One of the joys of the Absolute Universe is reliving iconic origins that feel fresh yet familiar, as is the case in Absolute Batman #17. It’s a blend of new and nostalgia, and this week we get a full background on Poison Ivy. Certainly in the top five Batman villains, today’s issue is a mix of body horror, tragedy, and a Batman who’s more brazen than ever.
When it comes to superhero comics, Absolute Batman #17 is very much an origin issue, with full flashbacks to Poison Ivy as a child and to the journey that made her a monster. The latter word is apt, especially in Absolute Batman, as every villain is a darker, scarier version of what we know from the main universe.
Absolute Batman #17 crosscuts between Poison Ivy’s journey and in the present, where Batman’s infiltration of Poison Ivy’s stronghold in Gotham. The jumping between plots allows writer Scott Snyder to show us horrors like creatures growing in odd pods, to a much more innocent Poison Ivy, who simply wants to save her mother. The jumping around also allows for body horror action, with Batman sporting chainsaw gauntlets, while taking its time with Poison Ivy’s tragic tale.
Guest artist Eric Canete does a fabulous job with the creatures in this issue, which have a somewhat zombie nature to them. The combination of plant and mammal looks freakish while informing readers of how Poison Ivy is a bit different in this universe. There are many different designs in the issue, but one that resembles the biblical depiction of an angel, with multiple eyes and wings, may take the cake. Poison Ivy’s final form is also a standout, straight out of Akira or Resident Evil.
How can you beat chainsaw gauntlets?
Credit: DC
Visuallly whenever Batman is suited up, the book is visually stunning and exciting. Meanwhile, the flashbacks do a lot to capture the tragedy of a young Poison Ivy fighting an uphill battle, and reminding us she’s super smart in the process. My only gripe with the art is when Bruce is depicted, as he looks practically twelve in his facial features.
As far as story progression, a lot is moving forward, maybe too fast compared to the last two story arcs. Snyder moves Riddler, Two-Face, and Penguin along ever so slightly, sets up Poison Ivy, and even establishes a new threat outside of Poison Ivy. Not only that, a subplot involving Jim Gordon is further developed, making this one of the most plot-heavy issues yet. It’s not a bad choice, far from it, as most will love that more is happening in the larger plot; it’s just a bit of a shock to the system since the series has moved at a more methodical, even-keeled pace.
Absolute Batman #17 delivers a memorable origin story that leans hard into horror without losing sight of tragedy. Poison Ivy’s transformation feels painful and inevitable, grounded in a childhood defined by desperation and brilliance. The body horror elements amplify the emotional stakes rather than distract from them, making her final form both terrifying and sorrowful. Canete’s art elevates the issue considerably, especially in the creature designs and Batman’s high-impact action sequences. The visual contrast between the grotesque present-day horrors and the softer flashbacks sharpens the emotional punch.
This is Absolute Universe storytelling at its most daring, tragic, and grotesque.
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