The tree grows tallest where the roots are cared for and Bruce must learn to evolve into something else, something more if he is to become the tallest tree in Gotham. As Batman fights a futile battle against Ivy he must remember what Jim Gordon told him and what Ivy herself tells him now. Bruce must evolve if he hopes to survive as Batman.
Creative Team: Scott Snyder (WRITER), Eric Canete (ARTIST), Frank Martin (COLORS), Clayton Cowles (LETTERS), and Nick Dragotta and Frank Martin (COVER).
*Spoilers Ahead*
The Story:
Wow, Scott continues to grow this story and with that grow our anticipation for every single damn panel on every single issue. Jim Gordon knows Bruce is Batman which, makes sense because he is 6’9” and I am shocked more don’t know. As the story plays out and Bruce is locked in a winless fight I love the parallels with Ivy evolving and telling him to and how he does so. Bruce realizes that he must shed his life and his past finally moving on from the friends who want nothing to do with him. Scott makes this feel like a truly massive moment that it should be. At the very same time Martha was once a TALON?! This subplot brewing is going to be incredible, especially with Bruce deleting her final voicemail to him before she too meets her end.
The Art and Letters:
Eric and Frank create a lot of variations in the artwork throughout every moment in this issue. The scenes with Ivy are bright oranges and colorful and full of life. There is something terrifying that Eric does to her as she is full of hate becoming this unrecognizable creature. They are able to show the shifts in tone and pace as well through this art because when things dwindle down we see Ivy becoming almost human again. It’s a great way to allow the art to dictate the pace and how we should feel in the story. Claytons lettering hammers home the tones and aids in these subtle changes and painting the mood excellently.
Final Thoughts:
Absolute Batman #18 truly feels like the end of year one for this version of Batman. He is able to shed the thing that holds him back which is Bruce Wayne all the while there is the Court of Owls that looms ominously on the horizon. We get beautiful artwork mixed with teases of Dick Grayson and Barbara Gordon holding the Bat cowl setting us up for year two.
Overall Grade: 10/10
For more from Matt at the Hops “Geek” News podcast!
This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.
Leave a Reply