Absolute Batman continues to put a new spin on the world of Dark Knight, and that’s set to continue next February with the long-awaited debut of Absolute Poison Ivy.
A first look at the character was revealed today, thanks to Björn Barends’ exclusive variant cover designed exclusively for East Coast Comics. It’s not as radical an overhaul as the Absolute versions of Bane, The Joker, and Harley Quinn, but it’s still undeniably intriguing.
As you can see below, leaves appear to be growing on Ivy, while her body appears scarred or tattooed by chlorophyll. Plants also seem to sprout from his hands. This should make her more than just an adversary for this hulking version of Bruce Wayne.
Guest artist Eric Canete will join Absolute Batman writer Scott Snyder for this two-part Poison Ivy story. The description of number 17 reads: “Absolute Poison Ivy sinks her teeth into Ark-M! Dr. Pamela Isley has been released from Ark-M’s facilities with endless hatred and burning fire to seek revenge on Gotham City and those who put her in the belly of the beast.”
“When Batman hunts her down, he must survive a maze of horrors, one increasingly gruesome after the other.” it continues, “as he tries to save the city from a monster it created.”
As for Absolute Batman #18DC Comics revealed, “After the explosive reveal that ended last issue, Batman continues to battle Poison Ivy’s mutated monsters and eventually uncovers an even more gruesome horror that has embedded itself in the very foundations of the city. Meanwhile, the Joker’s machinations begin to coalesce into a partnership with a new ally.”
The Absolute line proved to be a commercial success, beating out major DC Universe titles and many of Marvel’s biggest books. Essentially DC’s version of Marvel’s Ultimate Universe, it was the absolute winner in a publisher initiative that continues to grow.
Teasing this story arc on social media, Snyder said: “ABSOLUTE BATMAN 17 & 18, February and March, is a special 2 part story from me and the incredible @EricCanete in which Bruce takes on our version of Poison Ivy! But expect a few surprises in 17, pretty big ones. DC is writing the covers for 18.”
Check out this first look Absolute Batman‘s Poison Ivy below.
ABSOLUTE BATMAN #17
Written by Scott Snyder
Illustration by ÉRIC CANETÉ
Cover by NICK DRAGOTTA
ABSOLUTE BATMAN #18
Written by Scott Snyder
Illustration by ÉRIC CANETÉ
Cover by NICK DRAGOTTA
