Absolute Batman #17 Review

Another week, another instalment in the Absolute universe is here. In this issue of Absolute Batman, fans are finally introduced to one of the series most anticipated villains, Poison Ivy. If Ivy is some one you adore, you are bound to love this issue. But this issue is not just about this badass plant lover, it propels Absolute Batman into the series’ next arc so lets talk about that in our Absolute Batman #17 review below.

This review will be spoiler-free. As this issue is not directly attached to previous storylines, you do not need to read any of the previous issues before continuing reading this review. In fact, if you are new to the series then this issue, in my opinion, is a fantastic starting point.

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The Review

Image by DC Comics

Previously in Absolute Batman we’ve seen Batman really become a hero. Taking down the abomination, black mask, and even making some allies on the way. In Absolute Batman #17, he is faced with new challenges, new enemies as we progress into yet another strong arc from the series.

Absolute Batman #17 almost instantly dives right into the action, with Batman sawing his way from Poison Ivy’s hive, to come face to face with a horde of zombiefied(?) plant people. The first thing that came to my mind was although the batsuit suit is the same, with the addition of a gas mask and saw gauntlets, this is the first time we’ve seen a more tactical look to Absolute Batman’s usual appearance, and it was incredible. It does feel like an opportunity was missed to start bringing in suit variations, but I like the idea that this universe’s Batman must rely more on enhancements rather than a different suit to fit the occasion given his limited funds.

But, I’m not going to sit here and talk about how fine Batman is looking when there are more important things to talk about… after all Poison Ivy is finally here! That’s super exciting isn’t it? Well I’m pleased to say you will not be disappointed with her involvement in this issue. In Absolute Batman #17, we not only get to meet Poison Ivy for the first time, but we get a very broad glimpse at who exactly she is and her motives, though everything does feel brief her presence is a strong one.

Image by DC Comics

One thing I will say, at this point we are getting a lot of villains thrown into the series, which is excellent, but also means that we’re having to wait a while before we see any developments involving these characters. I am of course primarily talking about Riddler, Two-Face and Penguin who have been there from the start, slowly blossoming into these icons, just perhaps too slowly. It might just be me, but it just feels like we can wait for all these over characters, focus on what’s already there in plain sight. That being said I do love all the appearances as much as the next guy, I’m just eager to see this friends to enemies story unfold.

This is that point of the article where I find myself praising the artist. Well this time is no different, although it is worth noting that Eric Canete’s artwork is considerably different from what we have seen in the series previously. That helped give this issue a really fresh feel, since we are only seventeen issues deep it has not started to feel stagnant, but this fresh look really did spark something in me which made me feel as excited as I was when I first started the series. Truly exceptional work.

In short Absolute Batman #17, is another fantastic addition to the Absolute series. With so many icons now in the series, it truly feels like the Batman experience we all know and love with every issue.

Image by DC Comics

Absolute Batman #17 is an exceptional addition to the series marking a triumphant introduction to yet another icon, Poison Ivy. For new readers to the series, this is a perfect starting point as it truly showcases everything you can expect from the Absolute universe in general.

What are your thoughts on the Absolute Batman #17? Are there now too many villains being brought to the series? Whatever your thoughts and feelings, share them with us in the comment section of this article or on our Instagram page. Until next time, thank you for reading!

See also: Previous issue

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