Absolute Batman Issue 13 gives the Bat his Cat back, briefly. Read Full Review

Absolute Batman #13 excels at exposing the psychological damage beneath Bruce's denials, while Nick Dragotta delivers stellar designs for Catwoman and a surprise new addition to the cast. Meanwhile Scott Snyder uses Selina Kyle's debut to question whether Bruce's trauma-fuelled pursuit of Bane has pushed him dangerously close to becoming his enemy. Read Full Review

Another brilliant installment in the best line in comics right now Read Full Review

Absolute Catwoman crashes back into Bruce Waynes life at a critical time. Snyders writing spotlights their uneasy yet impactful relationship. Dragotta and Martin bring out the best of both with each panel. The last stand for Gotham is coming. Who else is ready? Read Full Review

Absolute Batman #13 might not be the cleanest issue in terms of structure, but it's one of the most emotionally charged and visually stunning of the series. It gives Bruce a reason to keep fighting, even as it hints that the worst is still ahead. The love, the venom, the madness, it's all brewing for one explosive finale. Read Full Review

Overall, this was a fun issue that offers some insight into the relationship between Bruce Wayne and Selina Kyle in this universe. It also adds some playful tension to her interactions with Alfred, which are understandably adversarialthis version of Alfred is a CIA operative and well aware of Catwoman's international escapades. The high point of the issue comes when Batman publicly calls out Bane, setting the stage beautifully for the finale of this story arc in the next issue. Read Full Review

Absolute Batman 13 sets the stage for a major battle, introduces two huge fan favorites and looks to wrap the series' latest memorable arc in expectation-shattering fashion. Read Full Review

Dragotta delivers some powerful, beautiful and visually stunning art throughout the issue. I love the visual style and the character designs more and more with each issue. Read Full Review

Catwoman's introduction into the Absolute Universe makes for an intense reunion between her and Batman. The brief glimpses of their relationship we've seen up until now culminate into a cathartically passionate embrace. Snyder writes their dynamic exceptionally well, as her playful provocation seems to be one of the few things that brings joy into Batman's life. Her inclusion also acts as a counterbalance to the forces in Batman's life pushing him to do anything necessary to win as we head into the final confrontation with Bane. Read Full Review

Absolute Batman #13 is another home run by Scott Snyder and Nick Dragotta. There is so much going on with how Bruce Wayne decides to handle his Absolute Bane problem. Adding Selina Kyle into the mix helped to emphasize the importance of the decisions Bruce makes in and out of the cape and cowl. It sets the stage for not only an exciting end to this current story arc but also for the future direction this series could take. Read Full Review

Absolute Batman #13 does an incredible job of building tension and suspense paired with pure excitement. Snyder and company have done a phenomenal job of taking basic ideas and taking a big swing with them, and this issue was filled with a big swings. The series has been fantastic so far, but it now feels like its completely found its footing and ready to do bigger and bigger things. Read Full Review

Absolute Batman #13 is like the movie The Dark Knight Rises was actually good and didn't have lame, ineffectual, pro-cop politics. Read Full Review

Absolute Batman #13 delivers powerhouse visuals and emotional weight in a jam-packed penultimate chapter, though its occasionally choppy scene transitions keep it from complete perfection. Read Full Review

This issue does an excellent job of setting up the tension an the potential exciting for the next big issue. Read Full Review

Absolute Batman #13 runs like a well-oiled Batmobile but never dares leave the road; it keeps the engine roaring without ever shifting gear. Lightning pacing, bruising character drama, and killer art keep the book crackling, but don't expect fireworks when Harley shows up. Her entrance lands with a thud. As Gotham's biggest brawl brews, this issue proves that sometimes, the best you get is a solid punch, not a knockout Read Full Review

My bold prediction for the Batman/Bane fight. This time Batman lifts Bane up and breaks his back on his knee in a venom fueled rage. Read Full Review

Scott Snyder and Nick Dragotta deserve to get their flowers for making such an overtly edgy rendition of Batman feel purposely comedic, as well as endearing. Bruce is a young foul mouthed hood from crime alley there is simply no restraint for him in every way he carries himself he is one of a kind. Selina is a welcome addition as the crowd and players are gathered we are in for one hell of a rematch.

Ah, Gabe Hernandez - ruiner of joy.

Holy amazing comic Batman.

A lot of really good developments here, primarily building to Bruce's "final(?)" confrontation with Bane in the next issue. Really looking forward to seeing how that plays out, particularly with how crazy a lot of the rest of the book has been. Snyder & Dragotta have stepped it up with this arc so far and I hope not just that the next issue ends the arc strongly, but also that they can keep up this level of quality as the series continues past that.

A sensational build-up to the climactic finale with Bane. There is genuine sizzling chemistry between Bruce and Selina, as Snyder takes time in the story for some good character development. The art is simply gorgeous. Can’t wait for the big finale next issue!

The calm before the storm... Snyder and Dragotta use the penultimate issue of their Bane-centric arc to set the stage for a final showdown and introduce the Absolute incarnation of Catwoman.

Light on action and heavy on character interaction, the Absolute Batman team delivers a surprisingly hard hitting journey through the wreckage Bane hath wrought on Bruce Wayne's inner circle. Batman's actions have had twisted consequences on his closest friends, and the ramifications have left them disfigured, disillusioned with Bruce's mission, and honing their new capacity to hate him.

Anyone worried that Snyder's decision to have Batman's greatest rogues be his childhood buddies have their concerns put to rest with this issue. By making each villain's origin a result of brutal blowback from Bruce's personal vendetta, their turns become more tragic, and their (eventual) battles with Batman drive by the personal damage they've incurred. Most of all, it makes Batman's mission more haunted: Bruce is fighting literal and personal demons now, but can he afford to pull his punches?

The personal connection is strongest with Catwoman, who swings into the story in style and gets a much more interesting dynamic with Bruce/Bats, their attraction built on much more than masks and occasional alliances. A climactic collision with Bane awaits in the next issue, and we may see a side of Absolute Batman filled with venom and vengeance, if his threats are to be believed.

Great issue that shows us the severe stakes in store for characters in Absolute Gotham, and a promise that Batman has many battles to fight before he wins the war.

Very recommended! more

This is the first issue in a while that I actually like Batman and Catwoman's relationship for once, and not because they had sex. Nick Dragotta's art works for this series, I like Bruce and Alfred's relationship. Overall, everything in this series just hits the right spots for me, and it shows how Scott Snyder still has creative juice in him. I thought he would leave DC Comics forever because he was burned out in the main continuity, but he still has motivation to put out bangers of stories.

Something was off about the wrong in some parts on this one.

A solid issue. Entertaining but not remarkable.

Pacing is all over the place but it sticks the landing.

Art: 3.5/5
Story: 3.5/5
Total: 7/10

Uhoh Batman did the one thing that always bites the superhero in the tail.
He challenges the villains on live tv.
So my annoyances are becoming more clear with each issue..
Snyder really likes to write the story where the hero is up against unbelievable odds.
Plus I don’t care for the $@&!?) swearing. Cut it out, it doesn’t need to the extra edge..

Arts solid, Selina and Pennyworth and even Banes small part are the highlights.