Absolute Batman #13 – Scott Snyder, Writer; Nick Dragotta, Artist; Frank Martin, Colorist
Ray – 10/10
Ray: Scott Snyder has taken full advantage of this new universe to see just how much hell he can put Batman through. After the nightmare he endured in Ark M, which turned him into something more than human thanks to Venom, he returned to Gotham’s surface – to find that his friends had all been horribly maimed by Bane, in a way that would turn then into horror-movie versions of the iconic villains they were meant to be. Coming after the most disturbing issue of the series, Bruce finds some relief – from the one friend he has left, Selina Kyle. Here an international techno-thief using a disturbingly familiar helmet, she and Bruce have become bitter rivals – only to immediately fall into bed together upon being reunited. Alfred’s dissent aside, it’s clear this is one of the most passionate bonds Bruce has – which is why she’s quickly brought in on Bruce’s plan to take Bane down and take the city back.
Each of the villains in this series have their own unique vibe, but Bane continues to be the most terrifying of the lot – although Joker is still to debut. Could the non-laughing man (who we got our first glimpse of in Absolute Evil) be the one behind the shadows at Ark M, who Bane is relying on to give him his freedom? So far, this issue has been all about starting Bruce near the bottom and seeing just how far he can be dragged down into oblivion. Even Gotham itself has been taken over by the corrupt Mayor Hill, who is one of Bruce’s targets as he moves to take back Gotham. And all of last week’s shockers didn’t prepare me for the one surprise character appearance at the end of the issue – a very rare example of a character in the Absolute Universe who may just be MORE noble than their original incarnation. Another brilliant installment in the best line in comics right now.
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GeekDad received this comic for review purposes
