Overview
- Absolute Batman #22 went on sale Wednesday, July 8, and centers on a newly revealed backstory for the Absolute Universe’s Harley Quinn.
- The issue keeps key plot specifics offstage while making a deliberate tonal shift toward body-horror and grotesque visuals in its flashbacks.
- Harley is portrayed in a new alignment as the Red Hood Gang’s leader and an operational ally to Batman, changing familiar role dynamics.
- Reviews single out Scott Snyder’s script and guest artist Werther Dell’edra’s work, with colors by Frank Martin and lettering by Clayton Cowles noted for heightening the issue’s atmosphere.
- The issue ties Harley’s past to Ark M and the series’ ongoing conflict with Jack Grimm, a development reviewers say will affect the arc’s stakes and future confrontations.