John Dodge is an MTV Writer for CBR who specializes in movies, television, comics, and pop culture. He has a deep knowledge of franchises like Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Marvel, and DC Comics, along with a passion for indie and horror titles. An expert on obscure productions from the ’80s and ’90s, John is known for his encyclopedic recall of cult classics like Beetleborgs.
The following contains major spoilers for Absolute Batman #13, on sale now from DC Comics.
The Absolute Batman might just be becoming exactly what Bane wants him to be — and it might just be the end of the Dark Knight's most important relationship.
After teaming up with Catwoman for a trip to the Red Hood Gang's territory, the titular hero of Absolute Batman #13 (by Scott Snyder, Nick Dragotta, Frank Martin, and Clayton Cowles) finds himself staring down not just a crowd of armed goons, but the barrel of a rocket launcher, as well. Fortunately, Batman is more than capable of taking out not just the threat, but the entire tower it stands on. Of course, doing so means tapping into the Venom coursing through his veins, and the fact that he is so willing to embrace Bane's curse might just mean the end of his relationship with the one person who truly understands him.
Absolute Batman #13
- Written by SCOTT SNYDER
- Art by NICK DRAGOTTA
- Colors by FRANK MARTIN
- Letters by CLAYTON COWLES
- Main cover art by NICK DRAGOTTA & FRANK MARTIN
- Variant covers by STANLEY "ARTGERM" LAU; JENNY FRISON; DAVID NAKAYAMA; and NICK DRAGOTTA
While the potent, transformative drug known as Venom has long been associated with the hulking Bane, its presence in the DC Universe predates the villain's own by nearly two years. Introduced in 1991's Batman: Legends of the Dark Knight #16 by Dennis O'Neil, Trevor von Eeden, and Russell Braun, the original venom was based on Hourman's iconic Miraclo formula. When introduced to the bloodstream, Venom imbues users with immense strength, so much so that their entire body expands out as their muscle mass soars in seconds. Unsurprisingly, being cut off from Venom after building up a tolerance to the drug will also reduce a user's physical form to an even more meager version of themselves than they were in the first place, making sustained use especially dangerous.
Like the original Bane and subsequent versions of the character, the Absolute Bane's entire persona has been largely defined by his extended use of Venom, which has made him into a near-unstoppable force of nature. During Bane and his malevolent benefactors' attempts to turn Batman against his own mission, the Dark Knight was exposed to Venom, giving him a much-needed edge against the competition. That being said, the Absolute Batman still hasn't fully gained control over himself while using the drug, nor does it seem like he will master its use any time soon.
Batman and Bane likely won't be the biggest Venom users in the Absolute Universe for much longer, as Absolute Batman writer Scott Snyder previously teased a monstrous version of the Joker who is set to make his debut this December. In a social media post from September, Snyder showcased an illustration of a towering, almost reptilian Joker sporting rows of fangs within his gaping maw, not to mention horns, spines, and a particularly devilish tail. To top things off, this image of the Joker also features rippling veins coursing with red and green blood, not unlike those seen on others who have partaken in the use of the Absolute Universe's specific strain of Venom.
Absolute Batman #13 is on sale now from DC Comics.
Created by Bill Finger, Bob Kane
First Film Batman: The Movie
Upcoming Films The Batman – Part II
English (US) · 