The new Absolute Batman comic series from Scott Snyder and Nick Dragotta has taken the superhero world by storm since its debut in October 2024. But what really has fans talking is how this gritty reinvention of the Dark Knight pulls heavily from the world of Japanese anime and manga. From brutal fight sequences that mirror classic films to stunning variant covers paying tribute to modern hits, the anime influences are everywhere.
Here is a complete breakdown of every major anime reference in Absolute Batman and what they mean for the story.
The Akira Influence That Changed Everything
The most talked-about anime reference in Absolute Batman comes from issue fourteen, where the massive confrontation between Batman and Bane plays out like a love letter to the 1988 cyberpunk classic Akira .
In this issue, Batman faces off against a version of Bane who has grown completely out of control. The villain’s body expands to giant proportions, mirroring what happens to the character Tetsuo Shima in the iconic anime film. Batman, rather than using Venom on himself, decides to inject even more of the muscle-enhancing drug directly into Bane’s back.
What follows is pure anime chaos. Bane’s body cannot handle the overdose, and he begins to mutate and swell uncontrollably. His growth becomes so extreme that he looks less like a traditional DC villain and more like a monstrous creation straight out of Japanese animation .
The cherry on top? The entire battle takes place inside a sports arena. Longtime anime fans immediately recognized this as a direct nod to Akira’s legendary climax, which also unfolded in a stadium setting. While Bane’s meltdown does not destroy all of Gotham City like Tetsuo’s rampage leveled Neo-Tokyo, the visual parallels are impossible to miss.
The Chainsaw Man Variant Cover That Broke the Internet
Perhaps the most explicit anime homage came with the variant cover for Absolute Batman issue eighteen. Artist Clay Mann created an illustration that fully embraces the visual language of Tatsuki Fujimoto hit manga and anime Chainsaw Man .
The cover shows Batman in a frenzied combat pose that directly channels the energy of the series protagonist Denji. Batman holds massive chainsaws with the same ferocity that Denji wields his blade-covered arms. The action lines are rough and aggressive, the colors pop with violent intensity, and the ink splatters evoke the bloody chaos that defines the Chainsaw Man aesthetic .
This was not just a random choice. Chainsaw Man has revolutionized modern shonen storytelling with its raw emotional darkness and cinematic violence. By paying tribute to Denji, DC sent a clear message that this Batman operates on the same level of unpredictable danger as any anime protagonist.
Why Absolute Batman Feels Like an Anime Already
Beyond the specific references, the entire look and feel of Absolute Batman screams anime influence. Artist Nick Dragotta draws sequences that feel ripped straight from Japanese animation, with exaggerated action and frenetic energy that western comics rarely attempt .
Critics have described the visual style as a fusion between Gotham City and Akira. The action is brutal, extreme, and larger than life. Dragotta himself has been open about wanting the series adapted into an actual anime, and fans have rallied behind the idea .
The character designs also lean into anime territory. This Batman is built like an anime tough guy, with a massive physique that intimidates before he even throws a punch. His costume features a massive chest symbol that doubles as a battle axe, a transformation weapon that would feel right at home in any mecha or superhero anime series .
The Shared DNA: Trauma, Violence, and Visual Storytelling
What makes these anime references work so well is that they go beyond surface-level homages. Absolute Batman shares DNA with anime classics in terms of theme and tone.
Both Akira and Chainsaw Man explore characters dealing with profound trauma through violent, supernatural circumstances. The Absolute Universe presents a Bruce Wayne who watched his father die at the Gotham Zoo, who grew up in a working-class family with no fortune or mansion, and who built himself into a weapon through sheer obsessive determination .
This version of Batman does not kill, but he has no problem breaking bones and fighting super-violent gangs. The raw, visceral energy matches the intensity of seinen anime where consequences are permanent and damage is real .
Fan Reactions and the Call for an Anime Adaptation
The anime influences have not gone unnoticed by readers. Fans have taken to social media and forums to point out the parallels, with many noting that Absolute Batman feels like the most anime-inspired take on the character ever published .
The buzz has grown so loud that Dragotta himself has joined fans in calling for an official anime adaptation. Given that DC has previous experience with projects like Batman Ninja, the idea is not far-fetched. An Absolute Batman anime could capture the dynamic action and brutal storytelling in ways that live-action might struggle with .
The timing makes sense too. Anime is experiencing a global popularity boom, and streaming platforms are hungry for content that appeals to both comic book readers and anime fans. Adapting a critically acclaimed series like Absolute Batman would guarantee massive international attention .
What Other Anime References Might Be Hiding?
eagle-eyed readers have spotted smaller nods throughout the series. The way certain fight scenes are framed, the use of speed lines during action sequences, and even some character poses all borrow from the visual vocabulary of anime and manga .
The series also plays with body horror elements that feel influenced by works like Parasyte or Devilman, where transformation comes at a terrible cost. When Bane’s body fails him in issue fourteen, the grotesque imagery taps into the same unsettling energy that makes those classic anime so memorable .
The Bigger Picture: Anime and Western Comics Collide
What makes Absolute Batman significant is how it represents a larger cultural shift. The boundaries between western comics and Japanese manga continue to blur. Today comic readers are just as likely to be fans of Chainsaw Man or Jujutsu Kaisen as they are to follow traditional superhero titles .
By embracing anime influences openly, Absolute Batman speaks directly to this new generation of readers. The series understands that intensity, emotional rawness, and visual spectacle transcend cultural boundaries. A great fight scene works whether it is drawn by Nick Dragotta or animated by Studio MAPPA.
The variant cover honoring Chainsaw Man was not just a one-off gimmick. It was a statement that this Batman exists in the same creative universe as the most exciting stories being told anywhere in the world right now .
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Where to Read Absolute Batman
Absolute Batman launched on October 9, 2024, and new issues continue to release monthly . The series is available at comic shops and through digital platforms. For readers who want to experience the anime-inspired action for themselves, collected editions will likely arrive once the initial story arc completes.
The series has already been hailed as one of the best Batman comics in years, with critics praising its bold reinvention and stunning visuals. The anime references only add to the excitement, giving fans familiar with Japanese animation something extra to appreciate.
For more entertainment news and comic book coverage, keep visiting VvipTimes for the latest updates on Batman, anime crossovers, and everything happening at the intersection of western comics and Japanese animation.
