The plot is moving fast and furious in the Absolute Batman two-part Poison Ivy story arc, which ends this week in Absolute Batman #18. Not only are Batman’s buddies-turned-villains advancing behind the scenes, but last issue also introduced Poison Ivy, a fan-favorite creation by Scott Snyder, who has entered the narrative. In fact, the issue starts with Bruce’s mother, who is in New Mexico looking for a secret group.
SPOILERS AHEAD for Absolute Batman #18!
If you don’t know yet, the Court of Owls has entered the narrative, and in Absolute Batman #18, their inclusion in Batman’s origin becomes apparent. It’s a twist you may not have seen coming, as Martha Wayne goes to the Court of Owls with information, even though it could mean her death!
That’s the start of the issue, which crosscuts with Batman’s hand-to-hand combat with Poison Ivy and her dupes. It’s a good combo of A and B plots, with Martha in a tense yet fairly calm atmosphere, and Batman literally sawing through Poison Ivy’s army. The story also shifts into a bit more flashback, revealing where Poison Ivy began her journey toward becoming a monstrous amalgamation of all life.
Cut it up, Batman!
Credit: DC Comics
Guest artist Eric Canete continues to do a great job in the Ivy scenes, with gruesome violence and an always cool-looking Batman. Now that the Medieval-level-angel look of Poison Ivy is revealed after last issue, Canete gets to lean into the gross and bizarre nature of the character. That includes some unique weaponry like grenades that look like beets with teeth and a head that can split into many jaws.
But wait, there’s more. Another subplot involving Bruce going about the city also advances story threads. That includes Two-Face, the state of Killer Croc, Jim Gordon’s relationship with Bruce’s mom, and a few tidbits about Gotham, like a new Batman-themed bar. These scenes flesh out Bruce Wayne’s everyday life, making him feel relatable and grounded. The scene with Gordon does feel a little heavy on dialogue, but for just two pages, it only disrupts the cutting between scenes a touch.
All the crosscutting can feel a touch too manic, particularly in the Bruce scenes, which jump around within their narrative on top of the jumping between Poison Ivy and Martha Wayne. It somehow works more or less with the chaos that is Poison Ivy, but it can feel a little all over the place at times.
At the end of the issue, the most important detail is one of the smallest: Batman is capable of doing the harsher, less ethical thing. Compared to the main universe, it’s revealed he’s now made a choice to take the fight to the villains much more harshly than simply letting them carry on as they are.
Absolute Batman #18 closes the Poison Ivy arc with speed, spectacle, and a crucial character shift. Snyder pushes the Absolute universe further from the familiar DC playbook, revealing a Batman who may be willing to cross lines the classic version never would. The Court of Owls twist adds weight to the mythology, while Canete’s grotesque Ivy designs make the action unforgettable. The pacing can feel chaotic due to the heavy crosscutting, but the energy rarely dips. By the final page, the message is clear. This Gotham is getting darker, and this Batman is prepared to meet it on harsher terms.
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