DC Comics’ Absolute Universe has been as close to perfect as you’d want. Each of the series (Absolute Superman, Absolute Batman, and Wonder Woman) showed a different story of how their respective title characters became heroes. And while each hero is different, there is one thing they all have in common: All of them have powerful mothers who helped mold them into the superheroes of the present.
Superman’s mother, Lara Lor-Van, was a hardworking engineer. When it was time to save her husband, she grabbed a gun so big it would make Rob Liefeld proud. Meanwhile, Martha Wayne had to raise Bruce Wayne on her own. If that wasn’t enough, she spent her days as a social worker helping people in need in a Gotham City worse than Earth Prime’s. She even became Deputy mayor of Gotham City when James Gordon was in the hospital.
And then there’s Absolute Wonder Woman’s mother, Circe. She didn’t ask to be a mother. That job was forced on her. Apollo brought Diana to her and she was ordered to raise her. Circe was first asked why he’d bring a baby to Hell. Because of the Amazons' “crimes against the gods,” they were punished. Diana was the last of them and was supposed to stay confined to Hell. Instead, Circe learned to love her daughter and molded her into a powerful witch and warrior who would eventually save Earth.
"Or perhaps you will say your name again--and become what you were always meant to be."
- Circe, written by Kelly Thompson
Writers Kelly Thompson (Absolute Wonder Woman), Scott Snyder (Absolute Batman), and Jason Aaron (Absolute Superman) made it a point to make strong mothers the reason for their kids being so strong and each of them has done that differently. Martha used compassion, a firm tone, and a, "don't try me" attitude. Lara led by example. Circe was more hands-on. Again, there’s another similarity between them.: The mothers always told their children to be who they were.
"I'm gonna get your dad back."
- Lara Lor-Van, written by Jason Aaron
"I'm going to kiss you now so I don't slap you."
- Martha Wayne, written by Scott Snyder
At no point did any of the future heroes doubt what they could become. When Kal-El was told he shouldn’t think for himself, his mother said he should. Once Diana grows up, Circe makes it a point to remind her daughter who she is and that she comes from a long line of strong women. Something as simple as saying “Amazon” gave her the power to stand up when she was knocked down by an impossibly giant monster.
So far, there hasn’t been a lot of what Martha did for Bruce in the past. The issues have focused more on Bruce’s friends' influence than her's. However, that could very well change soon. Scott Snyder is a brilliant writer. We’ve already seen how Bruce melts when he sees her. That comes from her being compassionate. And in a city where everything seems to be on fire, it takes a special person to maintain a big heart.
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