Absolute Batman #16

Absolute Batman#16 is a masterclass in pacing, character work, and visual storytelling. By stripping Bruce Wayne back to his most human core and pairing him with Wonder Woman's effortless command of the magical, the issue finds a rare balance between introspection and adventure. Scott Snyder delivers a story that feels both like a reset and a meaningful step forward, while Nick Dragotta's panel-dense, emotionally rich artwork elevates every page into something memorable. This is the kind of issue that rewards slow reading and reminds you why this universe feels special. As someone who only gives out perfect 10s three or four times a year, this one earns it and then some. Read Full Review

Nick Dragotta has always been one of this series' secret weapons, but he really outdoes himself this issue with a magical wilderness that packs a ton of detail into several pages with panel-heavy layouts, before taking us into an epic arena for a dramatic battle. Read Full Review

Absolute Batman Issue 16 wonderfully combines two worlds. The blending of Batman and Wonder Womans very unique lives is almost perfect. Read Full Review

Absolute Batman #16 brings Diana and Bruce together once more and humanizes Bruce in ways we haven't seen from other iterations. I am not done with the adventures of these two, and I would read an entire run of them together. Read Full Review

In a run defined by massive ideas and big swings, Absolute Batman #16 shows that sometimes the most memorable or impactful stories are the ones that take things simple, but deliver on all fronts. Read Full Review

Another masterpiece of storytelling and artwork, Absolute Batman #16 blends the worlds of the Dark Knight and Wonder Woman splendidly. Whilst Scott Snyder deftly tiptoes the line between worlds Nick Dragotta's visceral artwork grounds their fantastical journey in brutal beauty. A thrilling step forward for the Absolute Universe that proves these heroes work even better together. Read Full Review

The only bad part about Absolute Batman 16 is that it just further whets the appetite for more Absolute Universe team-ups as this second chapter of Batman and Wonder Woman was just as enjoyable as their first encounter. Read Full Review

The second Absolute crossover does not disappoint, bringing strong character work, action and emotional depth to an issue bursting at the seams with quality storytelling. Read Full Review

I really enjoyed this book and how the relationship develops between Batman and Wonder Woman, with Diana acting as his guide in the World Between Worlds. I hope we get to see more of this kind of crossover in future months. Read Full Review

The follow-up to the first Absolute Crossover doesn't miss in giving a new look to an old dynamic. Snyder pens a more upbeat adventure with heavy emotion on the side. Dragotta returns with his incredible vision for this series and the places this story goes. Another strong issue on this every growing legendary run. Read Full Review

Absolute Batman #16 is a solid, confident issue that understands when to lean into character and when to swing for spectacle. The issue justifies taking a weird left turn into Greek myth because it uses that premise to interrogate Bruce's priorities as a human being rather than just a cape. The art carries visual weight throughout, and the emotional stakes feel grounded despite the fantastical setting. If you have been following this arc and care about Killer Croc as a character, this detour earns its place in your collection and sets up interesting consequences down the road. Read Full Review

Snyder creates a more personal story for Bruce in this issue and I really connected with the character and his journey. There are some great personal moments for the character as he is confronted with the consequences of his actions, deals with his own inability to solve a problem and confronts his own past in his journey. Read Full Review

Keeping up the momentum the first team-up, Scott Snyder and Nick Dragotta tap into the amazing chemistry Absolute Batman and Wonder Woman have. They do so by using the current status quo of Bruce Wayne's relationship with his inner circle to initiate this second team-up. Read Full Review

Absolute Batman #16 is a fun crossover between two new and loved characters, featuring this book's creative team's take on Absolute Wonder Woman. Read Full Review

Snyder and Dragotta continue to show why their series is the biggest driving force behind this universe. Is Absolute Batman #16 the perfect follow-up to the team-up in last month's Absolute Wonder Woman? No, definitely not. It's not a story really concerned with Diana and Bruce's dynamic, but what the issue does for Bruce and how it slots into the overarching narrative is a strength that cannot be ignored. Read Full Review

Absolute Batman #16 suffers only in that one has to have read the earlier Absolute Wonder Woman team-up to fully appreciate it. I also suspect the nuance of the growing fondness of Amazon and Knight may fly over some readers’ heads. Despite that, this is still a great issue of one of the best comics on the stands. Read Full Review

jess212

Jan 28, 2026

This is one of the best issues in Absolute Batman and a phenomenal addition to what already feels like a generational run. Snyder and Dragotta effortlessly delve into mythology and deliver a wonderful self contained story that moves things forward in interesting ways.

BatSledge

Jan 28, 2026

Hands down my favorite issue so far, and that comes following 2 prior perfect issues, but this one lands in its own tier of perfection. This issue deftly balances a perfect mix of action and adventure, meaningful and heartfelt character development for the whole cast of characters, sly humor, pathos, and empathy, along with an air of mystery. Dragotta delivers his finest artwork yet. Each page is a master class in storytelling. Buy a copy to read and re-read a dozen times, and buy an extra copy to treasure and save, as this issue is a high-point in an already stellar series. I can't recommend it enough! (The 'A' cover makes me smile every time I see it, so grab this one if you can).

cjv0412

Jan 28, 2026

Heartbreaking, and expertly paced. Feels like a dream... This is the first Absolute Batman comic I've read, coming off of the first crossover in Absolute Wonder Woman. I was not disappointed. Beautiful art by Dragotta, who captures the dream-like and misty feeling of the underworld. Wonder Woman and Batman's relationship reads like 2 close friends, young and passionate, who despite not knowing each other for very long, are united in a mission to take care of their people. I'm looking forward to more creative crossovers in the Absolute Universe.

Aesopjer

Jan 28, 2026

Solid.

ComicsGild

Jan 29, 2026

..... wow

BillyBat

Jan 28, 2026

The only reason I'm not giving this issue the highest rating: I think crossovers are a bad idea for this type of series. Crossovers are what's killing American comics. Part of Absolute Batman's success, like Invincible or manga series, is that you don't need to read twelve parallel series to understand the plot: the main series stands on its own. It's a slippery slope, as the Ultimate universe showed in the past, potentially leading to the same problems that made the main continuity too complicated for young and new readers. Otherwise, on the merits: excellent issue that deepens this Bruce Wayne's psyche, with a perfectly written Absolute Wonder Woman (for those who read Absolute Wonder Woman).

Brandon

Jan 28, 2026

As a series - Scott is over the top. This series is ridiculous. Yet I come back each time and I care about the characters. I want to see what happens. This issue has good character work and is a good reprieve from the usual insanity.

daspidaboy

Feb 01, 2026

While I personally prefer the first crossover in Kelly Thompson's Wonder Woman run, this was still a very solid and emotional issue. I would love to see Scott Snyder one day tackle writing Wonder Woman in the main run

fzanca

Jan 31, 2026

Truthfully, I'm not following Absolute Batman. The only reason I bought this issue is because Wonder Woman is in it. I like that she's taller than Batman in this universe. Batman going to Hades to find a remedy for Walon Jones doesn't really lend itself to the character's strength. It should have remained a street-level story with, perhaps, bringing Zatanna in as a Wonder Woman villain. I thought this issue was pretty average overall. My Review Chanel -https://youtu.be/B7fe-NLdkqw

George

Feb 02, 2026

I still don't get the high reviews for this series.