After first teaming up in Absolute Wonder Woman #15, the Batman-Wonder Woman team up continues in Absolute Batman #16, delivering a story of brilliant action and emotional power.
In Absolute Wonder Woman #15, Diana Prince has to go to Gotham to follow up on a grisly murder where the mark of her patron God, Hecate, was used. To this end she enlists the help of Gotham’s resident superhero, Batman. Fast forward to Absolute Batman #16, Bruce Wayne reaches out to Wonder Woman for her assistance in helping him save his friend Waylon, now transformed into a monstrous crocodile roaming the sewers, consumed with a deadly hunger.
This issue is mythologically rich, delving deep into Greek Mythology. Seeing Batman and Wonder Woman work together in this setting adds another dimension to their relationship. This isn’t Gotham. It’s Greek myth, and Batman has no control or street smarts. He leans on Diana, which leads to a couple of witty moments. But it’s not just their relationship that develops; there’s also a quite beautiful dream sequence where Bruce apologises to his father. Snyder and Dragotta deal with Wayne’s trauma brilliantly — it’s always emotional.
It also, albeit briefly, catches up with Wayne’s friends — Oz, Eddie, and Harvey Dent — in the hospital after they were tortured, mutilated, and psychologically broken by Bane. They are turning against Wayne, even more so in this issue, which is no doubt a sign of arcs to come.
For an issue that jumps around a lot, every singly panel is meaningful. It’s immaculately paced; everyone gets their due and it never feels convoluted. It takes Wayne back to his day-to-day life, now carrying the heavy burden of seeing how his facade has directly impacted his friends, while also taking him to places he’s never been before. These Absolute series, together, represent a masterclass and a gold standard in how to launch a continuity.
The artwork by Dragotta is quite stellar again. We know as much by now. It’s heavily detailed, meticulous and beautiful — and when translated into the mythological style, it works arguably even better.
Verdict
This issue culminated the first Absolute Team-Up brilliantly. Both comics are top tier, exploring each heroes individual worlds. This one, in my opinion, was better than Absolute Wonder Woman #15. But of course, that could well be a strong case of recency bias. Our next issue, Absolute Batman #17, brings Absolute Poison Ivy into the spotlight. Will the winning streak continue? More than likely, as this is a generational run so far.
Buy Absolute Batman #16 here.
