ABSOLUTE BATMAN #22 (DC COMICS)
Can a Bat know fear?
In Bruce Wayne’s life, he has experienced many tragedies which have led him to becoming the Dark Knight. During this journey of vengeance, he has added a few allies in his crusade. None come more unpredictable than the leader of the Red Hood Gang.
Fans know her story from the DCU prime universe. How she became the Miscreant of Mayhem in the Absolute Universe is a whole different tale.
ABSOLUTE BATMAN #22 by Scott Snyder, Werther Dell'Edera, Frank Martin, & Tom Napolitano (DC COMICS) present the Absolute Origin of Harley Quinn.
Let’s take a closer look at Harley’s tough beginnings.
ABSOLUTE BATMAN #22 by Scott Snyder, Werther Dell'Edera, Frank Martin, & Tom Napolitano (DC COMICS)
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
Leave it to Snyder to flip everything on its’ axis when it comes to the story of Quinn. The opening round is a perfect setting within a growing horror feel. Quinn’s swiveling emotions come into focus when talking with her mother. In this flashback sequence, the talk connects the audience for danger lying in wait. Once the story jumps forward, the tone gets settled into a more familiar place between Wayne and Quinn.
Their escape form the Robins shows Harley trying to find common ground with Wayne. Readers see the effort falter as Batman tries remaining in his standoff ways. This allows more of the backstory to take the stage. The writing keeps a methodical pace in walking Quinn into the true den of terrors. It captures the audience in its web while ripping a young soul apart. This all leads into a phenomenal close. As the pair works to their freedom, both make startling discoveries to themselves & the fans. Each carry an enormous weight which only amplifies Quinn’s story even further than expected. Rest assured, that closing page will have EVERYONE talking at the shops! Incredible work.
READ LAST ISSUE’S REVIEW HERE!
Dell’edera steps in for art duties with Martin for this round. The opening credits page teases an innocence lost to nightmares before the story even begins. An excellent two page spread launches into the flashback sequence. Being a longtime SIKTC fan, watch Dell’edera maximize each spread like only he can crafts the haunting dread of what lies ahead. When the tale jumps to present time, the brooding rage in both Quinn and Wayne balance the kinetic action. Smaller panels heighten the intense fights until the flashbacks provide much needed pivots to slow events down.
Martin’s coloring does a fantastic job of handling the time flips with each panel sequence. Readers watch as the true soul-chilling portion of Harley’s past unfolding in striking ways. A bold half panel with popping red coloring shatters any hope of a happy reunion with happiness. This aura speeds into the closing aspects of her portion. A simple panel of evil eyes ignites a fury into Quinn’s shattered world. This same argument is made for the present with Wayne. The chilling emotions pouring down his face sends shockwaves through the panels. It is an impactful close that that will be resonating for quite some time.
FINAL GRADE: 9.7
The Absolute origin for the Miscreant of Mayhem delivers a powerful tale of hopelessness and heartbreak. Snyder goes full throttle into the horror genre with exceptional writing. Dell’edera and Martin unload on the deep scars and heavy weight carried in each image. Each time readers think the story plateaus, the creative team smashes any celing to go even higher.
Let me know your thoughts on Absolute Batman #22 in the comments below. Thanks for reading!
