Absolute Batman #20 Review

Written by: Scott Snyder

Art by: Nick Dragotta

Colors by: Frank Martin

Letters by: Tom Napolitano

Cover price: $4.99

Release date: May 13, 2026

Recap

Last issue saw the introduction of the Absolute Universe versions of Scarecrow, Deathstroke and the Robins. It ended shockingly with a major character's death that put Batman squarely in the frame for the dastardly deed.

Review with Plot Spoilers

This is another jam-packed issue of Absolute Batman and I am happy to say I am here for it. I don't think there is another comic out there right now that gives you as much bang for your buck as this series. In fact it can sometimes feel like there is a bit too much going on, like Scott Snyder is cramming in as much as he possibly can. At least it's always worth your time to give the issue a couple of reads. I do that anyway when I'm writing or making reviews, which is great when the comic is a banger but sucks with the less entertaining books.

Okay, let's get into it. The issue opens with some familiar shots of the classic Batcave icons like the hidden staircase behind the grandfather clock, a giant penny and a dinosaur. But this is subverted with maniacal laughter echoing off the walls and a creepy double-page spread revealing the Joker sat in a strange Matrix-like chair/throne watching some of the events Batman has been dealing with. What cements the horror of this image is seeing the bodies of red babies hooked up to the back of the chair with cables. Is Joker feeding on them? Is that how he is still alive after all these years?

Batman is holed up in his Bat-basement listening to an interview with the Mayor on TV hyping up the new Robin(s) Initiative. We haven't really seen much of them yet, but we're told that Gothamites already have their favorites. Who will yours be? We see Batman reading through the files Jim Gordon gave him last issue. We also see Gordon's trench coat hung up on the wall, a dark reminder of last issue's shocking death. Alfred and Harley smash their way into the room but Bruce isn't there.

The scene then shifts to an apparently mutant-free Waylon (Croc). He's asking Eddie for updates on Harvey and Oz and this is where things feel too crammed. We are hardly given any info on them before the story rushes back to Batman gliding through the dark Gotham sky. I wanted more time spent with Bruce's buddies but we don't get it.

Batman is on his way to breaking into Blackgate prison to have a serious word with Joe Chill. Batman demands Chill tell him about the supposed conspiracy that created the Dark Knight, the one he's been reading about in the files, but Chill is playing dumb. You get the feeling he really doesn't know. But then a lighter sparks to life in the same cell and we see the Scarecrow is in there with Chill. Has he been there all along? Or has he somehow manifested himself inside? Either way it makes for a cool and creepy reveal.

Batman is furious and blames Scarecrow for Gordon's death. Scarecrow then reveals that it was all because of Bruce's mother and her role in the Court of Owls. Batman tries to grab him through the bars of the cell but Scarecrow stabs Batman in the arm. The villain goads Batman about the files he's been reading and tells him he's got it all wrong. Bruce wasn't some special project, he was created as a joke between Grimm and Crane, "after all what's the natural prey of an owl, Bruce? That's right, a bat!" It's hard to tell if Crane is just messing with Bruce's mind, or if it's true. Were Joker and Scarecrow setting up Bruce to become the future prey of his mother Martha? Confused? I am...

Just before Scarecrow makes his mysterious exit from the cell, he convinces Joe Chill to hang himself with his bed sheets. Batman tries to save Chill but he can't. He then gets spotted by a guard and flees the prison. Guess who's waiting for him outside in a giant mech suit? That's right, one of the Robins. I think it's Dick but I'm not 100% sure. Batman tries to make a sharp exit but gets shot down by another Robin. This time it's a rather crazed-looking Jason. We briefly see Tim, Duke and Steph as all five of them close in on Batman who is now grounded. The issue ends with this huge cliffhanger and a promise of the confrontation to come.

Final Thoughts

Absolute Batman #20 is another big & bombastic issue with almost too much happening to fully take in. Why have one Robin when you can have FIVE?! There are some big story moments involving Scarecrow that can't be missed and it ends on a hugely compelling cliffhanger. The art and colors continue to shine and complement the dark tone of the book. This continues to be one of DC's most entertaining series and offers true value for money by rewarding a second (or third) read.

9/10

Thanks for reading!