Absolute Batman #13: Let’s Get Ready to Rumble

Absolute Batman #13 – written by Scott Snyder with art by Nick Dragotta, coloring by Frank Martin, and lettering by Clayton Cowles – is a rollercoaster of an issue that balances suspense with quieter, tender moments. Dragotta’s visuals are phenomenal and do an incredible job of juxtaposing the massive Bruce with the much smaller and sleeker Selina. Dragotta’s exaggerated pencils are percently balanced by Martin’s colors, which keeps things simple but adds a lot of interesting depth and sense of scale. The contrast of the pair have always been notable, but in Absolute Batman, they are nearly polar opposites in physicality. The inclusion of Catwoman is no surprise, but her design is especially interesting. Dragotta’s design is a blend of Tim Sale’s iconic take but she unmistakingly belongs in the Absolute Universe, even upcycling Black Mask’s domed helmet into her costume. Another interesting element that Snyder adds is the dislike between Seline and Alfred. If Selina is the angel on Bruce’s shoulder, then Alfred takes on the role of the devil, which makes Bruce’s decision to take on Bane that much more interesting.

At times, Absolute Batman has felt like a grabbag of familiar elements from the Batman mythos, but it is becoming clear that everything has a purpose and readers will see things fall into place from here on out. Last issue introduced The Red Hood, a gang operating in Gotham City, and Absolute Batman #13 reveals who their leader is: Harley Quinn. This is an interesting choice because it still leaves it somewhat aligns with the character history but leaves a lot of room to explore. The issue mainly functions as staging area for Batman’s fight with Bane, both figuratively and literally. Batman hijacks a major television station with a broadcast signal intrusion to warn the people of Gotham, but to also challenge Bane in a fight in the Old Veteran’s Arena. The issue concludes with another contrast: Bruce and Waylon Jones some time ago at said arena, followed by a tense interaction between Bruce and Selina. In the end, Bruce sides with the devil on his shoulder, Alfred, as they prepare for the fight, and hinting at Waylon “Killer Croc” Jone’s next appearance.