Absolute Batman #13 Unleashes Catwoman's Powerful Return & Harley's Wild Twist

Get ready, Bat-fans! Absolute Batman #13 is here, bringing back Selina Kyle in a big way and introducing a totally unexpected take on Harley Quinn as Bruce Wayne prepares for a brutal showdown.

TL;DR: Quick Takes on Absolute Batman #13

• Absolute Batman #13 is out now, featuring the long-awaited return of Selina Kyle as Catwoman, adding emotional depth to Bruce Wayne's journey.
• Harley Quinn makes a surprise debut as the punk-rock leader of the Red Hood gang, an unexpected and crucial ally for Batman.
• Batman, fueled by Bane's Venom, is gearing up for a brutal rematch against his nemesis, with Catwoman acting as his conscience amidst tough decisions.

Stepping into the Absolute Universe: A Darker Gotham Awaits

DC Comics' Absolute Batman series has been a wild ride, isn't it? Writer Scott Snyder and artist Nick Dragotta have really shaken things up, giving us a Gotham where Bruce Wayne is a working-class engineer fighting a twisted system, and the line between hero and villain is blurrier than ever. Issue #13, which dropped on October 8, 2025, just cranked that dial up to eleven, delivering not one, but two huge character debuts that'll have you talking.

This universe, known as the "Absolute Universe," is all about reimagining iconic characters in radical new ways, and this issue is no exception. We've been building up to this one, especially with the return of a certain feline anti-hero. But before we dive into all the juicy details, let's just say if you thought you knew Batman's world, think again!

Catwoman's Grand Entrance: Selina Kyle Returns with a Vengeance

Fans have been eagerly awaiting Selina Kyle's full return, and Absolute Batman #13 finally delivers. But this isn't just any reunion; it's steeped in history. The series' opening arc, "The Zoo," already clued us into Bruce and Selina's past as childhood friends, and yes, there was some puppy (or kitty) love involved! After Bruce's dad was murdered, Selina was there to comfort him, taking him to a movie.

The current arc, "Abomination," delves deeper, even showing how Selina played a role in Bruce becoming Batman by stealing money from mob boss Carmine Falcone. And for those wondering about the romance, let's just say issue #9 showed them getting pretty cozy on a pile of stolen cash, and in #13, their "love lives" continue to heat up, both in and out of costume, as they share a "cathartically passionate embrace."

Her look as Catwoman is pretty classic but with some cool twists: her mask is a metal orb, possibly stolen from a Black Mask-like operation, and her whip cleverly doubles as a bandolier for hidden weapons, much like Batman's own cowl. She's not just eye candy though; Selina returns as a crucial voice of reason for Bruce, trying to keep him from making some dangerous choices.

Harley Quinn, The Red Hood: An Unexpected Punk-Rock Ally Emerges

While Catwoman's return was anticipated, the real jaw-dropper in Absolute Batman #13 is the surprise debut of Absolute Harley Quinn! And get this: she's the leader of the Red Hood gang. Yes, you read that right. In a universe famous for flipping character expectations, Harley takes on a role typically associated with the Joker or Jason Todd, but with a completely fresh, anarchistic spin.

This isn't your daddy's Harley. Her new look is pure punk rock: a shaved head adorned with black diamond tattoos on her neck and hands, dramatic makeup that could rival KISS, and a street-savvy style complete with an oversized red hoodie. She's armed with nunchucks and leads the Red Hoods as an "outlaw collective" focused on "hacking, disruption," and fighting the establishment.

In this universe, Batman has a "loose alliance" with the Red Hoods, needing their help to tear down the evil inside "Ark M," the sinister science metropolis controlled by none other than this universe's Joker. It's a brilliant move by Snyder to connect Harley to the Red Hood legacy without forcing her back into a subservient role to the Joker, establishing her as an independent force for "noble chaos" right from the start.

The Absolute Joker: A Billionaire System, Not a Maniacal Clown

Speaking of the Joker, prepare for another mind-bending twist. In the Absolute Batman universe, the Joker isn't a clownish psychopath; he's a billionaire, a calculated criminal mastermind, and surprisingly, he has more in common with the traditional Bruce Wayne in terms of appearance and wealth. His oligarch allies even call themselves the Justice League, because they're the ones who define "justice" in this twisted Gotham.

It's a complete role reversal: Bruce Wayne, the Dark Knight, embodies chaos and disruption, while the Joker represents the system and order. As Scott Snyder himself explained:

"If Bruce is Joker now, and he is chaos and he is disruption, then Joker is the system and order. That means Joker would have a Batcave, he would have a mansion, he would be handsome, and be a socialite. Maybe he has Robins!"

— Scott Snyder (Dragon Con interview)

This means Harley Quinn, by allying with Batman, is effectively making herself an enemy of this universe's Joker. And as for the Robins? Snyder has hinted that it might actually be the Joker who has sidekicks in this world, with Absolute Dick Grayson (an EMT who dislikes vigilantes) potentially ending up on his payroll. This universe truly challenges everything you thought you knew about these characters, including Batman's unexpected friendships with "rogues" like Harvey "Two-Face" Dent and Waylon "Killer Croc" Jones.

Batman's Venom-Fueled Rematch: Bruce Wayne vs. Bane

The emotional core of "Abomination" has been Batman's brutal confrontation with Bane. After being bested by Bane and trapped in Ark M, where his friends Harvey, Eddie, and Ozzie were mutilated, Bruce is seeking revenge. The Ark M scientists even infused Bruce with Bane's Venom steroid, with Bane's ultimate goal being for Batman to take his place.

Issue #13 sets the stage for a massive rematch. Bruce, still reeling from his trauma, believes he needs to embrace the Venom to beat Bane. This creates a fascinating internal conflict, with Selina Kyle stepping in as his conscience, urging him not to succumb to the drug. However, his loyal butler Alfred Pennyworth surprisingly advises him to do "whatever it takes," adding a complex layer to Bruce's moral dilemma.

We even see Bruce "Hulk out" with the Venom, knocking over a ferris wheel in a moment of raw power. Batman has issued a public challenge to Bane via a hijacked TV broadcast: a final, winner-take-all battle at the Old Veteran's Arena. Flashbacks also hint at Bruce training Waylon "Killer Croc" Jones for a boxing match, suggesting that Waylon and the Red Hoods might play a role in this epic confrontation in the upcoming Absolute Batman #14. It's not just a fight for Gotham; it's a battle for Bruce's very soul.

Where to Grab Your Copy: Absolute Batman #13 Details

Ready to jump into this wild, reimagined Gotham? Absolute Batman #13, written by Scott Snyder, with art by Nick Dragotta, colors by Frank Martin, and letters by Clayton Cowles, is available now. The main cover art is by Dragotta and Martin, and if you're a variant cover collector, there are some stunning options from artists like Stanley "Artgerm" Lau, Jenny Frison, Adam Hughes, Brian Bolland, David Nakayama, and Nick Dragotta himself.

You can find your physical copy at your local comic book store or purchase it digitally from platforms like Amazon Comixology. The issue is rated 15+ due to its mature themes and content, so keep that in mind before diving in. This pivotal issue marks the beginning of the end for the "Abomination" arc and sets up an explosive future for the Absolute Universe!

Frequently Asked Questions About Absolute Batman #13 When did Absolute Batman #13 come out? Absolute Batman #13 was officially released on October 8, 2025. Where can I read Absolute Batman #13? You can purchase physical copies from comic book stores like Forbidden Planet or digitally from platforms such as Amazon Comixology UK. What's the age rating for Absolute Batman #13? The comic is rated for readers aged 15 years and above. Who is the creative team behind Absolute Batman #13? The issue is written by Scott Snyder, with art by Nick Dragotta, colors by Frank Martin, and letters by Clayton Cowles. Sources

• SlashFilm: Absolute Batman Has Introduced Two Classic DC Antiheroes — With One Big Change
• Comic Crusaders: Absolute Batman #13: Let’s Get Ready to Rumble
• CBR: Absolute Batman Has Introduced Two Classic DC Antiheroes — With One Big Change
• Bleeding Cool: The Love Lives Of Absolute Catwoman And Absolute Batman #13 (Spoilers)
• FandomWire: When Is Absolute Batman #13 Releasing? Story Details, Release Countdown & Where to Read
• Batman News: Absolute Batman #13 Review
• The Batman Universe: TBU Comic Book Review: Absolute Batman #13
• Comic Book Club: ‘Absolute Batman’ #13 Surprise Introduces [SPOILER]