To say things haven’t gone Bruce Wayne’s way in Absolute Batman would be an understatement. Because of Bruce’s actions as Batman it has not only impacted his life but those of his inner circle. For as bad as Bruce got it Waylon, Eddie, Harvey, and Ozzie got it worse with how Absolute Bane forced them into their destinies. Now with the arrival of Absolute Catwoman how will things go for the Dark Knight? Let’s find out with Absolute Batman #13.
CREATIVE TEAM
Writer: Scott Snyder
Artist: Nick Dragotta
Colorist: Frank Martin
Letterer: Clayton Cowles
Absolute Batman #13 SOLICITATION
“Batman’s final showdown with the monstrous Bane! Will he be able to overcome this unstoppable behemoth, or will he be trapped in Ark-M forever?!” – DC Comics
HIGHLIGHTS OF Absolute Batman #13
Selina Kyle Brings Out Different Bruce Wayne
No matter what universe we may be in the connection Bruce Wayne has with Selina Kyle will always be special. That is proven once again in Absolute Batman #13. As soon as Bruce and Selina reunite the sparks fly and passion is lit. Once they get beyond that we get into how they both have a deeper understanding of one another. It is a special connection they don’t share with others. Which is why Martha Wayne likely reached out to Selina in the first place. Selina also provided a much needed outside voice even if Bruce current tunnel vision couldn’t understand everything she was saying to him.
Absolute Batman Speech of Rebellion
With what Bruce has been put through in the past twelve issues he has seen what Gotham City truly is. All his training and education to become Batman led him to discover what he truly needs to be. That is a rebel who goes against the system not from the shadows but from all corners, that includes in the light of the public. We get just that with how he takes over the Gotham City airwaves to make his challenge to Bane. Batman makes this challenge in a way that not only targets Bane but all those in power. He sends the message that once he’s done with Bane everyone else in power is next. It is a powerful message that lays more groundwork for the future of this series.
Bruce Wayne Falls to Temptations of Power
As big of a moment as Batman rebel speech was it wasn’t the biggest choice made in Absolute Batman #13. The choice that was even more eyebrow raising was Bruce’s choice to rely on the Venom in his upcoming clash with Bane. It exemplifies the differences between Absolute Batman and his DC Universe counterpart. While he won’t admit it, Bruce was broken by his experience with Ark M. It showed him to compete against the likes of Bane and Ark M he has to use their tools. This choice stands out even more given the Absolute Universe related teaser we get in DC K.O. #1. Bruce’s choice to rely on Venom could play into Darkseid’s ultimate plan.
What is Selina Kyle Hiding
With the decisions that Bruce makes in this issue it does put even more into question what Selina Kyle’s role will be. Here she is presented as a possible partner. Though there are things that even she is hiding. The most apparent one is how she has integrated some Black Mask tech into her Catwoman costume. That alone shows that she has much more going on that she is not going to talk about. Though what Selina is hiding can’t really be emphasized because of Bruce’s decisions. Given the transformations by Waylon, Eddie, Harvey, and Ozzie, it could be that Selina already went through her “transformation.” The tech she uses hints at that but we don’t know what that means.
Harley Quinn & The Red Hood Gang
Absolute Harley Quinn being revealed to be the leader of the Absolute Red Hood Gang was a cool surprise. It is a twist to Harley’s character that is still able to tap to her character’s connection to Joker. Working with Batman also plays into Harley’s modern day take falling more on the hero side. Absolute Harley leading the Red Hood Gang opens the opportunity for her to play all sides. Establishing the Red Hood Gang to have such big numbers leaves things open for classic Batman characters to be part of Harley’s gang. It would not be surprising if one or more Robins are part of the Red Hood Gang.
WHAT DIDN’T WORK IN Absolute Batman #13
Alfred Pennyworth Not Adding Much
Because of how much Bruce, Selina, Harley, Bane, and Ark M stand out it made Alfred Pennyworth’s character also stand out. Unfortunately, it is not the right way. Even though Alfred has been part of Absolute Batman from the beginning he continues to get lost in the shuffle. The lack of previous history with Bruce really impacts how Alfred is integrated into the story. And since there are so many interesting characters, they have been hardly any time for Absolute Alfred Pennyworth to develop. It happens again here as after Bruce dismisses Alfred he just disappears as Selina immediately shows she is the more intriguing character.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Absolute Batman #13 is another home run by Scott Snyder and Nick Dragotta. There is so much going on with how Bruce Wayne decides to handle his Absolute Bane problem. Adding Selina Kyle into the mix helped to emphasize the importance of the decisions Bruce makes in and out of the cape and cowl. It sets the stage for not only an exciting end to this current story arc but also for the future direction this series could take.
Story Rating: 9 Night Girls out of 10
Art Rating: 9 Night Girls out of 10
Overall Rating: 9 Night Girls out of 10
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