Absolute Batman #17
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/17.webp "Absolute Batman #17")
| Writer | Scott Snyder |
| Artist | Eric Canete |
| Cover Price | $4.99 |
Dr. Pamela Isley has been unleashed from the Ark-M facility with an unending hate and burning fire for revenge on Gotham City, and those who put her in the belly of the beast. When Batman hunts her down, he must survive a labyrinth of leveled horrors, one more gruesome after the next, as he tries to save the city from a monster it created.
CRITIC REVIEWS Back to Top
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10
Geek Dad - Ray Goldfield
Feb 18, 2026Every time we get a new villain in this title, Scott Snyder goes above and beyond to debut the most disturbing version of the character we’ve ever seen. Now it’s Poison Ivy’s turn to shine – and the larger scale and no-holds-barred tone of the book definitely works in her favor. Read Full Review
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10
Comic Watch - Kevin Rossi
Feb 18, 2026As mentioned before, this is an issue with a lot happening outside of Batman and Ivy. Snyder packed this issue with glimpses of what is to come, which has been a criticism of the series from some fans. However, Snyder has continuously done a great job of introducing something familiar and then subverting expectations. Absolute Batman #17 demonstrates that there are a lot of moving pieces currently in motion, but that might just point to how big a machine this series is shaping to be. Read Full Review
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10
Nerd Initiative - Matthew Roth
Feb 18, 2026Absolute Batman #17 is a visually stunning issue that breathes life into every panel. The story itself is one of tragedy as only a Batman story can be, but it has so much depth and layers to it. Scott, Eric, Frank, and Clayton kick off Ivy’s story wonderfully, and there is a MASSIVE surprise on the final page. Read Full Review
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10
But Why Tho? - William Tucker
Feb 18, 2026Absolute Batman Issue 17 reinvents an icon. The roots of the classic Poison Ivy remain, but have been energized and expanded into something completely new. She can look like anything, be anything, turning the comic into a kaleidoscope of chaos. Read Full Review
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10
Get Your Comic On - Neil Vagg
Feb 18, 2026Absolute Batman #17 is yet another example of how Scott Snyder balances an entire universe of moving parts. Not only does this month’s issue perfectly setup a brand new villain, it introduces new story elements for the supporting cast whilst progressing the storyline of Bruce’s personal struggles. Masterful storytelling with delectable artwork from guest artist Eric Canete. Read Full Review
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10
Lyles Movie Files - Jeffrey Lyles
Feb 18, 2026If this opening chapter in this new arc is any indication, this could be one of the cooler and more nightmare inducing chapters in Absolute Batman. Read Full Review
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9.7
Fanlight Zone - Ken M.
Feb 18, 2026The terrors of Gotham City grow their vines in a truly chilling chapter. Snyder dives heavily into the horror aspect with his writing to great success. Canete’s art leans into the nightmare fuel powered by Isley’s green aura. This series keeps exceeding expectations every time out! Read Full Review
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9.6
SciFiPulse - Ian Cullen
Feb 23, 2026This issue serves as a strong opening chapter for a new story arc and successfully introduces the Absolute Universe’s take on Poison Ivy. The groundwork is carefully laid, balancing character exploration with escalating tension. Read Full Review
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9.2
The Super Powered Fancast - Deron Generally
Feb 18, 2026Canete creates some beautifully detailed and visually engaging art in this issue. I love the action a lot and the designs of Poison Ivy are fantastic. Read Full Review
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9.0
AIPT - David Brooke
Feb 18, 2026Absolute Batman #17 delivers a memorable origin story that leans hard into horror without losing sight of tragedy. Poison Ivy’s transformation feels painful and inevitable, grounded in a childhood defined by desperation and brilliance. The body horror elements amplify the emotional stakes rather than distract from them, making her final form both terrifying and sorrowful. Canete’s art elevates the issue considerably, especially in the creature designs and Batman’s high-impact action sequences. The visual contrast between the grotesque present-day horrors and the softer flashbacks sharpens the emotional punch. This is Absolute Universe storytelling at its most daring, tragic, and grotesque. Read Full Review
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9.0
Comic Book Clique - Prub Gill
Feb 19, 2026Giving me as the reader enough narrative to consume, without overloading my brain with too much going on. Having three stories being told at the same time was genius. Reading Absolute Batman #17 I couldn’t wait to read the next page and the one after that, but I didn’t want the story to end. Read Full Review
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9.0
Henchman-4-Hire - Sean Ian Mills
Feb 21, 2026Absolute Poison Ivy arrives with all the flair and madness of all the other Rogues Gallery reveals, in a jam-packed issue that effortlessly balances Batman action, character backstory and Bruce Wayne character building. Read Full Review
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8.5
KPB Comics - Chris Hernandez
Feb 18, 2026Absolute Batman #17 explores the thin line between isolation and connection. While Pamela Isley wants to force the world to reconnect through biological fusion, Bruce Wayne is struggling with his own isolation as the city tries to “own” his persona.< Read Full Review
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8.5
Weird Science - Gabe Hernandez
Feb 18, 2026Absolute Batman #17 catapults Poison Ivy into monstrous relevance, demanding your shelf space if series momentum fuels your pulls; it earns the slot through inventive dread, even if connective threads snag slightly on the climb. Read Full Review
USER REVIEWS Back to Top
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10
Wow. Spectacular. There is no better book on the stands.
+ Like • Comments (1)• Likes (2) -
10
A++ for the art .
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10
It's so peak, nothing is even close
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10
Simply Brilliant! At this rate, if this series continues to be this good it might become my favourite Batman run ever. From writing to art to coloring, this was a stunning issue that not only introduced a terrifying take on Ivy, but also a certain villain that genuinely has me thrilled to see what’s going to happen. It’s very rare to have a writer reintroduce something he once did and I can’t wait to see what Snyder does next. Also, the Chainsaw Man vibes 🔥🔥🔥
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9.5
Great read, the take on Poison Ivy really fits well in the universe.
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9.0
Another horrific journey into the mouth of madness, with Snyder and guest artist Canete as your guides. Strong, compelling subplots and flashbacks intertwine with the main story featuring Bruce confronting the horror that is Pamela Isley. The final page’s cliffhanger is the icing on the cake and you don’t even see it coming!
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9.0
absolute btaman is the closest western comic to japanese manga. this is peak
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8.0
The book opens with a young Pamela and her Mother in the first of a few flashbacks. these run through the entire book and really do a good job of fleshing out the origin and motivations of young Pamela all the way to adulthood.We are then launched into the usual Synder spectacle. Batman emerges with huge chain saws attached to both arms. We of course are told numerous times these aren't people anymore giving Batman full car blanch to chop everyone up. Page after page Batman is confronting grotesque monstrosities and chopping them up. All the while Alfred is feeding him info to move the story along. We get confirmation that Jim Gordon is with Bruces Mom which you’d have to be blind to not see coming. The final few pages highlights exact more
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7.5
I don’t quite get the appeal. But it’s not bad.
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9.0
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9.0
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9.0
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9.0
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8.5
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8.0
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7.5
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7.5
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