REVIEW: ‘Absolute Batman’ Issue 19

Absolute Batman Issue 19 is published by DC Comics and written by Scott Snyder, with art by Nick Dragotta, colors by Frank Martin, and letters by Clayton Cowles.

A new villain enters, preying on and controlling fear, whilst the Mayor introduces a new program.

This is an issue with many threats, all of which are significant. From the opening, when the terrifying new villain appears in a cornfield, the energy is immense. Then,in Absolute Batman Issue 19, the title character moves with renewed vigor. It’s a rapid, vicious opening that highlights the energy Batman is operating with. He’s stepped away from his friends and family and really reached his stride. He’s got an army of little helpers and Pennyworth, leading a war of devastating crime-fighting. And when he meets Jim Gordon on a Gotham rooftop, it feels like a classic Batman comic.

But then the Absolute nature of this series steps in and delivers a brutal twist, crushing any expectations and unloading a brutal blow. This is not the mainstream universe; brutal fates can await anyone. It shatters the confidence of the issue, just as a big change to the city is coming that combines multiple classic features whilst completely reinventing them. It causes a conflict of emotions. We’re still reeling from the driving events, and then are excited by the reveal that contains so many surprises.

It’s interesting to see this version of Bruce Wayne be so solitary. He had rejected his former friends and allies. Even pushing away those who want to come back in. He had seen them face unfathomable pain purely because of their association with the Batman.

So now, Harley Quinn and her gang help alongside the British agent, Pennyworth, but they can’t be traced and are certainly not on the front line. When Batman talks to them, it’s like a soldier. When he talks to Waylon, it’s like he’s talking to a friend or a brother. He can use these individuals in a way he doesn’t feel safe with those he cares about.

Even getting Gordon involved is risky. Batman talks to him like a young man, like he’s a friend of his mother’s. It’s not even a true first meeting between Batman and Gordon, because a villain’s influence is already starting to take hold. The introduction of Scarecrow is executed brilliantly. His influence, spreading terror and panic, is felt even when he is not present, suggesting an incredible power.

The art in Absolute Batman Issue 19 is superb, with Dragotta returning to his regular post. For Scarecrow’s first appearance in the Absolute Universe, Dragotta places him right where he is meant to be: in a cornfield. The design is disturbing, with a scarred, haunting face.

He’s in a suit that looks very out of date, walking barefoot, and smoking a cigarette. He looks out of place and out of time, grotesque and intriguing at once. And what happens in that cornfield is an absolute bloodbath, using some heavy machinery to cause maximum and devastating damage. Elsewhere, in Gotham, the first glimpse of Batman also explores a new toy.

The Absolute Universe has seen some historic vehicle designs, which makes the concept in Absolute Batman Issue 19 so different. It’s small and agile, a ball for a cockpit with large tires attached to very maneuverable axles. It’s fast, driving like a chaotic RC car. The pages throughout the issue feature many small panels that show subtle movements and tiny details that add so much to the scenes.

Disguises, true emotions, and terrifying reveals are all on display. Since then, there have been more transformations. Waylon has changed dramatically. He’s downsizing, shrinking into something resembling a more recognizable Killer Croc. It’s not quite human, but the design allows for some human displays of affection.

The colors are full of both light and life. It’s not like a vibrant set of exuberant shades, but even the grayest moments are illuminated well. The comic is dark and gruesome, evident from the very beginning, when red covers the ground. Scarecrow’s brown suit is what makes him look like he belongs in a previous era. The lettering is very easy to read, even in some of the custom narration boxes and word balloons.

Absolute Batman Issue 19 injects pure adrenaline through fear. Scarecrow enters the picture and immediately rips up the rule book. Just when Batman was about to strike up a classic and iconic partnership, Snyder delivers a surprise that utterly derails it. It’s an emotional powder keg, but that’s not even it. It’s punch after punch of unexpected introductions and departures.

Absolute Batman Issue 19 is available where comics are sold.