ABSOLUTE BATMAN #16 (DC COMICS)
Let round two begin!
The Heroes of the Absolute Universe have finally started crossing paths. Previously, Wonder Woman made her way to Gotham City when The Mark of Hecate appeared at a crime scene. This drew the attention of one Brice Wayne. With one adventure down, Batman’s search for a cure to Waylon Jones’s monstrous change has led him to the Hellish warrior. What insanity will unfold now?
ABSOLUTE BATMAN #16 by Scott Snyder, Nick Dragotta, Frank Martin, & Clayton Cowles (DC COMICS) concludes the first Absolute crossover!
Let’s take a closer look at how things play out now!
ABSOLUTE BATMAN #16 by Scott Snyder, Nick Dragotta, Frank Martin, & Clayton Cowles (DC COMICS)
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
Snyder throws a different look at Absolute Bruce Wayne for this special occasion. In dealing with the aftermath of Bane, Bruce’s world is turned upside down. This is especially true in dealing with his friends new stat quo. The writing unveils their pain as Bruce tries repairing destroyed bridges. This leads him into an area which he is very uncomfortable with. Magic has never been aa regular comfort to Batman. Now add in the aura of Wonder Woman into the more grounded take. The results have a mix of surprises and reflection.
Their journey results in Batman taken out of his comfort zone. The dialogue has more humor added than one might be accustom to. It results in a fresh look at the long-time allies. One moment jumps out in this quest. The afterlife “reunion” with Thomas Wayne is a heavy and emotional piece, Snyder lets the broken boy emerge from the hardened vigilante. It leaves an impression before dabbling back to the supernatural aspects. Readers watch as Wonder Woman gets key points in before throwing everything to the finish. The story lands on solid ground as this door is closed for now, but hopefully not for long.
READ LAST ISSUE’S REVIEW HERE!
Dragotta is back on art duties for this chapter. After taking readers to work with Bruce, the images go to a disturbing place. Harvey and Ozzie have forever been changed. These panels are overflowing with sense of regret and sorrow for what has happened. Dent’s reactions to Ozzie’s comment is perfect for what is eventually coming here. After a two page splash, Wonder Woman makes her entrance into the book. This kickstarts a wild trip into a magical place. Readers instantly know they’re nowhere near Gotham from the next panel.
The art brings out the weird with a Cyclops interaction. This aura continues as the pair advances on their mission. Once the dream state kicks in, its’ presentation draws something out of Young Bruce. Seeing the boy embrace a happy moment is capped with a strong father-son embrace. This segways back to the present challenge. A full page image launches the attack (with a relationship status to boot). Readers get intense action as the conflict draws to a calm conclusion. Its’ fallout nails the landing while leaving something rarely seen in Gotham: a sliver of hope.
FINAL GRADE: 9.4
The follow-up to the first Absolute Crossover doesn’t miss in giving a new look to an old dynamic. Snyder pens a more upbeat adventure with heavy emotion on the side. Dragotta returns with his incredible vision for this series and the places this story goes. Another strong issue on this every growing legendary run.
Let me know your thoughts on Absolute Batman #16 in the comments below. Thanks for reading!
