DC Comics reviews 2/18/26 – Absolute Batman 17

Absolute Batman 17 marks the “you won’t be prepared for it” debut of Absolute Poison Ivy. It’s a wild issue for DC’s most unpredictable monthly read as writer Scott Snyder keeps testing new boundaries and setting ablaze reader expectation in creating this all-new exciting Batman universe.

You don’t have to look any further than the cover to know that Absolute Batman 17 is going to be an atypical issue.

Snyder details how Pamela Isley arrived in Gotham with big dreams while her subsequent return finds her seeking a cure for her ailing mother. Absolute Batman 17 advances to the present day with Batman cutting his way through Ivy’s labyrinth with chainsaws on either hand.

Guest artist Eric Canete immediately makes an impression with some wild visuals. The splash page with Batman wielding the chainsaws feels like it’s going to be one of those definitive images of this Absolute Batman run.

Absolute Batman 17 finds Snyder at one of his strongest storytelling tools — the origin story. Compared to some of Batman’s Rogues dramatically changed in Absolute Batman, Poison Ivy’s isn’t as significant a departure. If anything, Snyder gave Ivy’s origin more of an Absolute spin that feels like a modern update in a no-holds barred environment like this universe.

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Another fun progression in Absolute Batman 17 is the relationship with Batman and Alfred Pennyworth. There’s no familial bond and it’s much more like a mutually beneficial partnership. Snyder also explores how Bruce Wayne feels about the impact Batman has had on Gotham as a whole and his friends specifically.

Snyder established more tragedy with Bruce not seeking a custom family through various Robins — not when he had a tight-knit group of friends that were as close to him as siblings. After their encounter with Bane, they’ve become mentally scarred as well as physically shattered not to mention resentful of Bruce for his unintended role in their condition.

While Poison Ivy isn’t a former friend turned enemy, she might be one of the more formidable foes Batman has faced in the anyone but Bane tier. Canete provides some striking imagery throughout Absolute Batman 17. His take on Poison Ivy fits in seamlessly with the monstrous interpretations of Bane, The Joker, Black Mask and Mr. Freeze. Poison Ivy has always been one of the lower tier bigger names of Batman’s rogues. Snyder and Canete do their part to ensure Absolute Ivy is not considered an afterthought.

If this opening chapter in this new arc is any indication, this could be one of the cooler and more nightmare inducing chapters in Absolute Batman.

Rating: 10 out of 10

Photo Credit: DC Comics

After checking out Absolute Batman 16, check out Absolute Batman vol. 2: Abomination on Amazon.

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