Uploaded January 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
DC Comics’ Absolute Batman: Ark M has split readers right down the middle. Is Scott Snyder’s latest chapter in the Absolute Universe a dark masterpiece—or a story pushing too hard to be edgy for its own good?
The art delivers a filthy, oppressive atmosphere that fits Arkham perfectly, but the story walks a dangerous line between earned tragedy and cheap shock value.
Does this book cross the line into “damaged” pretension, or is it exactly the kind of risk DC Comics needs right now? We don’t agree on the answer—and that’s why this one demands a closer look.
Then it’s time for the week’s must-read comics:
• Nemesis: Forever #5 — Mark Millar (writer), Matteo Scalera (artist): The explosive finale to Millar’s Nemesis trilogy delivers relentless tension, shocking escalation, and one of the strongest final pages of his career.
• The Twilight Zone #3 — James Stokoe (writer/artist): A strange, unsettling sci-fi tale driven by visual storytelling, eerie imagery, and a well-earned twist that rewards close reading.
• Conan: Scourge of the Serpent #4 — Jim Zub (writer), Ivan Gil (artist): A fast-paced, pulp-horror finale that leans into cosmic dread while setting the stage for what comes next in Conan’s world.
• 2000 AD #2464 — Various creators: Judge Dredd returns in force as John Wagner and Mike Perkins kick off a new storyline that reminds readers why Dredd still matters.
• Batman #5 — Matt Fraction (writer), Jorge Jiménez (artist): A fun, stylish issue that finally lets Bruce Wayne feel like Bruce Wayne again, even as lingering concerns remain.
• The Adventures of Superman: Book of El #5 — Philip Kennedy Johnson (writer), Scott Godlewski (artist): A turning-point issue packed with scale, stakes, and momentum as the series finally delivers on its promise.
Video Sponsor — The 616 Comics
For the best retailer-exclusive variants in comics, check out The 616 Comics.
Visit https://the616comics.com! Use code THINKINGCRITICAL to get 10% off their exclusive covers.
🎧 Want More No-BS Comic Talk?
The latest Hot or Not Podcast is live right now, covering even more weekly releases and deeper discussion.
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Back Channel Memberships
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Chapters
00:00 Intro
00:27 Absolute Batman: Ark M Special Truly Disturbing
04:44 Nemesis: Forever #5
06:07 The Twilight Zone #3
07:43 Conan: Scourge of the Serpent #4
09:33 2000 A.D. #2464
11:04 Batman #5
13:12 The Adventures of Superman: Book of El #500subs
Follow the Channel
📱 TikTok: tiktok.com/@thinking_critical
📸 Instagram: instagram.com/thinkingcrit
📘 Facebook Group: facebook.com/groups/1368359010382132
💬 Discord: discord.gg/uHM3Z68
🎮 Twitch: twitch.tv/thinking_critical_yt
Contact Wes
🐦 Twitter: twitter.com/Wes_from_TC
📧 Email: wesdigscomic@gmail.com
🔊 Automatic Dubbing Disclaimer
This video includes YouTube’s automatic dubbing feature for non-English speakers. Translations may contain minor errors and do not always reflect tone or expression. You can switch back to the original English track in the settings if needed.
DC Comics’ Absolute Batman: Ark M has split readers right down the middle. Is Scott Snyder’s latest chapter in the Absolute Universe a dark masterpiece—or a story pushing too hard to be edgy for its own good?
The art delivers a filthy, oppressive atmosphere that fits Arkham perfectly, but the story walks a dangerous line between earned tragedy and cheap shock value.
Does this book cross the line into “damaged” pretension, or is it exactly the kind of risk DC Comics needs right now? We don’t agree on the answer—and that’s why this one demands a closer look.
Then it’s time for the week’s must-read comics:
• Nemesis: Forever #5 — Mark Millar (writer), Matteo Scalera (artist): The explosive finale to Millar’s Nemesis trilogy delivers relentless tension, shocking escalation, and one of the strongest final pages of his career.
• The Twilight Zone #3 — James Stokoe (writer/artist): A strange, unsettling sci-fi tale driven by visual storytelling, eerie imagery, and a well-earned twist that rewards close reading.
• Conan: Scourge of the Serpent #4 — Jim Zub (writer), Ivan Gil (artist): A fast-paced, pulp-horror finale that leans into cosmic dread while setting the stage for what comes next in Conan’s world.
• 2000 AD #2464 — Various creators: Judge Dredd returns in force as John Wagner and Mike Perkins kick off a new storyline that reminds readers why Dredd still matters.
• Batman #5 — Matt Fraction (writer), Jorge Jiménez (artist): A fun, stylish issue that finally lets Bruce Wayne feel like Bruce Wayne again, even as lingering concerns remain.
• The Adventures of Superman: Book of El #5 — Philip Kennedy Johnson (writer), Scott Godlewski (artist): A turning-point issue packed with scale, stakes, and momentum as the series finally delivers on its promise.
Video Sponsor — The 616 Comics
For the best retailer-exclusive variants in comics, check out The 616 Comics.
Visit https://the616comics.com! Use code THINKINGCRITICAL to get 10% off their exclusive covers.
🎧 Want More No-BS Comic Talk?
The latest Hot or Not Podcast is live right now, covering even more weekly releases and deeper discussion.
Support the Channel / Join the Community
Support Thinking Critical on Patreon for Exclusive Content
🔗 patreon.com/thinkingcritical
Back Channel Memberships
🔗 youtube.com/@Wes_From_TC/join
🛒 Official Thinking Critical Merch
🔗 redbubble.com/people/T-Critical/shop?asc=u
Chapters
00:00 Intro
00:27 Absolute Batman: Ark M Special Truly Disturbing
04:44 Nemesis: Forever #5
06:07 The Twilight Zone #3
07:43 Conan: Scourge of the Serpent #4
09:33 2000 A.D. #2464
11:04 Batman #5
13:12 The Adventures of Superman: Book of El #500subs
Follow the Channel
📱 TikTok: tiktok.com/@thinking_critical
📸 Instagram: instagram.com/thinkingcrit
📘 Facebook Group: facebook.com/groups/1368359010382132
💬 Discord: discord.gg/uHM3Z68
🎮 Twitch: twitch.tv/thinking_critical_yt
Contact Wes
🐦 Twitter: twitter.com/Wes_from_TC
📧 Email: wesdigscomic@gmail.com
🔊 Automatic Dubbing Disclaimer
This video includes YouTube’s automatic dubbing feature for non-English speakers. Translations may contain minor errors and do not always reflect tone or expression. You can switch back to the original English track in the settings if needed.
