#absoluteuniverse

Review: Absolute Batman #16 - "Bat Out Of Hell"

Writer: Scott Snyder Writer/Artist: Nick Dragotta Colorist: Frank Martin Letterer: Clayton Cowles   Reviewed by: Steven Brown   Summary Absolute Batman #16 - Bruce Wayne is on a desperate hunt to help his friend Waylon, now transformed into a monstrous crocodile roaming the sewers, consumed with a deadly hunger. Batman’s last option for a cure is to turn to a god for help…but will he have to descend into the depths of hell to get it?

Positives Absolute Batman #16 brings in the Absolute Universe version of Wonder Woman in the second part of their Absolute crossover. Here, in a last act of desperation, Bruce calls on Diana using an ancient coin. When Diana shows up, Bruce tells her about his friend Waylon Jones, also known as Killer Croc. Thanks to Bane, Croc has been transformed into a monster and Batman wants to know if Diana has any means to change him back. What starts here is a journey through Diana's world, going literally through hell to save his friend.

Negatives This series continues to impress me, and I have no complaints about this issue.

Verdict Absolute Batman #16 was a great read. I love this version of Wonder Woman and her teaming up with Batman is always awesome. There are some funny parts in this issue too which makes it more hilarious because of their seriousness in battle. I really can't wait for their next team-up in the future.   Score: 5/5

I’ve been reading absolute Batman lately and I gotta say it’s very much worthy of the praise it’s getting with how the story takes drastic risk but still manages to remain at its core what we love about Batman. It’s getting me also itching to check out the rest of the Absolute universe since I also checked out absolute evil which shows us how twisted and horrific the universes darkseid created.

Batman Reinvented In Absolute Batman Issue 1 | Alfred's Dark Mission In The Absolute Universe

Review: Absolute Batman #17 - "The Seventh Kingdom: Part One"

Writer: Scott Snyder Artist: Eric Canete Colorist: Frank Martin Letterer: Clayton Cowles   Reviewed by: Steven Brown     Summary Absolute Batman #17: While Bruce takes steps to try and fix his personal issues with his friends, Pamela Isley has made her way to Gotham City. Located within a giant forest in the heart of Gotham, Poison Ivy has turned the police into a literal foliage of horrors.

Positives Absolute Batman #17 introduces you to the tragic backstory of Dr. Pamela Isley, better known as Poison Ivy. Led to a dark path through a horrific series of events, Pamela is determined to make Gotham suffer. In the present day, with the police completely overpowered and outmanned, Batman is the last one standing in this towering jungle in Gotham. Armed with giant buzzsaws on each forearm, Batman charges into Ivy's jungle, cutting away anything he sees move. Attempting to charge directly into the heart of the jungle, he stopped short when he sees a police officer--but now he's been corrupted by Ivy! Teetering between life and death, Batman has no choice but to put them down. He's reminded by Alfred that these things are no longer people and that there is no saving them. As Batman navigates through Ivy's deadly jungle, we see different versions of her--all beautiful and captivating. Batman, however, pays no attention to this tedious attempt at distraction, and instead keeps his focus on the mission. Towards the end of the book, he finally meets the real Poison Ivy--and she's a human-plant hybrid!

  Negatives I have no complaints about this issue.

Verdict Absolute Batman #17 is a great read and I'm looking forward to the next issue. Batman's fight against Poison Ivy is epic and I'm excited to see how it concludes. Also, Martha Wayne has a shocking revelation at the end, and I'm eager to see where her particular story goes. My heart, however, really goes out to Bruce's friends. Throughout this series, Bruce has tried to make amends for what happened to them against the criminal Bane. Oswald, Harvey, Edward, and Waylon still hold Bruce responsible--and honestly, I don't blame them. However, Bruce's attempts to apologize continue to fall on deaf ears, but I do commend him for still trying, nevertheless. I have a bad feeling that The Joker will use Bruce's former friends against him in some way. Their hatred for him is pure, and it's not going away. I think that Joker while manipulate these feelings for not only the eventual takedown of Batman, but also just because he enjoys it.   Score: 5/5

DC Comics pulled back the curtain on its publishing roadmap for the remainder of 2026 during its annual ComicsPro presentation in Glendale, California, offering retailers a sweeping preview of what’s ahead for the publisher. From new additions to the rapidly expanding Absolute Universe to the next phase of the DC Next Level initiative and a major Gotham-centric event, the presentation made clear that DC is planning an ambitious year across multiple imprints.

Vertigo’s Return Continues to Build Momentum

DC began its announcements at ComicsPro by spotlighting the continued rollout of the revived Vertigo imprint, which returned in 2026 with a focus on bold creator-driven storytelling. The line launched with titles including Bleeding Hearts, End of Life, The Nice House by the Sea, and The Peril of the Brutal Dark, signaling a return to the mature, genre-defying style that made Vertigo a defining imprint in comics history.

The next wave of Vertigo titles is already on the horizon. This summer will see the debut of 100 Bullets: The US of ANGER and Fanatic, both expanding the line’s range of dark, thought-provoking storytelling. In the fall, Vertigo will introduce Necretaceous and Black Tower: The Raven Conspiracy, while winter will round out the imprint’s first full year with The Crying Doll and A Walking Shadow.

The growing slate underscores DC’s commitment to restoring Vertigo as a home for experimental narratives and acclaimed creative voices.

The Absolute Universe Adds Green Arrow and Catwoman

One of DC’s most successful recent initiatives, the Absolute Universe, is expanding with two high-profile new series.

Absolute Green Arrow, written by Pornsak Pichetshote with art by Rafael Albuquerque, launches May 20th. The series promises a bold reinterpretation of Oliver Queen, re-imagining the iconic archer in the continuity-free storytelling style that defines the Absolute line.

That will be followed by Absolute Catwoman, debuting June 10th from Che Grayson, Scott Snyder, and artist Bengal. Like the other Absolute titles, the series will present a fresh, standalone take on Selina Kyle, free from the constraints of decades of continuity.

During ComicsPro 2026, DC also teased the first Absolute Universe event miniseries, scheduled to arrive in the fourth quarter of 2026. While details remain under wraps, the announcement signals that the imprint is growing large enough to support its own interconnected crossover stories.

DC Next Level Expands with Teen Titans and More

DC also highlighted the continued rollout of its DC Next Level initiative, which aims to refresh the publisher’s core lineup with accessible jumping-on points for new readers.

Several series are already scheduled to launch in the coming months, including Lobo #1, Batwoman #1, and Deathstroke: The Terminator #1 on March 18. These will be followed by The Fury of Firestorm #1 on April 8 and Zatanna #1 on April 29.

The initiative will continue to grow through the summer. Barbara Gordon: Breakout, written by Mariko Tamaki with art by Amancay Nahuelpan, arrives in May, while The Deadman by W. Maxwell Prince and Martín Morazzo launches in June.

At ComicsPro, retailers were also given an early look at additional Next Level titles currently in development, including Legion of Super-Heroes, Doom Patrol, Jonah Hex, The Demon, and Batman: Shadow of the Bat, with creative teams and release dates to be revealed later.

Among the biggest announcements was a brand-new Teen Titans series from writer Kyle Higgins and artist Daniele Di Nicuolo, the creative duo behind Power Rangers: Shattered Grid. The story centers on Red Hood as he investigates a mysterious network of missing powered teenagers, eventually joining forces with a new generation of tech-savvy young heroes to uncover a conspiracy dividing their world.

Teen Titans character designs by Daniele Di Nicuolo

Gotham Event “BAD SEEDS” Set for Q3 2026

DC concluded its presentation with a preview of “BAD SEEDS,” a major Gotham City event scheduled for the third quarter of 2026.

"BAD SEEDS" promo by Giuseppe Camuncoli, Cliff Rathburn, and Tomeu Morey

In the storyline, Gotham City police commissioner Vandal Savage declares open war on the Bat-Family, unleashing a heavily militarized private police force throughout the city. At the same time, Gotham’s mayor, Pamela Isley, finds herself abandoned by both political allies and mystical forces, pushing her toward a desperate last move.

The crisis unfolds over a single, harrowing night as Gotham teeters on the brink of ecological catastrophe. Savage’s assault drives the city’s heroes into hiding while Isley’s final gambit threatens to transform Gotham into a primal jungle dominated by hostile plant life.

DC has promised more details about the crossover in the coming months.

Celebrating a Landmark Batman Anniversary

Before wrapping up ComicsPro 2026, DC reminded retailers that 2026 marks the 40th anniversary of Batman: The Dark Knight Returns by Frank Miller, Klaus Janson, and Lynn Varley. The publisher plans a year-long celebration of the landmark series with special releases, collectibles, and publishing initiatives honoring one of the most influential comics ever produced.

Taken together, the announcements at ComicsPro paint a picture of a publisher doubling down on both innovation and legacy. With Vertigo’s resurgence, the continued expansion of the Absolute Universe, and new initiatives like DC Next Level, DC appears poised for one of its most expansive publishing years in recent memory.