The latest issue of Absolute Batman brings us right in the middle of the battle between Absolute Poison Ivy and the Caped Crusader, who engage with the same intensity on the verbal battlefield as much as on the physical one. At the same time, we witness Martha Wayne contacting and meeting with the Court of Owls, where her fate remains to be seen.
And finally, toward the last panels of #18, we witness Batman after his experiences over the week, culminating in his battle, and bringing a climactic end to Ivy’s terror. While Ivy doesn’t die in the chapter, she loses the original heart from Batman’s vicious attacks, a heart that was associated with her late mother’s memory. Unfortunately, she might not be able to recreate it.
Thus, here’s what happens in the ending of this Absolute Universe issue, which can be accessed digitally via GlobalComix.
Absolute Batman #18: Bruce’s Brutality Will Evolve Even Further
Credits: DC Comics
Credits: DC Comics
Credits: DC Comics
As seen in the last panels of Absolute Batman #18, Bruce still hasn’t made heads or tails of what he had to do about the change that Batman had brought to Gotham City ever since he destroyed Bane in #14.
All of this, while happening in the past, shapes his current fight with Poison Ivy. On the other hand, Martha makes contact with the Court of Owls after leaving a message for Bruce.
The scene shifts, and Ivy herself explains to Bruce how the threat of Jack Grimm, a.k.a Absolute Joker, in front of him isn’t something that he’ll be able to take on in the state he is in now. Taking these words to heart, along with remembering the advice of sticking to the roots that Gordon gave him, Batman targets Ivy’s heart, the one that’s still connected to her mother’s touch.
At first, Bruce promises to leave it without destroying it, granted that she deactivates her spores that would kill millions in Gotham. But in the end, Batman still destroys her heart ruthlessly and brutally, even after she accepts and keeps her end of the bargain of deactivating the spores.
This is a new evolution into the sheer unrestricted brutality that he’s known for, in pursuit of which he doesn’t care what or how he has to do something. And as Ivy is taken away by the S.W.A.T. team, Bruce finally listens to his mother’s voice message, signifying that no matter how deep into the abyss he has to go, if he sticks to his roots, he’s unstoppable.
A Trio of New Threats Arrive in Absolute Batman #19
Variant cover page of Absolute Batman #19 by Nick Dragotta | Credits: DC Comics
While Batman decided to meet Grimm at almost any low road he wishes to take, the climate in Gotham City is about to change completely with the release of Absolute Batman #19.
As per the official description (via League of Comic Geeks), Absolute Scarecrow will be surfacing from the depths of Ark M as Joker now has his entire focus set on the Batman that has become Gotham’s hero. At the same time, the issue will also see Barbara Gordon becoming a crucial pillar for Bruce’s endeavors into taking down Jack Grimm.
And with the new Absolute Batman #19 variant cover by Nick Dragotta, we also have confirmation of foes like Absolute Deathstroke and even Absolute Man-Bat making their villainous entry into the series (via League of Comic Geeks)
Here’s an overview of Absolute Batman #19.
Expected Release DateApril 8, 2026Creative TeamWriter: Scott SnyderArtist: Nick DragottaPublisherDC Comics
What are your expectations for the next issue? Tell us in the comments below.
Absolute Batman is now available on DC Universe Infinite.
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