Absolute Batman #17: BATanical Gardens

Absolute Batman #17, written by Scott Snyder, colored by Frank Martin, lettered by Clayton Cowles, and joined by guest artist Eric Canete, launches a new arc with some familiar faces. Snyder has been introducing the rogues’ gallery in some form or another at a steady pace, and this arc introduces readers to Absolute Poison Ivy. Like many issues, the reader is thrown straight into the action as Batman attempts to neutralize the botanical threat, but along the peripheries, there is a lot more happening. For one, there is another appearance by Dick Grayson, but what closes the issue should be experienced firsthand. From a reader’s standpoint, the last few issues might feel like a mad dash to introduce as many heavy hitters as possible, but Snyder has been full of surprises thus far.

While Nick Dragotta has cemented the visual language of Absolute Batman, each guest artist has brought in their own unique touches that shed light on the horror elements of this series. Eric Canete’s contributions to this issue are no different, as he captures the essence of the series as a whole while leaning into his strengths. Canete’s art is stylized and uses exaggerated features, which feel right at home in this book. Wiry linework works perfectly with the botanical-body-horror elements, and Frank Martin’s colors breathe life into the pages. Clayton Cowles has a serious talent for uniting the script with the art, and this issue is no different. Between Batman communicating with Alfred and the distinct lettering for Ivy, there are a lot of voices throughout this issue, and Cowles does such a skillful job of shepherding the reader between them all.