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

“You teach what you know, but you reproduce who you are.” (old leadership adage)

I don’t know Frank Martin, the head basketball coach of the South Carolina Gamecocks. What little information I do have has largely been gathered as I have watched my beloved Tennessee Vols struggle to beat his teams over the last few seasons. However, in recent days his exposure has increased and his sound bites have been highlighted due to the run his Gamecocks are making through the NCAA tournament. Yesterday they advanced to the Final Four.

I won’t presume to know his core values nor do I assume he and I have the same ideas about God and life in general. However, his coaching intrigues me greatly. His team plays a very specific brand of basketball that carves out a clear identity within the whole of the NCAA. His teams are marked by toughness, physicality and defense...suffocating defense. Those terms have become synonymous with the name Frank Martin. He strikes me as a man who demands the utmost in commitment and commands respect. At times he seems maniacal on the sideline but effort is never a question as it pertains to his team. Martin coaches a generation of players that have been loudly castigated in our society as lacking all of the above attributes and then some. Some would have you believe what Martin is doing is an anomaly because certainly this young generation in the earth isn’t capable of such noble characteristics.

The following quote by Martin is a statement to society. It isn’t a thought confined to the hardwood. It is a blatant shot across the bough of those who have taken a pessimistic view of those coming up behind them.

“You know what makes me sick to my stomach? When I hear grown people say that kids have changed. Kids haven’t changed. Kids don’t know anything about anything. We’ve changed as adults. We demand less of kids. We expect less of kids. We make their lives easier instead of preparing them for what life is truly about. We’re the ones that have changed.”

I for one applaud his sentiment. It is unfair to negatively critique a younger generation without also critiquing our responsibility in who they are becoming. It is impossible to separate the perceived negative attributes of a younger generation from negative attributes in our parenting, grand parenting and leading. If we don't like what we see in younger generations, the problem lies not with them but in us...we either raised them or raised the parents who raised them. We either led them or led the parents who raised them. 

Blame has a funny way of being one sided. Many of the ills of society (in government, media, the Church, etc.) can be found in an unholy entanglement with blame. Specifically, the willingness to absolve ourselves of responsibility at any expense. An unwillingness to first examine our own role in the issue serves to further division and widen gaps. Jason Upton, a worshipper, philosopher and poet, offers his process of viewing the world...

Whenever i see a problem in the world I usually start by asking how I am a culprit? Then I expand it to my neighborhood; my city, my country; my world; Humanity; And then, perhaps, God.

Review: DEADPOOL/BATMAN #1

  Writers: Zeb Wells, Chip Zdarsky, Kelly Thompson, Kevin Smith, Al Ewing, Frank Miller, Ryan North Artists: Greg Capullo, Terry Dodson, Tim Townsend, Rachel Dodson, Gurihiru, Adam Kubert, Dike Ruan, Frank Miller, Ryan Stegman Colorists: Alex Sinclair, Terry Dodson, Gurihiru, Frank Martin, Moreno Dinisio Letterers: Clayton Cowles, Joe Caramagna   Reviewed by: Joshua Raynor   Summary Deadpool/Batman #1 is a high-profile one-shot special that marks a long-awaited crossover between Marvel and DC. Written by Zeb Wells with art by Greg Capullo, the issue centers on Deadpool being hired for a job in Gotham City. When Deadpool arrives in Gotham, he immediately clashes with Bruce Wayne (and later, the Dark Knight). His mission: “take down” Batman — but things don’t go as smoothly as he might have hoped. Despite the rocky start, Deadpool and Batman reach an uneasy alliance when they decide to team up to stop The Joker, who has stolen dangerous materials to make Joker Venom and threatens to wreak havoc on the city. Beyond the main story, the one-shot includes a series of backup stories that feature other DC/Marvel pairings. These include Daredevil & Green Arrow, written by Kevin Smith, Rocket Racoon & Green Lantern, an adorable Jeff the Land Shark & Krypto story, plus more!

Positives After two decades, the powerhouse comic book companies, DC & Marvel, have joined forces once again to bring fans the highly anticipated crossover... Deadpool/Batman #1! And in my humble opinion, they did not disappoint. And choosing to start this new partnership off with two of the most popular comic book characters today was a brilliant move. The fact that these two are wildly different — both in tone and personality — made for a really fun, exciting read. One of the strongest aspects of the issue is how it plays off the contrast between Deadpool’s chaotic, fourth-wall–breaking humor and Batman’s disciplined, brooding detective persona, both of which Zeb Wells nailed. Rather than forcing them to be too similar, the issue leans into their differences, creating both tension and comedy. Greg Capullo’s artwork is another major highlight. Known for his gritty, kinetic style — especially on Batman — Capullo brings Gotham to life in a way that feels both familiar and fresh. His action sequences are sharp and cinematic, giving the story real visual energy. His artwork does an amazing job of grounding the more outlandish elements of Deadpool’s presence in a suitably dark yet dynamic Gotham.

Negatives While the main story is absolutely fun, it's not groundbreaking at all. It's a fairly predictable story, which isn't necessarily a bad thing, but as this is the first of a new series of crossovers for DC and Marvel, I was hoping for a harder punch, so to speak. Also, some of the backup stories (which I will talk about next) are far more interesting than this one, and there are a few of them that I would have much rather had as the main story, allowing them to be fleshed out more.   Backup Stories The backup stories in this issue are not just throwaways — they bring real value. They manage to set up a new universe to play in, called the "Infiniverse," which I hope we continue to see explored in upcoming crossovers. And one of them even hearkens back to the Amalgam Universe days. Now, let's take a look at what worked in each of these stories.

Captain American & Wonder Woman — "The Gun & The Sword" Chip Zdarsky and Terry Dodson offer a nostalgic and heartfelt pairing, setting their story in World War II to explore a bond between Steve Rogers and Diana Prince. The narrative treads familiar territory — patriotism, warrior ethics, and sacrifice — but manages to feel earnest rather than trite. Dodson’s vintage-style art helps evoke the era and underscores the gravity of their shared mission, while Zdarsky’s writing tries to highlight how these two iconic figures inspire one another across time. Jeff! & Krypto — "Catch" Kelly Thompson and Gurihiru deliver an adorable, nearly-wordless romp with Jeff the Land Shark and Krypto the Superdog playing volleyball near the Fortress of Solitude. There’s something delightfully simple yet emotionally resonant here: it’s not about saving the world, but about innocent friendship and joy. Gurihiru’s soft, expressive artwork captures every wag, splash, and playful bounce, making this short story a warm and whimsical palate-cleanser that adds genuine charm to the issue. Daredevil & Green Arrow — "The Red and The Green" Kevin Smith gets to once again dive into these two iconic characters, and manages to bring us an interesting tale of how they meet and work together to take on both the League of Shadows and The Hand. The contrast between Oliver Queen’s archery-based tactics and Matt Murdock’s acrobatics and martial arts is handled well, giving each hero room to shine, and Adam Kubert’s art brings the fight scenes to life in a vivid and gritty way. This feels like a classic “two lone-wolf heroes come together” story that resonates both with their shared sense of responsibility and their very different approaches to heroism. My only issue with it is that, due to the page constraint, the ending feels extremely rushed. This is one that I would have loved to have seen as a main story in its own book, allowing it some more time to breathe. Rocket Raccoon & Green Lantern — "Rocket Raccoon Has A Green Lantern Ring Now"

While this next one is only two pages long, writer Al Ewing managed to pack it with imagination and clever humor. It playfully explores the idea of what might happen if the Guardians of the Universe and the Guardians of the Galaxy ever swapped talent, and the result is Rocket wielding a Lantern ring in the most chaotic way possible. The story pokes fun at long-standing Green Lantern lore while still showing affection for it, making the gag land even harder for longtime fans. It's visually a treat, thanks to Dike Ruan's wonderful art — especially Rocket decked out in a Lantern look that channels pure Guy Gardner energy. This backup delivers quick laughs, deep-cut references, and a great ending that leaves you wanting a continuation of this story.

Old Man Logan & Batman: The Dark Knight Returns — "Showdown" Frank Miller gives us a gritty, tongue-in-cheek clash of these two aging legends that reads like a nod to both characters’ most iconic interpretations. With only a couple of pages to work with, the story doesn’t have room to build a plot so much as stage the fantasy matchup: two grizzled veterans slugging it out, trading razor-edged dialogue, and seeing who still has the fight in them. It’s quick, blunt, and knowingly macho — the kind of “who would win?” scenario fans have debated for decades, now realized with a smirk and a fistfight. Critics of Miller’s evolving style will find the usual rough edges, but the art still carries the raw energy and bold iconography that have kept his work distinctive and memorable. The short length keeps the story from being remarkable or deep, but it’s undeniably entertaining. As a brief indulgence in hard-boiled comic grit — with two giants beating on each other and enjoying every punch — it delivers exactly what it promises. Logo — "Enter: LOGO!"

Ryan North and Ryan Stegman introduce Logo — a fusion of Lobo and Logan a.k.a. Wolverine — in a gritty, visually aggressive style that contrasts amusingly with the playful, self-aware writing. Despite running only a few pages, the story manages to spark real excitement and curiosity, teasing the possibility of a larger Amalgam revival without ever explicitly promising one. Instead of being part of this new "Infiniverse," this story embraces full-on fusion, giving just enough clues, attitude, and fan-service nods to make long-time comic readers wonder whether Amalgam could actually make a comeback. Whether it’s a genuine tease or just a playful jab from the creative team, the effect is the same: Logo ends up feeling like one of the most intriguing curiosities in the entire issue.

  Verdict

Deadpool/Batman #1 is a lively, entertaining start to what could become a landmark series of Marvel/DC crossovers. The main story delivers exactly what fans would hope for: the chaotic humor of Deadpool bouncing off the dark, brooding intensity of Batman, all brought to life by Greg Capullo’s cinematic artwork. While the plot itself isn’t groundbreaking, the fun dynamic between the two leads and the strong visual storytelling make it a thoroughly enjoyable read. Zeb Wells’ writing leans into their differences in tone and personality, creating both comedic and tension-filled moments that make the issue feel fresh, even in familiar Gotham territory.

What truly elevates this issue, however, are the backup stories. From heartfelt nostalgia in Captain America & Wonder Woman, to adorable charm in Jeff! & Krypto, to imaginative and humorous mini-adventures like Rocket Raccoon & Green Lantern, each story brings a distinct flavor to the anthology. The grittier, “legendary showdown” of Old Man Logan & Batman and the playful, fusion-based tease of Logo further showcase the creative ambition of this crossover, hinting at a larger “Infiniverse” playground for future stories. While some backups could have benefited from more pages, together they create a diverse, exciting experience that balances humor, action, and nostalgia. In short, this issue is a must-read for fans of either universe and a promising launch point for future crossovers.

  Score: 4.5/5

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

Review: Absolute Batman #15 - "The Joker"

Writer: Scott Snyder Artist: Jock Colorist: Frank Martin Letterer: Clayton Cowles   Reviewed by: Steven Brown   Summary Absolute Batman #15 - The origin of The Joker is told here! Alfred is giving Bruce intel on the mysterious figure known only as The Joker. What's fact and what's just myth about this man? Scott Snyder and Jock reunite for this epic tale in the Absolute Universe!

Positives Absolute Batman #15 starts with Alfred talking to Bruce about the dark history of the Grimm family -- an old family that apparently made their fortune through comedy. Young Joseph Grimm I starts his living as a young street performer, but eventually he climbs his way out of the gutter and into the high life of an elite socialite. Over the progress of five generations, Jack Grimm V is the latest in the family line. A billionaire who owns private islands all over the world, performs philanthropy work around the planet, and also occasionally funds a war or two. It seems that Jack is responsible for not only the problems in Gotham, but perhaps also across the entire planet.

Negatives I have no complaints about this issue.

Verdict Absolute Batman #15 gives you a chilling first look at the history of Scott Snyder's latest rendition of The Joker. Here in the Absolute universe, The Joker is a cold, calculating villain who has the wealth and resources to do anything he wants. It's revealed that he was the one behind Bane, Black Mask, the construction of Ark M, and more. These islands are revealed to be his private hunting grounds, for not just animals, but also for people. I must admit that I'm loving this version of The Joker and I can't wait for his first encounter with Batman.   Score: 5/5