Absolute Batman #22
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/22.webp "Absolute Batman #22")
| Writer | Scott Snyder |
| Artist | Werther Dell'edera |
| Cover Price | $4.99 |
As the Robins nest in Gotham’s backyard, and Batman faces ultimate defeat, Harley Quinn’s origin is revealed. How does Harley connect with Ark M, and how did the Robins fledge from hatchlings to birds of prey? The call of more than one predator will be answered in this issue.
CRITIC REVIEWS Back to Top
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10
Geek Dad - Ray Goldfield
Jul 08, 2026As a Batman issue, it’s fantastic, but this issue also took a huge jump in making Harley one of my favorite characters in the series, someone who has been immersed in the horror far longer than anyone knew. Read Full Review
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10
Nerd Initiative - Matthew Roth
Jul 08, 2026Absolute Batman #22 will leave you speechless. We shift into Harley’s point of view and are offered important backstory, while Scott keeps Batman’s arrogance at the forefront. I cannot wait to see what fans think of the way this issue ends, as I cannot get over how insane it is in all the best ways. Read Full Review
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10
Get Your Comic On - Neil Vagg
Jul 08, 2026Absolute Batman dives into the history of Harley Quinn for an issue which is thought provoking as much as it is devastating. Yet again Scott Snyder is ripping the rug out from underneath the reader with a bold, unpredictable twist. Read Full Review
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10
But Why Tho? - William Tucker
Jul 08, 2026Absolute Batman Issue 22 is an excellent example of escalation. The comic starts small, with just two characters in a tight space. And through them comes so much expansion of the story. Read Full Review
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9.7
Fanlight Zone - Ken M.
Jul 08, 2026The Absolute origin for the Miscreant of Mayhem delivers a powerful tale of hopelessness and heartbreak. Snyder goes full throttle into the horror genre with exceptional writing. Dell’edera and Martin unload on the deep scars and heavy weight carried in each image. Each time readers think the story plateaus, the creative team smashes any celing to go even higher. Read Full Review
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9.7
SciFiPulse - Ian Cullen
Jul 15, 2026This was a really strong issue that gives us the Absolute Universe’s very different take on Harley Quinn and her origin story, which differs significantly from the Harley Quinn of DC’s main universe. The artwork has a strong horror aesthetic that carries the tension of the story beautifully as Harley finally reveals her secret. Read Full Review
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9.5
Comic Book Clique - Abel Loza
Jul 10, 2026Absolute Batman #22 was one of the more shocking issues of Scott Snyder’s run, which is saying something because that is a pretty high bar to clear. The pace of the issue felt as though we were running along with Batman and Harley, all while we were trying to catch our breath. The shocking ending was a payoff for readers who were emotionally invested and also the start of the next chapter of this Absolute Batman series. Artist Wertger Dell’edera was brought in for a single issue and knocked it out of the park with his very specific styling that fit perfectly with this Harley-centric issue. Overall, Absolute Batman #22 will go down as one of the most shocking and important issues in Snyder’s run. Read Full Review
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9.4
The Super Powered Fancast - Deron Generally
Jul 08, 2026Werther Dell’Edera delivers some beautiful art throughout the issue. I love the visual style and how beautifully it matches the tone of the story. Read Full Review
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9.0
The Batman Universe - Kris Burke
Jul 14, 2026Hats off to Scott Snyder and company for this one. The story built anticipation from the very start and not only paid off the story of Harley’s true parentage but also hit us out of nowhere with something for Batman as well. Read Full Review
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8.9
Comic Watch - Marcell Hines
Jul 09, 2026Absolute Batman #22 proves to be another seminal issue in this ever-expanding story. With plenty of reveals to keep you guessing about what is going to happen next. Read Full Review
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8.5
AIPT - David Brooke
Jul 08, 2026Absolute Batman #22 delivers a thoughtful and rewarding reimagining of Harley Quinn, using her backstory to deepen both her character and the larger mythology of the Absolute Universe. Scott Snyder and Werther Dell'Edera craft a version of Harley who feels confident, wounded, and searching for connection, while the issue's revelations reshape readers' understanding of her place in the story. The pacing occasionally slows the momentum, but the emotional payoff and larger implications more than justify the journey. By the final page, Harley Quinn emerges as one of the most compelling figures in Absolute Batman's ever-expanding world. Read Full Review
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8.0
Henchman-4-Hire - Sean Ian Mills
Jul 11, 2026Some less than stellar artwork doesn’t detract too much from an otherwise great origin for Absolute Harley Quinn. Read Full Review
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7.0
Comical Opinions - Gabriel Hernandez
Jul 08, 2026Absolute Batman #22 unveils the secret history of Absolute Harley Quinn with more than a few surprises to give her character life and purpose. Scott Snyder’s backstory is interesting enough, and guest artist Werther Dell’Edera’s artwork is a fine example of maintaining consistency with the series without copying the main artist. The central plot doesn’t move, but if you’re interested in Harley, this one’s for you. Read Full Review
USER REVIEWS Back to Top
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10
Gabe returns.
"The central plot doesn't move."
The last few panels moves the story forward swiftly, blatantly and brutally.
What did you read?
I give your review - gabeisaballbag/10
This continues to be amongst the best comics running, if not the best. The development and reveal for Quinn is marvelous. The plotting with Grimm is fantastic. The reveal at the end, real or not, is exhilarating. I simply cannot wait for the animated show of this series. It could very well end up one of the greatest western cartoons ever.+ Like • Comments (1)• Likes (3) -
9.0
This was a really great issue that fleshed out Harley Quinn, and honstly myabe I am naive. But I did not expect the plot twist, and the guest artist was great
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9.0
Good read.
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9.0
Scott has a clear pattern in his story telling. story then shock at the end to make you come back. it largely works. The reimagining of Harley Quinns Origin was a welcome one. DC mainline has destroyed this character in recent years. However this is refreshing. I love the Ark -M world. I love how different this Absolute universe is and how it takes chances. Harley with Joker as her father, Bruce Wayne flipped essentially with the Joker. It all works. I love how this is playing out. Scott is a great Batman writer. The art however is the biggest issue as it's confusing and hard to follow. A step down. Otherwise compelling stuff thats different. Its new. It takes chances. all the things I want in a comic.
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9.0
Actually a great issue here. My general feelings on this book overall are something I've stated multiple times over. To me, this is a book that has been great at times, but it's more consistently been really good, rather than great. However, I really enjoyed this. Harley continuously trying to tell Bruce about her past and upbringing and whatnot did feel a bit longwinded, but I still found this to be very well-done. Dell'Edera proved to be a really good choice for a fill-in here, in my opinion. Would love to see him pop up again in the future. However, the main thing to talk about here is the story, particularly the connections made to the larger plot from Harley's past. Spoiler warning, but I think Jack being Harley's father in this univer more
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8.0
Obviously jack grimm was her dad.
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10
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10
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10
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10
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10
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9.5
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8.5
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8.5
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8.0
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7.5
2025 In Review:
