin killing the Party Animals on the ground.

This move is as sinister as it is brilliant, as it divides Batman’s attention even further. The Dark Knight must continue fighting for his life while also trying to save those around him, driven by his unyielding compulsion to prevent any death in his presence This scene highlights how Bruce’s 'No Kill' rule and his reverence for all life put him at an extreme disadvantage. Not only does it allow his foes to exploit his restraint for an upper hand in the fight, but, as Roman demonstrates, it lets them manipulate the situation, splitting Batman’s priorities and ultimately backing him into a corner.

Batman May Be at a Disadvantage But He Still Comes Out on Top (Most of the Time)

Cover E 1:50 Card Stock Virgin Variant by Clay Mann for Absolute Batman #5 (2025)

While Batman’s disadvantage against his foes is clearly exemplified in the Absolute Batman narrative, it’s a disadvantage that carries across all continuities. Despite constantly facing this challenge, Batman usually finds a way to come out on top, showcasing his exceptional skill in a fight where his foes always have the upper hand. They are unrestrained in ways that Bruce willingly allows to hinder him. Yet, as Absolute Batman demonstrates, Black Mask ultimately wins their confrontation, sending Bruce into hiding to recover. This outcome shows that the value Batman places on life can—and sometimes does—tip the scales in his enemies' favor.

Absolute Batman #5 is available now from DC Comics!