Absolute Batman #13 is written by Scott Snyder and published by DC. Artwork is by Nick Dragotta, colours by Frank Martin and letters by Clayton Cowles. Main cover art (left) is by Dragotta and Martin.
Absolute Batman #13 is available from today, in comic book stores and on digital platforms where all good comic books are sold. Grab your physical copy from Forbidden Planet or digitally from Amazon Comixology UK.
Synopsis
Batman’s final showdown with the monstrous Bane! Will he be able to overcome this unstoppable behemoth, or will he be trapped in Ark-M forever?
Review
Year two of Scott Snyder’s Absolute Batman starts today with part five of the “Abomination” storyline. As the series finally makes good on the promise of Selina Kyle, Snyder is also throwing down a gauntlet. It’s time for Bruce to stand up to Bane. But in reaching breaking point is Bruce becoming a little too like his nemesis?
Absolute Batman #13 poses excellent questions about Bruce’s actions. Snyder does what he does best here. Building towards what will undoubtedly be a bombastic confrontation whilst questioning Bruce’s morality. He’s been through so much in the past few months and those experiences are clouding his judgement. So naturally now is the time to bring in Selina Kyle as the potential voice of reason in his life.
As is tradition for Absolute Batman Snyder uses brief flashback moments to give context to the arc of the book. We open with Bruce and Selina in a tender moment which stands at odds with their meeting in the present day. It’s clear they once had an unbreakable bond which Snyder neatly capitalises on to illustrate the cavernous gap between these now costumed vigilantes. Throughout this issue that space between them is the barrier to giving Bruce the perspective to stop and think about his actions.
Though they may not be able to see eye-to-eye, the introduction of Selina still helps lay Bruce’s thinking out clearly for us. It’s clear there’s an element of PTSD following his Ark-M experience. But rather than seeking help or even seeking solace, this Bruce is seeking revenge on Bane under the guise of protecting his city. Snyder has always had a unique insight into what makes Bruce tick. But here he’s really questioning that, showing a course of action which is dangerously hot-headed. As DC’s wider storytelling begins to fill in the blanks on the existence of the Absolute Universe it’s moments like this which define those differences in character.
It’s not just Selina Kyle – and Catwoman – making their presence known in this issue. Snyder is also introducing the Absolute version of Harley Quinn. It’s a completely unexpected debut which adds a new layer to the character. It’s really only a cameo but leaves the door open for more storytelling in the future should the city survive Bane’s oncoming assault. As usual, Nick Dragotta is having fun with character design and this certainly the most unique Harley I’ve ever seen.
As is the case throughout Absolute Batman there’s a lot for Nick Dragotta to tackle. It’s not just a 20-page back-and-forth between lovers. Snyder is still able to introduce elements of action even when the overall aim of the issue is to dig in to Bruce’s mental state. There’s a very satisfying ebb and flow to the pacing of Absolute Batman #13 which applies to visuals as well as story.
Absolute Catwoman looks great. Those who felt the cover made her mask look like a fishbowl will be disappointed to know it works brilliantly in action. The costume feels very Catwoman. The mask itself has ties to other aspects of the Absolute Batman story which I hope we have chance to explore later. Likewise, as I mentioned, the debut of Harley Quinn is another visual treat.
Ultimately Snyder has made great use of this issue to illustrate the extent to which Bruce has been damaged by his experiences. Whilst he might say he wasn’t broken by his time in Ark-M we’re learning that may not be true.
Verdict
Absolute Batman #13 excels at exposing the psychological damage beneath Bruce’s denials, while Nick Dragotta delivers stellar designs for Catwoman and a surprise new addition to the cast. Meanwhile Scott Snyder uses Selina Kyle’s debut to question whether Bruce’s trauma-fuelled pursuit of Bane has pushed him dangerously close to becoming his enemy.
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