Scott Snyder promises a big surprise in issue 17 of Absolute Batman with the arrival of Poison Ivy and other characters in the new DC universe
When we believed that the universe Absolute from DC couldn’t be more interesting, Scott Snyder confirmed the arrival of a new version of one of the most loved and feared comic book villains: Poison ivy. The news not only shakes things up in Gotham, but also suggests that this alternate universe is far from having shown all its cards.
Second Bloody coldSnyder revealed that the rookie Absolute poison ivy will appear in Absolute Batman #17scheduled for next year. But it doesn’t arrive alone: its introduction will coincide with “a big surprise” which promises to shake readers. The writer announced that he and the artist Nick Dragotta They have already drafted the complete arc of the series, which will span between 35 and 40 numbersand that the result will be “as devastating as it is redemptive.”
The absolute universe of DC Comics
For Snyder, this universe is not just about reinterpreting classics, but also about renew the myths. “These characters are made to be destroyed and rebuilt. Batman uses his trauma as a weapon to improve the world; this is his victory,” commented the author.
This idea of rebirth and reinvention has become the axis of Absolute Batmanwhere each installment explores distorted or radicalized versions of the most iconic villains. And Poison Ivy will be no exception.
From ecological villain to elemental force
The new Pamela Isley of this universe could be much more than the usual eco-activist. In the original comics, he debuted in Batman #181 (1966), as a young botanist manipulated by Jason Woodruethe Floronic Man. Her transformation into Poison Ivy made her a symbol of green vengeance and naturalistic desire.
With his arrival in the Absolute universe, Snyder will hopefully take his concept even further, exploring the universe connection between nature and human corruptiontopic that the screenwriter has already touched on in previous works such as Swamp thing.
More bad guys, more madness
But Ivy won’t be the only one entering the scene. Before its debut, readers will receive Absolute Batman #15Where the joker it will come back in a form monstrous which, according to the evidence, promises nightmares. In one of the most disturbing promotional images, the Joker appears red lines above his eyes that are actually his mouth full of teeth. Yes, Snyder and Dragotta have decided that psychological horror also becomes physical.
One number first, inside Absolute Batman #14the wildest and most dangerous version of Harley Quinnpresented by the artist Derrick Chew on a spectacular cover. Far from being the Joker’s eternal companion, this Harley presents herself as leader of the Little Red Riding Hood ganga group that wants to destroy the criminal clown’s empire. Her fierce attitude and independence mark a radical change from the classic incarnations of the character.
A Gotham darker than ever
Him Absolute universe is creating a landscape where Gotham isn’t just a corrupt city: it is a sick organism that feeds on its heroes and villains. Each new issue expands the map of this urban madness, mixing horror, tragedy and gothic epic.
Snyder’s idea seems clear: dismantling everything we thought we knew about the Batman mythos and its antagonists to rebuild it on a more brutal, more emotional and more symbolic scale.
Who will be next?
Against Harley Quinn, Joker Yes Poison ivy Already confirmed, fans are speculating about the next releases of characters such as Two Faces, Scarecrow or even Catwomanall with the potential to be redrawn through the lens of psychological terror and moral decadence that defines this line.
DC found in Absolute Batman a way to experiment without losing identitya creative laboratory that reinterprets the foundations of the myth of the Dark Knight with a freedom rarely seen.
And if Snyder made anything clear, it’s this it’s just begun.
