But in the Absolute Batman #1 preview, we see Bruce casually unsheath his weapon and lop the forearm of a goon clean off, and while that’s not, say, burying a chunk of bat-logo into their brain ...

Much has been made of the size of this version of Batman. As well as the Batman logo, less of a bat, more or a rectangular oblong of chest armour given spikey bits. And that's where we are.