Absolute Batman #18 – Scott Snyder, Writer; Eric Canete, Artist; Frank Martin, Colorist
Ray – 10/10
Ray: Scott Snyder continues to up the ante with every issue of this brilliant thriller, and this issue is no exception – with guest artist Eric Canete using his skill at body horror to the maximum effect for this Poison Ivy story. This take on Ivy, whose body mutates at will in a way we rarely see with the original version, indicating that very little of her original human form is left, is somehow both more sympathetic and more horrific than the original. Rather than being an environmentalist, this Pamela Isley started her quest with a genuine love for all of nature including humanity – and was driven by her desire to save her mother from a fatal disease. But that obsession led her to give up on most of her humanity, transforming herself into a newly evolved form of life – one who was ultimately unable to save her mother when the time came, and has become embittered and twisted ever since.
This is just one of the fascinating subplots through this issue, as the story jumps around a little in time and place. We had a shocking revelation last issue about Martha Wayne, indicating that she’s a member of the Court of Owls. This issue digs in deep into that reveal, with Martha being seen as a possible traitor to the cult and facing death – but undeterred as she comes to them with critical information. There are some great bits involving Bruce’s continued desperate attempts to get through to his former friends, but the best dialogue comes with a meeting with the former Mayor Gordon – as the smart old cop reveals some key things to Bruce. This book might be a very dark take on Batman, with some horrific visuals every month, but it also has a surprising sense of humor that works very well. Ivy was a compelling threat, but she’s just an appetizer for what’s to come, as we get another tease for the extremely intense Jack Grimm – and the potential coming of our first Robins.
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GeekDad received this comic for review purposes
