Episode Topic: Reaction and critique of Absolute Batman (issues 1–7)

In this episode, Xeroforhire reviews his experience reading Absolute Batman volumes 1 through 7. After letting the issues pile up for a few months, he read them all in one go—and decided he will not continue buying the series. His main critiques are:

* The story feels like a series of "wouldn't it be cool if?" moments with little real emotional or narrative grounding.

* Batman is portrayed as a massive, brooding figure whose actions often lack a clear motivation beyond "because he's Batman."

* The depiction of violence is excessively graphic and grotesque, crossing into horror and psychological torture territory (e.g., a grotesque depiction of Joker covered in a grotesque "meat coat" made of babies).

* The tone is overwhelmingly grim, nihilistic, and demented—far removed from the adventurous or detective noir spirit many associate with Batman.

* Xeroforhire expresses dissatisfaction with the trend of portraying Batman and Gotham’s world purely through brutal horror, rather than blending danger with adventure or mystery.

* He draws comparisons to violent horror films (Dusk Till Dawn, The Raid 2) and violent martial arts movies, saying modern Batman is no longer just dark, but disturbing.

* He closes by contrasting this with his own work on Iron Knight for The Last Day series, promising a grittier hero story that doesn’t rely on extreme body horror or dehumanizing violence.

Time Stamps

(approximate; based on key topic shifts)

* 00:00 – 00:53 | Intro and context: Finished reading Absolute Batman 1–7

* 00:54 – 02:19 | Overall first impression: series driven by "wouldn't it be cool if" moments, shallow hero mission

* 02:20 – 04:18 | Criticism of Batman’s motivations and the shallow villain portrayal (Roman)

* 04:19 – 05:50 | Complaints about the overuse of torture, tryptophobia trigger warning from issue #7

* 05:51 – 07:02 | Reflection on why every Batman villain now must be a psychotic serial killer

* 07:03 – 09:00 | Description of disturbing Joker reveal: grotesque body horror imagery

* 09:01 – 10:32 | Disgust at Joker’s appearance and frustration with gratuitous violence

* 10:33 – 12:42 | Broader criticism of Batman media: Absolute Batman, Gargoyle of Gotham, Arkham Knight – "Batman has become horror"

* 12:43 – 13:13 | Closing: contrast with Xeroforhire’s own work (Iron Knight) and final thoughts on Batman's current state

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit xeroforhire.substack.com/subscribe