REVIEW: ‘Absolute Batman’ Issue 16

Absolute Batman Issue 16 is published by DC Comics and written by Scott Snyder, with art by Nick Dragotta, colors by Frank Martin, and letters by Clayton Cowles.

Batman enlists the help of Wonder Woman to change his friends back, but that includes a journey into Hell.

This issue is a sequel to Wonder Woman Issue 15, where Wonder Woman and Batman first met. Now, Batman seeks her aid after his eyes are opened by meeting Diana and seeing the opportunities of magic. This isn’t to help himself, but his friend, who has been brutalized and changed by Bane. Absolute Batman Issue 16 begins with a depressing start as Batman visits his friends, who now despise and resent him. So the meeting between Wonder Woman and Bruce is dark and unsettling.

Introducing magic into this Gotham feels a little odd, but it’s still gothic, and there’s never been any notion that this version of this city is grounded. It has giant crocodiles, Batmobiles the size of buildings, and a Bane bigger than an elephant. But the comic then ventures away from Gotham anyway, taking Bruce and Diana to Aeaea, a realm between the mortal plane and the Underworld.

It’s a long, arduous journey, one filled with humor and strange serenity. And at the end, there is a brutal, magical battle that looks like it originated straight out of a Dark Souls game. It’s immense and has the same hardcore attributes as other heroes in this series, the true signifier of what belongs.

One of the best connections within this still-new universe returns in Absolute Batman Issue 16. How Batman talks with Diana is brilliant, even if it is slightly terse this time. It’s because of the mood Batman is in, as he’s so heartbroken and mortified by what’s happened to his closest friends. They’re in so much pain, forever changed and crippled because of their association with Batman. And they talk to Bruce with such disdain, throwing all their pain into their words.

When Batman and Wonder Woman enter the mystical realm, they bond over several days. It’s got a brilliant sense of humor, but also moments of quiet and seriousness. Diana is just so polite and gentle. Bruce also gets the chance to connect with some of those who have left the mortal plane. It’s poignant and sad and perfectly explores the agony of loss. There’s never enough time to say goodbye.

Batman’s role in the final fight is fascinating because it highlights his heart and fierce determination, but also just how out of his depth he is. It may be his book, but it’s not his world. Meanwhile, Wonder Woman is confident, his guide through a land of constant hostility and potential lethality.

The art is spectacular, fusing the worlds. In the last issue in which these two heroes were together, Hayden Sherman presented his own take on Absolute Batman. This time, it was Dragotta’s turn for Wonder Woman, adapting her into this messy, violent city. She is undoubtedly beautiful and feminine, but there’s also a messy, scruffy quality to her. Her size is also prominent, moreso in Absolute Batman Issue 16, with broad shoulders. She’s even taller than the already massive Batman.

Dragotta deserves credit for always showing Batman in more than just a standard standing position. He’s always crouched or perched, with his cap adding more to his silhouette. The world they end up in is mysterious, and the desert expanse makes it both haunting and serene, with creatures that could be deadly.

The panel layout is outstanding. They’re small but plentiful. Telling tiny fragments of a story that reveals an extensive pilgrimage. Even without dialogue, the visual and physical storytelling is simply stunning. The final fight shows terrific movement and violence, as two sensational warriors go to war.

The colors are intriguing throughout Absolute Batman Issue 16, built to enhance a single character’s impact on the world. Most of the comic is beige and dulled, with Batman covered in grey. Even the light he casts isn’t very intense. But the red in the issue does. When magic is cast, or Wonder Woman enters the frame.

It’s not overly vibrant, but it’s warm and incredibly noticeable. The other instance of this is when Pennyworth feeds Waylon, now turned into Killer Croc. The sewer is filled with green, all the way up the walls. It makes us aware that the sewers have become Croc’s territory. The lettering toes a fine line between side balloons that match the art style, whilst still being easy to read.

Absolute Batman Issue 16 wonderfully combines two worlds. The blending of Batman and Wonder Woman’s very unique lives is almost perfect. Batman’s supporting cast and the very specific brand of violence are present, but Wonder Woman and her magic have entered without being intrusive or overbearing. The art really helps the combination, with phenomenal storytelling. But Snyder also understands this version of Wonder Woman. Both her compassion and her ferocity are captured superbly. It truly feels like she stepped out of her own series.

Absolute Batman Issue 16 is available where comics are sold.