Batman’s climactic battle with Bane in Absolute Batman #14 has been delayed, and that’s good news for DC fans. DC’s Absolute Universe has been a massive phenomenon that has gathered a huge following from hardcore comic book fans and new readers alike. As one would expect from the Dark Knight, Absolute Batman, in particular, is the crown jewel of the Absolute Universe.

Batman’s efforts to thwart the experiments made at Ark M have led him to the final encounter with the Joker’s pawn, Bane himself. Originally set to release on November 12, Absolute Batman #14’s long-awaited rematch has been delayed two weeks, now scheduled for November 26. On X, writer Scott Snyder explains he and artist Nick Dragotta are adding five new pages’ worth of action-packed combat to the battle.

Absolute Batman’s Fight With Bane Will Be One For The Ages

Absolute Batman #14; Written by Scott Snyder; Art by Nick Dragotta & Frank Martin

An extended battle between Absolute Batman and Absolute Bane is only necessary. In Absolute Batman #13, Bane receives a final boost of Venom, Batman decides not to use the drug anymore, and Absolute Killer Croc eavesdrops on Batman’s conversation with Catwoman. Absolute Batman #14 will not only need a no-holds-barred brawl, but also proper payoff to all the teases dropped along the way.

Parallel to DC KO‘s apocalyptic tournament for the sake of the universe, Absolute Batman #14 promises a wide-broadcast showdown. If Batman loses, he’ll give in to Ark M’s experiments and become yet another monster. If Bane loses, Batman will be one step closer to taking down Ark M and the Joker. All is on the line for the Caped Crusader, and DC’s most brutal Batman ever won’t hold back.

Absolute Batman #14 Will Reimagine Knightfall’s Ending

Batman Promises To Take Down Bane Himself This Time

Azrael fights Bane dressed as Batman in DC Comics' Knightfall — Azrael fights Bane dressed as Batman in DC Comics’ Knightfall

Absolute Batman #14’s climactic battle between Batman and Bane promises to rewrite the Dark Knight’s most iconic defeat. In DC Comics’ Knightfall, Bane famously breaks the bat before he’s eventually beaten up by Azrael as Bruce Wayne recovers from his injuries. In the Absolute Universe, Batman’s mind and body are both at their peak, which gives him the chance to skip his broken back and crush Bane without external help.

However, Absolute Batman #14 might not give Bruce such a clean win. There’s a strong possibility that Killer Croc, Catwoman, or Alfred Pennyworth could intervene, taking Azrael’s role as the characters who deliver the final blow. Batman’s reliance on his allies would echo his vulnerability, but from a more human angle than Knightfall, as both Killer Croc and Catwoman are his childhood friends.

Absolute Batman’s story is far from over, however. Although Absolute Batman #11’s allusion to a broken Batman may have served as Absolute Knightfall, Batman’s battle with Bane could be the breaking of the bat itself. If he loses, Batman may have to claw his way back from defeat once again, perhaps more brutally and more heroically than ever before.