Absolute Batman #18 is written by Scott Snyder and published by DC Comics. Artwork is by Eric Canete, colours by Frank Martin and letters by Clayton Cowles. Main cover art (left) is by Nick Dragotta and Frank Martin.
Absolute Batman #18 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
After the explosive reveal ending last issue, and Batman continues to fight Poison Ivy’s mutated monsters and winds up uncovering an even more gruesome horror that has embedded itself in the city’s very foundations. All while the Joker’s machinations start to coalesce in a partnership with a new ally.
Review
Part two of Absolute Batman’s “The Seventh Kingdom” arc arrives today, bringing to an end a clash of the titans between Batman and Poison Ivy. As Scott Snyder steers the ship towards a heavily teased arrival in issue #20 he tees up several huge plot developments for the future. All whilst giving a satisfying conclusion to the devastating story of Pamela Isley.
There isn’t a single missed beat between last month’s Part One and this week’s issue. Snyder kicks off by teasing a mind-melting plot point which circles back to his own invention of the Court of Owls. It feels like their inclusion in the Absolute universe was inevitable. But boy does Snyder incorporate them into the story whilst ripping the rug out from underneath the audience. Laying out his cards on the first page seems like a bold statement that this is just the beginning of the Absolute Owls story. There are snippets of the Owls throughout this issue but it’s their last panel which sets up a seismic shift for Absolute Batman moving forwards.
Speaking of which, Bruce is also forging new relationships closer to home. Absolute Batman #18 takes some huge steps towards embracing more classic elements of Dark Knight lore. We know it’ll never play out the same way, that’s just not how Snyder works. But after a year of seeing Bruce and Jim Gordon circling each other they’re finally sitting down to chat. The moment plays out brilliantly on the page with the mundanity of everyday life playing out around this powerful conversation.
Equally powerful is the story of Pamela Isley. We saw much of that playing out last month but it’s perfectly rounded out this month with even more devastating turns. Following her supposed death we learn that Pamela’s heart “survived” to eventually become the monster Bruce fights in the present day. But just because her body is gone it doesn’t mean Pamela’s story is over. Whilst we might not come to understand how her consciousness lived on it doesn’t matter. What does matter is the strength this incredible woman had and how it was twisted by the men around her that caused this truly demonic transformation.
Ultimately Poison Ivy serves the story to open up Bruce’s perspective on the evils of Gotham. The threat she poses is a physical transformation into something unrecognisable. It’s a line that Bruce won’t cross, even in his fight against the encroaching darkness. But it does teach him something important which Snyder beautifully emphasises through the various subplots and different time periods we see unfold across this two-part story. The way it reflects the experiences of Eddie, Waylon and Harvey becomes a beautiful analogy for the love and loss they’ve all experienced. More impressive is how it all fits together so neatly on the page despite the unorthodox timeline.
So by the time we reach the final page we have a Batman embracing huge change. A potential evolution which could see the darkness of this Omega-powered world tainted by the good within Bruce. But Absolute Batman is also embracing its ensemble cast. Their numbers are growing with Harley Quinn, Dick Grayson and now even an Absolute version of Barbara Gordon leaving an impression on this unrestful city. As with all of Snyder’s best stories we don’t necessarily know where all these paths lead. But we’re certainly on the edge of our seats ready to experience that journey…
Verdict
Absolute Batman continues its run as one of the most dynamic, astonishing comics in the pantheon of DC. The story of Pamela Isley draws to a close in the most devastating way possible yet somehow Snyder leaves us on a rare note of positivity for the darkest of Dark Knights.
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