The Absolute Universe was made to change things, and Absolute Batman #17 is the loudest proof yet that this world is built differently. Writer Scott Snyder and guest artist Eric Canete have basically turned the genre into a high-octane bio-horror movie that feels more like The Thing than a typical night in Gotham. This issue, the first part of “The Seventh Kingdom” arc, gives us a total breakdown of a new Poison Ivy while letting Bruce Wayne cut loose in a way that would make the traditional Dark Knight’s head spin. If you came for the gadgets and stayed for the gore, this is exactly what you’ve been waiting for.
What happened to Poison Ivy in the Absolute Universe?
The most fascinating part of this issue is how it handles the origin of Pamela Isley. Forget the infamous femme fatale tropes you’re used to; this version of Pamela is a girl from Kane County driven by a desperate, scientific love for her sick mother. She spent her childhood making wishes at the top of the Heart Building in Gotham City, hoping to find a way to fix the knot of cells growing in her mother’s brain. By age 23, she’s deep into genetic cytological engineering, successfully injecting human stem cells with plant DNA to create photosynthetic cells that can regenerate.
But plants weren’t enough for her. She decided to climb higher by drawing on all six kingdoms of life: Plantae, Animalia, Fungi, Protista, Eubacteria, and Archaebacteria. The result is a prehistoric, monster-like version of Ivy that is part everything, looking more like a biological goddess than a woman in a green leaf suit. It’s an interesting, albeit terrifying, redesign that makes her a global threat rather than just a local nuisance.
Does Batman really use chainsaws in this issue?
Yes, he absolutely does, and it is every bit as badass as it sounds. Bruce Wayne is operating in a full bio-hazard zone where the air is thick with a recombinant mutagen that turns people into non-human signatures on a scanner. To navigate this nightmare, Batman has two chainsaws attached to his wrists, carving through mutated monsters that used to be GCPD officers. It’s a brutal, tactical approach that fits the industrial, blue-collar vibe of this version of the character.
Even his handler, Alfred Pennyworth, seems more on edge than usual as he watches Bruce ignore warnings about the air contamination to push to the top of the building. The action here is heavy and loud, focusing on the sheer force of a Batman who doesn’t have a billion dollars but does have the will to use power tools to survive. The use of his dense fiber cape as a biological barrier is a clever touch, but the chainsaws are the undeniable stars of the show.
Is the Art Style in Absolute Batman #17 Good?
The art is jagged, high-energy, and a departure from what we’ve seen before. Eric Canete uses a style that emphasizes movement and scale, making Batman look like a literal tank. The creature designs are unsettling and visceral, especially during the final confrontation. Colorist Frank Martin sets the mood with sickly greens and oppressive purples in the bio-zones, which contrast perfectly with the fiery reds of the finale. Clayton Cowles rounds out the team with lettering that clearly distinguishes between Batman’s internal thoughts and the distorted screams of the monsters.
What does the Martha Wayne reveal mean?
The ending of this issue provides a massive wow moment that reframes everything we thought we knew about the Wayne family. In a shocking epilogue, we see Martha Wayne make contact with a mysterious new group, and the response she receives is chilling: “We’re always here, Martha.” It’s a huge reveal that suggests this group has been part of the family legacy all along, though we don’t yet know how that will play out in the long run.
Overall, Absolute Batman #17 explores the thin line between isolation and connection. While Pamela Isley wants to force the world to reconnect through biological fusion, Bruce Wayne is struggling with his own isolation as the city tries to “own” his persona. The only real drawback is how dense the issue feels. The heavy scientific talk and tactical jargon can slow the pacing down. However, the shocking epilogue makes it clear that this series is the new gold standard for high-stakes storytelling.
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‘Absolute Batman’ #17 | The New Poison Ivy Origin
Absolute Batman #17 explores the thin line between isolation and connection. While Pamela Isley wants to force the world to reconnect through biological fusion, Bruce Wayne is struggling with his own isolation as the city tries to “own” his persona.
