In this review of Absolute Batman #21, the battle between Batman and the Robins is here, but a much more ominous threat awaits
Absolute Batman #21 main cover by Nick Dragotta (DC Comics)
ABSOLUTE BATMAN #21
Written by SCOTT SNYDER
Art and Main Cover: NICK DRAGOTTA
Variant Covers: DAVID NAKAYAMA, NICK DRAGOTTA, DOUG MAHNKE, CHRIS BRUNNER
Page Count: 32 pages
Release Date: 6/17/26
When is the payoff of last issue’s setup not the highlight of the very next issue?
When you’re Absolute Batman #21.
Batman faces off against the Robins, who are led by Slade Wilson/Deathstroke but that’s not the only battle Batman is facing. Alfred and Harley are also along for the ride and as they try to help Bruce despite his insistence he doesn’t need any. It’s during this that Alfred points out something else is going on with Batman and he’s becoming increasingly concerned.
The fight does come to an end and we learn the Robins aren’t quite who we thought they were, but that’s not the biggest moment or highlight of this issue. As has been the case throughout this series’ run, the real surprise and treat comes at the end of the issue and will have you drooling over what’s likely to come in issue #22.
Analysis
This is by no means the first time Batman and Robin(s) have fought, but it’s never been quite like this. Batman is facing several of them at once, including Dick Grayson and Jason Todd. Stephanie Brown is also there and it’s wonderfully fresh and unique take on the characters while also being true to who they really are. It’s a theme you’ve likely noticed throughout this series. I’m normally not a fan of Batman facing off against mechs but in this case it actually works so a tip of the hat to Scott Snyder here.
For those concerned they’d gotten too far away from the heart of who these Robins are, have no fear. As the damage from the battle piles up, we get to see them be their traditional selves. Dick gets to be a hero and Jason acts petulant.
Meanwhile, Alfred and Harley try to help Bruce in battle but Batman is all but ignoring them. Alfred notices something different in Bruce, and this is likely the first seed of what’s likely to come in the next issue and you should keep that in mind when you reach the end of #21. There appears to be something darker emerging in Bruce, causing him to be even more isolated if that’s even possible.
They do eventually reach him, and Harley gives a wonderful analogy about Bats that relates to where Bruce’s current mindset is and that they won’t forget him. It’s a pretty touching moment that leads to another in a flashback with a still living then-Commissioner Gordon, reminding Bruce about his compassion and why he needs it.
Bruce’s friends (Eddie, Ozzie, Harvey, Waylon) are also concerned about him but all of them having undergone their own transformation, some cracks are beginning to show. Ozzie is becoming more consumed by “the Penguin” and Harvey is more conflicted than ever. It’s only Waylon who’s really advocating to help Bruce. A set up for a future gang war, perhaps?
That is only a mere appetizer for the big surprise at the end of the issue, however. I won’t spoil it, but a long-awaited meeting between Bruce and someone else finally happens…while Bruce is standing at the edge of a beam on top of a very high building.
Draw your own analogy as to what’s happening there, but he’s pulled back by the man he meets before transforming into….you’ll know. But him mentioning who gets to choose when to end Batman certainly implies what Bruce was likely attempting to do at the top of that building.
Final Thoughts
This issue had it all: a long, hard fought battle, a deep dive into Bruce’s psyche, and a cliffhanger that had me almost yell out “FINALLY!” when it happened.
I’m not sure they’ll be the actual two facing off, as we see hints someone else will be escaping Ark M to face off against Batman once again.
