Get ready for a shocking transformation! The upcoming February issue of ABSOLUTE BATMAN will showcase a startling new take on the iconic villain, Poison Ivy. But will her makeover be as extreme as the jaw-dropping redesigns of Bane and The Joker?
The ABSOLUTE BATMAN series has been shaking up the Dark Knight's universe, and the highly anticipated arrival of the Absolute Poison Ivy is set to continue this trend in February. The first glimpse of this reimagined character has been unveiled, courtesy of Björn Barends' exclusive variant cover for East Coast Comics. While not as radical as the transformations of Bane, The Joker, or Harley Quinn, this new Poison Ivy is undoubtedly captivating.
The image reveals a unique twist on the character's appearance. Leaves seem to be sprouting from her body, and her skin appears scarred or tattooed with chlorophyll. Even her hands are not spared, as plants emerge from them. This powerful portrayal hints at a formidable challenge for the muscular Bruce Wayne.
The two-part Poison Ivy story will be a collaboration between guest artist Eric Canete and ABSOLUTE BATMAN writer Scott Snyder. Issue #17's synopsis hints at a vengeful Dr. Pamela Isley, freed from the Ark-M facility, seeking retribution on Gotham City and those responsible for her imprisonment. Batman's pursuit of her leads him into a nightmarish maze of escalating horrors, each more horrifying than the last, as he strives to protect the city from its own creation.
DC Comics has provided a glimpse into issue #18, where Batman battles Poison Ivy's mutated monsters, only to uncover an even darker secret lurking within the city's core. Meanwhile, The Joker's schemes take a new turn as he forms an alliance with an unexpected partner.
The ABSOLUTE series has been a commercial success, outperforming many DC Universe and Marvel titles. Serving as DC's answer to Marvel's Ultimate Universe, this initiative has been a triumph for the publisher, and its popularity continues to soar.
Snyder teased this thrilling arc on social media, stating, 'ABSOLUTE BATMAN 17 & 18, in February and March, is a special 2-part story where Bruce confronts our take on Poison Ivy! But be prepared for some major twists in issue 17, as DC is keeping the covers for issue 18 under wraps.'
Behold the mesmerizing first look at ABSOLUTE BATMAN's Poison Ivy below.
ABSOLUTE BATMAN #17
Written by: Scott Snyder
Art by: ERIC CANETE
Cover by: NICK DRAGOTTA
ABSOLUTE BATMAN #18
Written by: Scott Snyder
Art by: ERIC CANETE
Cover by: NICK DRAGOTTA
Commentary:
The ABSOLUTE BATMAN series has been pushing boundaries with its bold character redesigns. But here's where it gets controversial—do these extreme makeovers enhance the storytelling, or do they distract from the core narrative? Are these transformations a brilliant way to attract new readers, or do they alienate long-time fans? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
